Tempo vs Storm: A Battle for Pride and Future Glory
The inaugural season of Canada’s first WNBA franchise, the Toronto Tempo, has been a rollercoaster of emotion, resilience, and hard-fought lessons. As the season winds down, the Tempo are heading to Seattle for a high-stakes matchup: Tempo vs Storm. While the playoff race is out of reach, this game is about more than just a win—it’s about momentum and establishing a legacy.
How to Watch: Catch the action LIVE on TSN1/4, or stream it via TSN.ca and the TSN App. Coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
A Season of Adversity and Resilience
Entering the game with an 11-26 record, the Toronto Tempo have faced an uphill battle. After a promising start where they held a respectable 9-9 record through the first eight weeks, the team hit a rough patch, winning only two of their last 19 contests. However, the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
The Tempo’s struggles can be largely attributed to a devastating string of injuries. Key starters and rotation players, including Kiki Rice, Brittney Sykes, Nyara Sabally, Temi Fagbenle, and Isabelle Harrison, have all missed significant time. Despite the setbacks, the team’s spirit remains unbroken.
“We may be down, but we’re not out. We are not out, and we keep fighting no matter what’s going on,” says Isabelle Harrison.
Finding the Spark: Breaking the Streak
There is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The Tempo recently snapped a grueling 12-game losing streak with a thrilling 82-79 victory over the Portland Fire. This win, played in front of an electric crowd of 12,000 fans at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, proved that the team’s chemistry is returning.
Head Coach Sandy Brondello noted the progress, emphasizing a shift toward a more aggressive game plan that the players have fully embraced. Now, the goal is clear: complete the season sweep against the Seattle Storm, having already won their first two matchups in May.
Looking Ahead: The Golden Ticket to the 2027 Draft
While the current standings may be disappointing, the Toronto Tempo hold a strategic advantage that should excite every fan. Due to their unique entry into the league, the WNBA has confirmed that Toronto’s 2026 record will be the sole factor in their draft lottery odds.
- n
- Current Standing: Toronto holds the second-best odds for the No. 1 overall pick.
- The Prize: The chance to secure a generational talent like Juju Watkins from USC.
- The Strategy: Building a powerhouse foundation for the years to come.
Whether the Tempo walk away with a win in Seattle or not, the foundation is being laid for a bright future in Canadian women’s basketball. Be sure to follow the latest updates on TSN to keep up with the Tempo’s journey.
