+34
The Toronto WNBA team, the Tempo, concluded its first season with 11 wins and 33 losses, struggling with injuries but buoyed by local fan support. Coach Sandy Brondello, player perspectives and the team's future plans in free agency and the 2027 draft are discussed.
TORONTO - The Toronto WNBA franchise, the Toronto Tempo, wrapped up its inaugural season with a record of 11 wins and 33 losses, a performance that was heavily impacted by injuries and a flurry of player absences.
Injuries Disrupted Toronto Tempo Season
The club's 2026 campaign saw several key contributors miss large portions of the year, including fresh-offered guard Brittney Sykes, who was out after sustaining a left‑foot injury on the day that the Tempo began promisingly with a 7‑5 start. Other players such as Satou Sabally, first‑round pick Kiki Rice, Marie Conde, point guard Julie Allemand and forward‑center Marina Mabrey all endured time away from the court, with injuries ranging from soft‑tissue work‑ups and ankle sprains to back pain and hip and neck issues.
The roster struggled to field its best lineup most weeks, culminating in an eight‑game losing streak to close out the season. The team's leadership found both frustration and resilience as they reflected on the year. Head coach Sandy Brondello, making the transition to Montreal‑ based play in the WNBA for the first time, stressed the importance of the experience as an opportunity for growth.
"We are fortunate to have been part of this first season, this first team for Canada," said Toronto point guard Julie Allemand. "It's a special thing, and that's the thing that I want to keep in mind. " Brondello acknowledged that the lack of competitive depth placed the Tempo at a disadvantage, "Unfortunately, it's hard to win when your best players are not playing in this league," she said.
Toronto Fans Show Lasting Support
However, she remained upbeat, describing the season as a learning experience and urging the organization to stay focused on improvement. From a broader perspective, the team's story has captured the attention of fans across the city. Despite a disappointing record and a league‑worst average of 94.4 points allowed per game, several players and staff members highlighted the supportive nature of the Canadian market.
Defensive-minded centre Isabelle Harrison praised the diversity and love of the city, while forward‑center Marina Mabrey drew attention to the fans' imagination and willingness to connect, citing her iconic 53‑point performance against the Los Angeles Sparks as a moment that brightened the community's sense of belonging. The roster will look to free‑agency talent and the upcoming 2027 draft, with general manager Monica Wright Rogers and coach Brondello signaling an emphasis on defensive improvements.
The franchise's first season also showcased the combined reach of the franchise's venues. The Toronto Tempo played home games at the 8,200‑seat Coca‑Cola Coliseum on the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, with two additional games at the 19,800‑seat Scotiabank Arena, the home of the NBA's Toronto Raptors. The team also played two games remote in Montreal and two in Vancouver to draw national attention.
Venues And Roster Plans Shape Future
Coach Brondello and the front‑office are now working to draw local and national interest in free‑agency and the 2027 draft. The deal will look to transform the NBA, which slashed university under‑36 athletes talent for Africa Canada intenses. The strategy is built on grassroots knowledge and love of the fans.
The team's pace of play and production was a major concern, but the Tempo executives are confident that a strategic focus on defensive assignments and the addition of defensive‑focused free agents, coupled with a cohesive marketing pitch targeting True the city's values, will bring him. The passion for local support and fan engagement remains strong, as the organization continues to target the next cohort of players, including American athletes and Canadian prospects in the WNBA draft.
In the end, the Toronto Tempo's first season is a story of how the city has embraced a new professional women's basketball team, how the players and staff have produced resilience under adversity, and how the franchise is poised to continue making inroads in Canadian basketball culture with intentions to acquire an elite roster for a brighter tomorrow.
Toronto Tempo Sandy Brondello WNBA Injuries Free Agency
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
PWHL announces first All-Star Game in Toronto on March 7, 2027The Professional Women's Hockey League will hold its first All-Star Game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on March 7, 2027, featuring a four-team 3-on-3 tournament with teams for Canada, the United States, International and Rookies.
Read more »
PWHL to hold first-ever All-Star event in Toronto in 2027The Professional Women's Hockey League will hold its first-ever All-Star tournament in Toronto on March 7, 2027, featuring four teams in a 3-on-3 tournament.
Read more »
Sun down the Tempo in franchise’s final game in Connecticut before moving to HoustonTempo end their inaugural WNBA season with an 11-33 record
Read more »
Federal Reserve Plans to Raise Bank Oversight Thresholds to Reflect Economic GrowthThe U.S. Federal Reserve is developing a plan to adjust asset thresholds for stricter bank regulation to account for inflation and economic growth, potentially allowing mid-sized banks to avoid costly compliance measures and encouraging industry consolidation.
Read more »