Canada’s First WNBA Team Named Toronto Tempo
Toronto Tempo: Canada’s First WNBA Team Sets the Pace
Toronto, ON (December 5, 2024) – Get ready to feel the rhythm. Canada’s first WNBA team has officially unveiled its name: the Toronto Tempo. This dynamic brand, born from the pulse of the city and the energy of the game, promises to set a new standard for women’s basketball in North America.”Tempo is pace. It’s speed. It’s a heartbeat,” said Teresa resch, President of the Toronto Tempo. “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.”
The name, chosen after an extensive public engagement program called “Name Your Team,” reflects the team’s commitment to both its Canadian roots and the electrifying spirit of basketball. Over 10,000 fans submitted ideas and inspiration, shaping a brand that resonates with the nation.
“As Canada’s WNBA team, I know the Tempo will set our own pace, move at a championship cadence, and inspire people across this country,” Resch added.
The Tempo logo, a visual portrayal of the team’s values, features a forward-leaning motion symbolizing progress, while its sharp angles and round curves capture the dynamic nature of the game. Six lines represent the five players on the court and the sixth player: the passionate fans.
Designed to be inclusive,the name “Tempo” works seamlessly in both French and English,uniting fans across Canada.
“Tempo reflects what fans can expect from this team – including,of course,the in-game experience at the arena,” continued Resch. “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.”
Fans eager to show their support can sign up at https://tempo.wnba.com/ to receive updates on tickets, contests, news, and merchandise availability.
The Toronto Tempo will tip off its inaugural season at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2026, bringing a new era of excitement to Canadian basketball.
About Toronto Tempo
In May 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced its historic expansion into Canada, awarding Toronto an expansion team – the league’s first outside the United States. Owned and operated by Kilmer Sports Ventures, the new team will begin play in the 2026 season as the WNBA’s 14th franchise.
Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures and a 30-year veteran of building championship-caliber teams, is also Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors and chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, MLS’ Toronto FC and other professional sports franchises. Under his leadership, the Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019.
NewsDirect3.com Exclusive Interview: Unpacking the Toronto Tempo
NewsDirect3.com: Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo, congratulations on the launch of Canada’s first WNBA team! The name “Tempo” is dynamic and certainly captures the energy of the city. Can you tell our readers what inspired this choice?
Teresa Resch: Thank you! “Tempo” embodies the spirit of Toronto and the WNBA. Its about pace,speed, and the heartbeat of the city. It’s the energy you feel when you’re here and the passion we want to bring to the court.
NewsDirect3.com: The logo is equally striking, with its forward-leaning motion symbolizing progress. Tell us more about the visual identity of the Tempo.
Teresa Resch: We designed the logo with intention. The sharp angles and curves reflect the dynamism of basketball, while the six lines represent the five players on the court and our sixth player: the passionate fans.
NewsDirect3.com: It’s splendid that the name resonates in both English and French, making it truly inclusive for the entire country.
Teresa Resch: Absolutely. we wanted a name that united Canadians from coast to coast. “Tempo” works beautifully in both languages, reflecting our commitment to being Canada’s team.
NewsDirect3.com: The name “Tempo” also seems to promise an exciting gameday experience.
Teresa Resch: Exactly!
the in-arena atmosphere will be electric – think the sounds of the court, the energy of the music, the passion of the fans, and the intensity of the players. We want to create an experience that’s captivating and unforgettable.
NewsDirect3.com: Toronto is already a basketball city, thanks to the Raptors’ success.How do you see the tempo contributing to the city’s basketball legacy?
Teresa Resch: We’re thrilled to build on Toronto’s basketball excitement.We want to create a platform for incredible athletes, inspire young girls, and grow the game of women’s basketball across the country.