Toronto Tempo Set to Launch WNBA Season on May 8

The Toronto Tempo will officially enter the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) on May 8, 2026, when they host the Washington Mystics at Coca-Cola Coliseum. This match marks the franchise’s debut in the league during the season-opening weekend, which features three games as part of the newly released 44-game schedule.

Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA players and the league are currently ongoing. If an agreement is finalized, the Tempo is expected to play the majority of their home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum. In addition, the team will host three games at Scotiabank Arena, which is also home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

The schedule includes notable matchups at Scotiabank Arena, where the Tempo will face the Phoenix Mercury on June 27, followed by the Minnesota Lynx on July 30, and the Indiana Fever, featuring standout player Caitlin Clark, on August 18. These games are expected to attract significant attention as the Tempo establishes its presence in the league.

The Tempo will also broaden their fan base by playing two games at the Bell Centre in Montreal. They will take on the Dallas Wings on July 10 and the New York Liberty on July 12. Additionally, the team will appear at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, competing against the expansion team Portland on August 21 and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on August 23.

This inaugural season builds excitement for Toronto’s fans and the broader Canadian basketball community. With a mix of home games in various locations, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, the Tempo aims to engage a diverse audience while solidifying its role in the WNBA landscape.