Tempo Makes History with Record-Setting Win Over Storm

The Toronto Tempo just etched their name into the WNBA history books. Canada's first professional women's basketball franchise delivered a commanding 93-72 victory over the Seattle Storm on Saturday, May 30, 2026, but it was their flawless performance from the free-throw line that truly made headlines, setting a new league record.

Playing at home in Toronto's Coca-Cola Coliseum, the Tempo overcame an early challenge from the visiting Storm. Seattle had battled back from an 11-point first-half deficit, even tying the score at 51 points late in the third quarter. However, the Tempo responded with an explosive 19-5 run to close out the period, establishing a commanding 70-56 lead that Seattle could not overcome.

During this decisive performance, the Toronto Tempo made their first 31 free throw attempts, a new WNBA record for consecutive makes. The streak was eventually broken by Teonni Key, who missed back-to-back foul shots with less than a minute remaining in the game. Overall, the Tempo finished an impressive 31 of 33 from the line, boasting a 94% success rate, a stark contrast to Seattle's seven makes on only eight attempts. Individually, Marina Mabrey led the Tempo with 18 points, including two crucial early three-pointers. Rookie Kiki Rice, the sixth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, delivered a standout game with 17 points, 13 of which came in the second half, alongside a season-high four steals. Brittney Sykes added 15 points against her former team, while fellow rookie Laura Juskaite set a career high with 14 points on four three-pointers. Maria Conde also contributed 13 points, marking her second straight game in double figures, with the three rookies (Rice, Juskaite, Conde) combining for 44 points. For the Storm, Natisha Hiedeman scored 18 points, and Jordan Horston notched a season-high 15 points. Seattle struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 7 of 27 three-point attempts, and played without Dominique Malonga, who missed her sixth consecutive game due to concussion protocol.

This record-setting win pushes the Tempo's nascent season record to 5-4, while the Storm fell to 3-6, extending their road losing streak. The Toronto Tempo's journey as Canada's first WNBA franchise represents a pivotal moment for women's professional basketball. The groundwork for expansion began with a sold-out WNBA preseason exhibition game in Toronto in May 2023, which fueled speculation about a potential Canadian team. Reports of negotiations between the WNBA and Kilmer Group for a Toronto-based franchise surfaced in May 2024, culminating in the official announcement of the team's creation on May 23, 2024.

Owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures and led by Toronto-based billionaire Larry Tanenbaum, the franchise paid an expansion fee of $50 million USD. The team's "Toronto Tempo" nickname, along with its logo and color scheme of Bordeaux, borealis blue, black, and white, was inadvertently revealed on the WNBA website in December 2024 before its official unveiling. Key leadership appointments include Teresa Resch as president, Monica Wright Rogers as general manager, and two-time WNBA champion Sandy Brondello as head coach. Patrick Lee serves as chief financial officer, Lisa Ferkul as chief revenue officer, and Whitney Bell as chief marketing officer.

The Tempo began assembling its roster with the expansion draft on April 3, 2026, selecting 11 players, with Julie Allemand as their first pick. The 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13, 2026, further strengthened the squad with picks like Kiki Rice (6th overall), Teonni Key (22nd), Saffron Shiels (26th), and Charlise Dunn (36th). The team also secured founding partnerships with Sephora in January 2025 and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in April 2025. Their inaugural season kicked off in May 2026, playing home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The home opener on May 9, 2026, against the Washington Mystics, was a sellout despite a narrow 68-65 loss. Their first franchise victory came on May 13, 2026, also against the Seattle Storm, with a final score of 86-73, where Marina Mabrey led with 26 points.

The team's role as "Canada's team" extends beyond Toronto, with two regular-season games scheduled for Rogers Arena in Vancouver and another two at Bell Centre in Montreal. This national reach is supported by a multiyear broadcast agreement with TSN, which Tempo team president Teresa Resch described as "the biggest broadcast deal the WNBA has ever had outside of the United States." Players like Isabelle Harrison and Aaliyah Nye have expressed enthusiasm for building the team's identity in a new country. Brittney Sykes has also praised rookie Kiki Rice's early impact, noting her poise and fearlessness, stating, "We can trust her."

The early success of the Toronto Tempo, highlighted by their record-setting free-throw performance and strong rookie contributions, underscores the growing momentum and excitement surrounding the WNBA's expansion into Canada. This move into a country with a rich history of women's basketball is seen as a crucial step for the league's international growth and visibility. Kiki Rice, for instance, has quickly adjusted to the professional level, consistently scoring in double digits after a scoreless debut, demonstrating the talent infusion the expansion has brought.

The team's ability to bounce back from deficits and secure decisive wins, especially at home, is quickly solidifying its presence and fostering a dedicated fanbase. This performance against a seasoned team like the Seattle Storm showcases not only the individual talent on the Tempo roster but also the cohesive team play being developed under coach Sandy Brondello. The focus on establishing a strong Canadian identity, supported by national broadcasts and games across the country, positions the Tempo as a significant cultural and sporting entity.

As the Tempo continues through its inaugural season, their ability to set records and compete at a high level signals a bright future for the franchise and for professional women's basketball in Canada. The team's blend of experienced players and impactful rookies is creating an exciting dynamic, setting the stage for more milestones to come and further cementing their place in the league.