Since its inception, the WNBA went through a rollercoaster of growth, pullback and evolution. Its initial boom waned into an era marked by a severe lack of resources, dramatic cost cutting and stagnant growth due to low media attention and coverage. But thanks to a dedicated, albeit niche fanbase and a steady stream of on-court talent, the WNBA was able to survive through struggle. Like many leagues in their infancy, they flew their players on commercial airlines, played in small arenas, and lacked dedicated practice facilities, training staff and player resources.

Throughout it all, though, there was a drive to put the league, its players and their platforms on a much more visible stage. It didn’t hurt that high-profile players like Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi were at the centre of it all. Ultimately, it was the collective activism of its players that launched the WNBA into global news.

And this spirit of advocacy will likely make its way through Toronto’s local networks, too. A pillar of the WNBA is outreach, and there are several ways that the Tempo’s existence will be felt in Toronto’s ecosystem. The Commissioner’s Cup tournament, which has a heavy charity component, is a prime example of this: each team in the league selects a local organization to support throughout the tournament, and money is donated for the games they win and the ones they lose ($3,000 and $1,000 respectively, per game). The winnings also support the players—the total prize pool is $500,000 and at least $165,000 goes to charity, according to the WNBA. Past beneficiaries have included the Peace Learning Center, the League of Women Voters and D.C. Safe Babies Safe Moms.

The Tempo themselves have already participated in several youth basketball events in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Bringing a professional women’s basketball team to Toronto has the potential to impact the number of girls who stay in the sport into their teen years, and contribute to the growing number of basketball stars coming out of Canada.

“I know from experience that in every corner of the world, one thing always rings true: the positive impact that participating in sports and the sports community has on girls and women,” Singh said in a statement following her announcement as co-owner.

And it applies equally to the next and current generation, says Whitney Bell, Toronto Tempo chief marketing officer. “For young adults, having a WNBA team in Toronto creates real-time representation and reinforces that women’s excellence belongs on the biggest stages. It builds community and shared identity, while also opening visible pathways in careers and leadership across sport, media, business and culture. That combination shapes confidence, ambition and what people believe is possible.”

When it comes to the local economy, the expectation is that the Tempo will also help fill Toronto’s coffers through an anticipated franchise fee of up to $115 million (USD), including an investment package that could see the renovation of home venues and the construction of a new practice facility. As the only WNBA team in Canada, fans from all over the country will likely be coming to Toronto to see the action in person, fueling tourism; even our American neighbours, encouraged by the electric atmosphere of that initial game in 2023 could flock to games, ignited by the collective hype.

“Introducing a WNBA team to a market like Toronto is a catalyst for commerce,” Bell says. “It attracts new visitors, creates incremental game-day spending, and drives demand across hospitality, retail and entertainment.”

“Beyond that, it opens the door for new partnerships, sponsorships and investment in women-led and community-focused businesses,” she continues. “A team also elevates the city’s global profile, positioning Toronto as a leader in sport, culture and innovation—benefits that extend well beyond the season.”