Canada’s newest professional basketball team has officially unveiled its identity: the Toronto Tempo.
The name and logo were revealed on Thursday,just days after a leak on the WNBA’s website sparked speculation. The Tempo, set to debut in the 2026 season, pays homage to the “rhythm of our city, our country, and the game of basketball,” according to the team’s press release.
“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,” said Teresa Resch, team president. ”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 told the Canadian Press that the team’s primary colors, light blue and red, were chosen to reflect Canada’s familiar color palette.
The team engaged fans in a “name your team” program, receiving over 10,000 suggestions. The final brand identity was informed by these suggestions and feedback from a community council.
- The name “Tempo” works seamlessly in both French and English.
- “Tempo reflects their desired values, with the logo’s forward-leaning motion representing “the team’s desire for progress.”
- The logo’s sharp angles and curves symbolize “the dynamic nature of the team and the game.”
- The six lines of the logo represent “the five players on the court,and the sixth player in the game: the fans.”
The name initially surfaced online on Tuesday night when fans spotted “Toronto Tempo” in a dropdown menu on the WNBA website. Screenshots quickly spread,fueling speculation about the team’s eventual moniker.
While the team would have liked to have merchandise ready for the launch, Resch expressed excitement about sharing the name, logo, and colors. The availability of merchandise remains unannounced.
The WNBA awarded Toronto a franchise last May, marking the league’s first expansion outside the United States. The league has held exhibition games in Canada for the past two seasons,including one in Toronto in 2023. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert hailed the exhibition as a “seminal moment” in the league’s global expansion efforts.
The heartbeat of competition is Tempo— the unseen force that shapes the game.
Introducing your Toronto Tempo, the WNBA’s first international expansion team.
The Toronto Tempo is poised to make history as the WNBA’s first international team,bringing a new level of excitement to Canadian basketball fans.
Toronto is set to welcome a new professional women’s basketball team, the Toronto Tempo, in May 2026. The franchise, spearheaded by Toronto billionaire Larry Tanenbaum’s kilmer Sports Venture, will initially call the 8,000-seat Coca-Cola coliseum home.
While the Tempo will eventually boast its own practice facility, the team will train at the University of Toronto’s Goldring Center for High Performance Sport until then. “We are thrilled to bring professional women’s basketball to toronto,” said Tanenbaum in a statement. “The Tempo will be a source of pride for our city and a platform to showcase the unbelievable talent of female athletes.”
The Tempo’s arrival adds to Toronto’s growing roster of professional women’s sports franchises. The city is already home to the Toronto Sceptres, a professional women’s hockey team, and is slated to welcome a Division I pro soccer franchise in 2025 as part of the new Canadian league, Project 8.Toronto has long been a basketball city,hosting the NBA’s Raptors since 1995,the league’s only Canadian team.
The WNBA is expanding rapidly,with the Tempo marking its 13th franchise. A 15th franchise, based in Portland but yet to be named, is also on the horizon. The league aims to add a 16th team by 2028, with numerous cities expressing interest.
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s 12th franchise, will participate in an expansion draft on Friday.
(Photo: Courtesy Toronto Tempo)
Toronto Tempo 🏀 pic.twitter.com/eCNT4AYkuG
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) December 5, 2024
## World Today News: Exclusive Interview – Teresa Resch on the Birth of the Toronto tempo
**By: [Your Name], Senior Editor**
Toronto is buzzing with excitement as the city prepares to welcome its newest professional sports team – the Toronto Tempo. We sat down with Teresa Resch, the team president, to discuss the unveiling of the team’s identity and what it means for basketball fans across Canada.
**WTO:** Teresa, congratulations on the official reveal of the Toronto Tempo. What was the inspiration behind choosing this name?
**Resch:** thank you! We wanted a name that resonated with the city, the country, and the game itself. “Tempo” perfectly captures that. It represents the rhythm of our city, the energy of Canada, and the fast-paced nature of basketball.
**WTO:** The logo is quite striking. What design elements went into its creation?
**Resch:** We wanted a logo that was bold, dynamic, and reflected the team’s values. The forward-leaning motion symbolizes our drive for progress, while the sharp angles and curves embody the energy and dynamism of the game.
The six lines of the logo are notably meaningful. They represent the five players on the court and the sixth player, our amazing fans.
**WTO:** The color palette is undeniably Canadian. What was the thinking behind choosing light blue and red?
**Resch:** We wanted colours that felt familiar and welcoming,something that resonated with Canadians from coast to coast. Light blue and red are truly iconic colours for our country, and they represent the spirit and vibrancy of Canada.
**WTO:**
You mentioned involving the community in the naming process. How crucial was fan input in shaping the team’s identity?
**Resch:** Fan engagement was crucial to us. We received over 10,000 suggestions through our “name your team” program and formed a community council to provide feedback throughout the process. Their input was invaluable in shaping the final brand identity, ensuring that the Toronto Tempo truly represents the city and its people.
**WTO:**
The name “Tempo” leaked online earlier this week. Was that a surprise, and did it impact the team’s rollout plans?
**resch:**
It definitely made for an exciting few days! While we had hoped to unveil everything according to our timeline, the leak generated a lot of buzz and anticipation, which was ultimately positive.
We’re thrilled that everyone is excited about the Toronto Tempo, and are looking forward to sharing more details about merchandise Availability soon.
**WTO:** with the official launch behind you, what are your hopes for the toronto Tempo?
**Resch:** We want to build something truly special in Toronto. Our goal is to create a championship-caliber team that inspires fans across Canada, while fostering a strong sense of community both on and off the court.
**WTO:**
Thank you so much for your time, Teresa. We wish the Toronto Tempo all the best in their inaugural season.
**Resch:**
Thank you! We are confident that the Tempo will be a force to be reckoned with, both on the court and in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.
***
The Toronto tempo is poised to make a important impact on the WNBA and Canadian sports landscape. With a strong identity, a dedicated fanbase, and a passionate leader in Teresa Resch, the future looks luminous for the newest team in town.
