Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, and Connor Bedard, forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, joined forces to promote Canada’s first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team, the Toronto Tempo. On Friday, they appeared in a video shared by CIBC on Instagram, alongside other Canadian athletes, expressing their enthusiasm for the new franchise set to begin play in 2026. This campaign highlights the growing excitement around the expansion of professional women’s basketball into Canada, with McDavid emphasizing the team’s significance.
“We’re proud to welcome Canada’s first WNBA team, Toronto Tempo, to Team CIBC.” —Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers captain
Bedard, who recently completed his second NHL season, engaged with the basketball in the video by catching a pass from McDavid and then passing it forward, symbolizing support and teamwork.
“We can’t wait to cheer you on when you take the court in 2026.” —Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks forward
About the Toronto Tempo and Their Groundbreaking Role
The Toronto Tempo will be the fourteenth team in the WNBA and holds the distinction of being the first team based outside the United States. Home games will be hosted at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, located in Toronto. The franchise aims to build on Canada’s growing presence in women’s sports by providing a high-profile professional platform. Olympic skier Marielle Thompson also expressed her excitement, highlighting the team’s potential to inspire aspiring athletes across the country.
“We are so excited to cheer you on and watch you inspire the next generation to chase their ambitions,” —Marielle Thompson, Olympic skier
Additionally, Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair praised the initiative as a step toward expanding opportunities for female athletes and breaking down barriers within sports.
“I can’t wait to see the barrirs we break and the opportunities we create for female athletes together. When everyone sees themselves in the game, the tempo changes.” —Christine Sinclair, soccer player
Key Leadership and Ownership Behind the Tempo
The WNBA officially announced the Toronto Tempo on May 23, 2024, marking a major milestone for Canadian basketball. The team is owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum, who also holds stakes in the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors. Tanenbaum invested $50 million to secure the franchise, which was overwhelmingly approved by the league with only the New York Knicks opposing the vote.
Monica Wright Rogers was appointed general manager in February 2025. She is responsible for guiding the Tempo through their foundational phase as they prepare for their first season. To bolster the team’s front office expertise, Eli Horowitz was added as assistant general manager and senior vice-president of basketball strategy. Horowitz brings seven years of experience from the Los Angeles Sparks, specializing in scouting, analytics, and salary cap management.
In March 2025, tennis champion Serena Williams joined as a joint-owner, adding star power and a commitment to advancing women’s sports to the franchise.
Building Momentum Ahead of the 2026 Season
The Toronto Tempo’s launch signals a crucial expansion of the WNBA’s reach and Canadian representation in professional women’s basketball. With dedicated leadership and support from prominent figures like McDavid and Bedard, the team aims to cultivate a competitive and well-managed organization. Their presence is expected to inspire young athletes nationwide, encourage more female participation in sports, and elevate the profile of women’s basketball on the international stage. The anticipation builds as Toronto prepares to welcome its first WNBA season in 2026.