Toronto 
Toronto Tempo has been revealed as the name for Canada’s inaugural WNBA franchise, set to begin play in 2026 at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Credit: CNW Group/WNBA Toronto
The team’s identity draws from the rhythm of basketball and the vibrant energy of Toronto, emphasizing pace, control, and connection, according to Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo.
The name emerged from the “Name Your Team” initiative, a public engagement program that received input from over 10,000 participants across Canada and beyond. According to the news release, feedback from a community council also contributed to the selection, ensuring the brand resonates nationally.
The Tempo logo incorporates six lines symbolizing the five players on the court and the fans as the “sixth player.” Its sharp angles and curves reflect the dynamic nature of basketball and the team’s forward momentum. Resch described the name as encapsulating the energy of the game, the crowd, and the city.
The team is owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum, a key figure in Canadian professional sports. Tanenbaum, who also chairs the NBA Board of Governors and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, previously guided the Toronto Raptors to their 2019 NBA Championship.
Fans can expect branded merchandise to be available soon, and the team encourages sign-ups online for updates on tickets, contests, and news. The Tempo will be the 14th WNBA franchise and the league’s first outside the United States.
