For years, the conversation surrounding professional women’s basketball in Canada has been one of potential and longing. On Friday, that conversation shifted from “when” to “who” as the Toronto Tempo officially began building their roster, ensuring the city’s entry into the WNBA starts with a veteran presence in the backcourt.
In a move designed to establish immediate stability, the Toronto Tempo select Julie Allemand with their first pick in the WNBA expansion draft. Taken second overall from the Los Angeles Sparks, Allemand becomes the first player officially assigned to the franchise, marking a historic milestone for Canada’s first WNBA team.
The draft’s opening moments were defined by a strategic trade-off between the two newest league members. Whereas Toronto held the advantage of a coin toss, the team opted to secure the sixth overall pick in the upcoming college draft. This decision shifted the first overall expansion pick to the Portland Fire, who used the selection to acquire Canadian standout Bridget Carleton.
Building a Global Foundation
General manager Monica Wright Rogers did not approach the expansion draft as a mere exercise in filling slots. Instead, the Tempo utilized 11 of their 12 available choices to curate a roster with a distinct international flavor and a proven winning pedigree.
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The first-round selections focused on a blend of scoring versatility and championship experience. Joining Allemand in the inaugural group are Nyara Sabally from the New York Liberty, Marina Mabrey from the Connecticut Sun, Aaliyah Nye from the Las Vegas Aces, Lexi Held from the Phoenix Mercury, and Maria Conde from the Golden State Valkyries. Notably, the additions of Sabally and Nye bring two former league champions to a locker room that will otherwise be entirely new.
The second round saw Toronto continue its pursuit of global talent, selecting Maria Kliundikova (Minnesota Lynx), Adja Kane (Liberty), Nikolina Milic (Sun), Kitija Laksa (Mercury), and Kristy Wallace (Indiana Fever). The resulting 11-player core represents eight different nations, including Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Russia, France, and Latvia, alongside the United States.
| Player | Former Team | Draft Round |
|---|---|---|
| Julie Allemand | Los Angeles Sparks | 1st (2nd Overall) |
| Nyara Sabally | New York Liberty | 1st |
| Marina Mabrey | Connecticut Sun | 1st |
| Aaliyah Nye | Las Vegas Aces | 1st |
| Lexi Held | Phoenix Mercury | 1st |
| Maria Conde | Golden State Valkyries | 1st |
The Strategy of Versatility
The construction of the roster reflects a philosophy of “competitive flexibility,” a term Wright Rogers used to describe the team’s long-term trajectory. The goal was to avoid the typical expansion team trap of relying solely on young prospects or aging veterans.
“Today is an important step in building the foundation of the Toronto Tempo,” general manager Monica Wright Rogers said in a statement. “Our goal was to construct a roster that reflects the style of play and culture we want to establish — one that balances competitiveness with long-term flexibility, and features players who bring versatility, toughness and winning experience. This group gives us the ability to compete from Day 1 while continuing to build, and embraces the opportunity to help shape something new in a new country as Canada’s first WNBA team.”
This strategic approach extended beyond the draft board. Earlier in the week, Toronto engaged in a calculated agreement with the Chicago Sky. In exchange for a pledge that the Tempo would not select any players from the Sky’s roster during the expansion draft, Toronto acquired the 26th pick in the WNBA college draft.
The Path to Opening Night
While the expansion draft provides the skeleton of the team, the Tempo still have significant building to do before their first official tip-off. The focus now shifts to the college draft on April 13, where Toronto will look to add elite youth to complement the veteran leadership of players like Allemand.
The urgency of the timeline is clear. The franchise has only a few weeks to integrate players from across the globe into a cohesive unit before they take the court for the first time in front of a home crowd. The inaugural season begins on May 8, when the Tempo will host the Washington Mystics in a game that represents more than just a season opener—it is the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Toronto.
With a roster that spans continents and experience levels, the Tempo have positioned themselves not just to participate in the league, but to establish a cultural identity that mirrors the diversity of the city they represent.
The next major milestone for the franchise will be the college draft on April 13, which will further define the team’s core before training camp begins.
Do you think the Tempo’s international strategy will pay off in their first season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
