Kia Nurse Signs with Toronto Tempo, Bringing Canadian Talent to the WNBA
The Toronto Tempo are making waves even before their first season tips off! According to WNBA reporter Chelsea Leite, Canadian basketball star Kia Nurse will be joining the expansion franchise. This marks a significant moment for the Tempo and a thrilling return to the WNBA for Nurse, bringing a wealth of experience and national pride to the team.
Kia Nurse’s Impressive Career
The 30-year-old Nurse spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Sky, where she averaged 7.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 44 games, maintaining a 35.4% field goal percentage. While this will be her sixth team in six seasons, Nurse’s talent and dedication remain undeniable.
Throughout her WNBA career, Nurse has consistently demonstrated her skills, averaging 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 245 career games with the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, and the Sky. Her versatility and competitive spirit make her a valuable asset to any team.
A Look Back at Nurse’s Achievements
Nurse earned a well-deserved All-Star appearance in 2019 while playing for the New York Liberty, a testament to her rising star power. Drafted 10th overall by the Liberty in the 2018 WNBA Draft, she built her foundation on a stellar collegiate career with the University of Connecticut Huskies, where she secured two national titles during her four years.
International Success and Beyond
Kia Nurse isn’t just a WNBA standout; she’s a proud representative of Canada on the international stage. She has consistently represented Canada’s women’s basketball team, participating in the Summer Olympics in 2016, 2020, and 2024. Beyond the court, Nurse also shares her basketball expertise as an analyst for TSN.
Toronto Tempo’s Expanding Roster
The Tempo are actively building a competitive roster for their 2026 debut. Following Monday night’s WNBA Draft, the team added promising young talent. With the sixth overall pick, they selected UCLA guard Kiki Rice. They continued to bolster their lineup with Kentucky forward Teonni Key and Australian forward Saffron Shiels in the second round, and Davidson forward Charlise Dunn in the third.
These additions complement the players acquired during the Expansion Draft, including guard Julie Allemand (formerly of the Sparks), and recent signings of guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes. The Toronto Tempo are quickly establishing themselves as a team to watch in the WNBA.
You can find more information about the WNBA and its players on the official WNBA website.
