The Toronto Tempo's journey to their first-ever WNBA season is a thrilling tale of rapid growth and adaptation. In just 35 days, they've gone from zero to hero, assembling a competitive team to represent Canada in the league. This is a story of ambition, challenges, and the power of a passionate fan base.
The Tempo's story begins with Monica Wright Rogers, the first-ever general manager, who took on the monumental task of building a team from scratch. With a $50 million entry fee and the backing of billionaire Larry Tanenbaum, the Tempo embarked on a mission to create a marketable and competitive franchise. The pressure was on, with a regular-season game just 35 days away.
The team's initial challenge was to acquire players. The expansion draft and college draft were crucial, and the Tempo's strategy was to pick second in both drafts to secure valuable talent. However, the draft didn't go as planned, with veteran wing Bridget Carleton being taken by Portland, a setback for the Tempo's initial plans.
Despite this, the Tempo's front office scouted players in Europe, resulting in notable hits like Julie Allemand, Maria Conde, Kitija Laksa, and Nikolina Milić. The team also secured UCLA point guard Kiki Rice, a key addition to their vision. The final piece of the puzzle was assembling the roster with free-agent signings, and the Tempo finally had players.
The next challenge was integrating these players into a foreign country. The team had to navigate visa and work permit processes, a complex task made easier by the presence of Kia Nurse, a Canadian native who helped her new teammates adjust to life in Canada. However, the players had to adapt to Canadian customs, like finding the equivalent of CVS (Shoppers Drug Mart) and understanding the differences between TSN and ESPN.
Head coach Sandy Brondello, a veteran of 271 WNBA games, focused on team chemistry and player development. She emphasized the importance of connecting off-court relationships to on-court success, using drills and daily learning about teammates to build cohesion. The Tempo's training camp was a whirlwind of activity, with players bonding and learning about each other.
The team's hard work paid off, as they sold out their exhibition game against the Connecticut Sun and expected a full house for their regular-season home opener. The Tempo's success has attracted attention and interest, with brand partnerships and fan engagement growing. The team's unique position as the only Canadian franchise in the WNBA has generated a passionate fan base, with players being recognized in public and receiving support.
The Tempo's 35-day dash to functionality is a testament to their determination and the power of a dedicated fan base. As they embark on their first season, the team is poised to make a lasting impact on the WNBA, leaving a mark on the league and inspiring future generations of Canadian athletes.
