Canada is FINALLY getting its first WNBA team, following the league’s decision earlier this year to expand beyond the United States.
Introducing: the Toronto Tempo.
Marking a historic moment for women’s basketball in Canada, the name was chosen from over 10,000 submissions in an unprecedented engagement program, aptly called “Name Your Team”.
Calling for inspiration from both across Canada and around the world, the brand “was informed by both the inputs of those contributions and feedback and insights from a community council”, notes the press release.
It also was intentionally designed to work in both French and English, which is more inclusive for fans nationwide.
Teresa Resch, President of the team, says “Tempo is pace. It’s speed. It’s a heartbeat. And it’s what you feel when you step into the streets of this city, and in the energy of the people who call Canada home.”
Likewise, the logo was designed with the city’s community spirit in mind. Featuring a basketball with a bold ‘T’ at its centre, six sharp lines radiate from the ball which represents the five players on the court, with fans as the “sixth player”.
The lines also represent Toronto’s six boroughs – which is fitting for a city coined by Drake as The Six!
“Tempo reflects what fans can expect from this team – including, of course, the in-game experience at the arena,” Resch stated.
“The sounds of the court. The beat of the music. The passion of the fans around you and the intensity of the players on the floor. Capturing all that energy, excitement and feeling was crucial as we chose the name for Canada’s WNBA team.”
Owned and operated by Kilmer Sports Ventures, Toronto Tempo will begin play during the 2026 season and brings the WNBA’s total number of teams to 14.
Given the fact that basketball was invented by Canadian James Naismith, it’s about time we had our own WNBA team!
What do you think about the new name and logo?