Toronto’s new WNBA crew formally has a reputation: the Toronto Tempo.
Toronto — one in all two enlargement groups that may be a part of the league in 2026 — underwent a public engagement program that engaged greater than 10,000 individuals in an open call-for-inspiration from throughout Canada and all over the world.
Tempo, which suggests the identical factor in each English and French, was the top outcome.
“Tempo is tempo. It’s pace. It’s a heartbeat. And it’s what you’re feeling whenever you step into the streets of this metropolis, and within the vitality of the individuals who name Canada house,” mentioned Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo. “As Canada’s WNBA crew, I do know the Tempo will set our personal tempo, transfer at a championship cadence, and encourage individuals throughout this nation.”
“It’s actually the primary crew title to speak in regards to the sport itself,” Resch instructed the Canadian Press. “Tempo will not be about going quick or gradual, it’s about management. And really, as Canadians, we’re not taking part in your sport, we’re defining ours by that management.”
How a leak accelerated the Tempo’s roll-out course of
Whereas the title was formally introduced on Thursday morning, it had been circulating the web for a few days. It first leaked on Tuesday evening, when WNBA followers observed the “Toronto Tempo” was listed as a part of a dropdown menu on the WNBA’s web site that featured 14 groups. Screenshots of the menu circulated social media, and hypothesis was additional fueled when the title was pulled inside a couple of minutes.
Whereas some speculated that “Tempo” stood for “Momentary” — and never the franchise’s precise crew title — Thursday’s announcement confirmed in any other case.
The leak put an plain dent within the franchise’s roll-out plans.
“Effectively, nothing ever goes as deliberate,” Resch instructed the Canadian Press. “However yeah, we might have beloved to have our merchandise prepared and have the ability to roll that every one out without delay. However we’re nonetheless actually excited to share the title and brand and hues.”
Resch instructed the Canadian Press that the Tempo’s colours might be mild blue and purple: “a contemporary tackle a really acquainted Canadian color palate.”
Toronto was awarded a WNBA franchise in Could, making it the primary metropolis exterior of the U.S. to have a WNBA crew. The crew might be owned by Kilmer Sports activities Ventures, chaired by Larry Tanenbaum who owns a number of different Toronto skilled sports activities groups just like the NBA’s Raptors, the NHL’s Maple Leafs and the MLS’s Toronto FC. The Tempo will be a part of the league in Could of 2026 and play house video games on the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Portland would be the fifteenth WNBA crew, and can be set to hitch the league in 2026 — however its official brand and branding has but to be launched.
The league will definitely hope that the Portland franchise can launch its official branding and brand on their very own phrases slightly than prematurely as a result of an inadvertent like. Nonetheless, it seems that the Tempo have taken their roll-out hiccups in stride.
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