Toronto Tempo’s latest announcements show WNBA franchise is on the right track

In April, the WNBA will include 13 teams, the newest being the Golden State Valkyries. But, by 2026, two additional teams are set to join: the Toronto Tempo, and a Portland team that has yet to be named.

At this point, neither of these expansion teams have coaches or rosters set. It’ll be a while before they do — the Valkyries’ expansion draft took place in December 2024, just a few months before training camp is set to begin.

But, the Tempo’s initial moves seem to signal the franchise is on the right path toward success, at least considering how early in the process things are.

So far, what we know is that the Tempo have named their first general manager, Monica Wright, and have a ownership group that includes Tennis legend Serena Williams. Both of these moves seem like initial wins, at least on paper.

Monica Wright is a former WNBA player with years of front office experience. Wright was selected by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2010 WNBA Draft, after a storied four-year career at Virginia. Injuries cut her WNBA career short, so she turned to coaching, becoming an assistant coach at Liberty University and then at the University of Virginia. Then, Wright was hired as an assistant general manager for the Phoenix Mercury, a role she held for two seasons.

Wright immediately becomes one of four WNBA general managers with prior experience playing in the league, the others being Morgan Tuck (Connecticut Sun), Raegan Pebley (Los Angeles Sparks), and Jamila Wideman (Washington Mystics).

Wright checks off multiple boxes as a general manager; she has extensive front office experience in the WNBA, and she understands the league from the perspective of a player. In a December interview with SB Nation, Tuck explained that she believes her experiences as a former WNBA player prepared her for the role. And, other current WNBA players have also expressed interest in one day serving as general managers, with Seattle Storm guard Lexie Brown serving as one example.

Last week, the Tempo announced that 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams is joining the Toronto Tempo ownership group — a group primarily led by Kilmer Sports Ventures, chaired by Larry Tanenbaum. Williams will help design jerseys and create merchandise collaborations with the team.

“This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes — I have always said that women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity,” Williams said. “I am excited to partner with Larry [Tanenbaum] and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”

It’s likely that Williams’ ownership stake is a small one, but the willingness of one of the greatest athletes of all time to join forces with the newest WNBA team is significant. Williams, who owns stakes in the Miami Dolphins, Angel City FC and Los Angeles Golf Club, had previously expressed interest in investing in a WNBA team, and now puts her money behind Canada’s lone franchise.