In the early hours of Wednesday, Teresa Resch, president of Toronto Tempo, was awakened by a phone call. Initially hesitant to check it, she suspected it might be regarding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Indeed, news of a deal in principle on the CBA was circulating among WNBA team presidents. Resch expressed her excitement upon learning about the agreement, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the Tempo, the first non-American franchise in the WNBA.
While Resch refrained from discussing specific CBA details, pending ratification by players and the league’s board of governors, she expressed confidence in the negotiation process. The CBA deal’s timely conclusion paves the way for the Tempo’s upcoming season, including their much-anticipated home opener against the Washington Mystics on May 8.
With the groundwork laid out, including the expansion of their internal team led by general manager Monica Wright Rogers and head coach Sandy Brondello, the Tempo are gearing up to recruit players through various avenues. These include the expansion draft, scheduled for April 1-6, followed by free agency starting on April 7 and the college draft on April 13.
Despite the fast-paced nature of preparations leading up to the season, Resch remains enthusiastic. She acknowledged the challenges faced since the team’s establishment in May 2024, highlighting the exhilarating yet unpredictable journey of launching a new sports franchise.
Amidst the uncertainties, the Tempo focused on establishing a strong foundation, with an emphasis on brand development and organizational values. Resch emphasized the significance of this period as a “silver lining,” allowing the team to align its identity and engage with potential partners to enhance their market presence.
As the Tempo strive to embody both Canadian pride and championship aspirations, the successful CBA agreement marks a significant milestone in their quest to assemble a competitive roster and fulfill their vision of becoming a championship team.