Toronto's new WNBA team, the Tempo, is already making league history before its first game. The expansion franchise announced Saturday the signing of guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes to two-year max contracts, creating what is reportedly the first $1 million backcourt in WNBA history. The move signals an aggressive strategy by the team's front office to build a competitive roster ahead of their inaugural 2026 season.
Mabrey, 29, was acquired by the Tempo through the WNBA expansion draft just last week, where she was the sixth overall pick. Her new two-year contract is reportedly worth $1.2 million per season, according to ESPN. The signing locks in a dynamic offensive talent for the new franchise. "Marina plays with a level of confidence and edge that stands out," Toronto general manager Monica Wright Rogers says in a news release. "She’s a player who isn’t afraid of big moments, can create offense in a variety of ways, and brings a strong competitive presence every game."
Mabrey is a proven scorer, averaging 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 35 games with the Connecticut Sun last season. A veteran of the league since 2019, she has career averages of 12.5 points per game and has played for four different teams, bringing a wealth of experience to a brand new locker room. Identifying her in the expansion draft and now locking her into a long-term deal underscores her importance to the Tempo's foundational strategy.
A focus on veteran leadership
Joining Mabrey in the backcourt is Brittney Sykes, 32, who signs with Toronto as a free agent. Her contract is also a two-year maximum deal, positioning her alongside Mabrey as one of the highest-paid guard pairings in the league. Sykes, a 2025 WNBA All-Star, is renowned for her defensive skills. "Brittney is an elite competitor who impacts winning on both ends of the floor,” said Wright Rogers. “Her defensive versatility, toughness, and leadership set a standard, and adding a player of her calibre and All-Star experience is a significant step as we continue to build our roster.”
Sykes has been named to the league’s All-Defensive team four times, including a First Team selection in 2021. She is widely regarded as one of the WNBA's premier perimeter defenders, often tasked with guarding the opposition's best player. Last season, split between the Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm, she averaged 14.1 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. Her ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball makes her a cornerstone player for the new franchise.
I’m excited to join the Toronto Tempo and to be part of what’s being built. The vision, the leadership, and the opportunity here really stood out, and I’m ready to get to work.
Building an identity from scratch
For an expansion team, these initial signings are crucial for establishing a team identity. The acquisitions of Sykes, a defensive powerhouse, and Mabrey, a confident scorer, create a balanced and formidable guard combination. The front office's strategy appears focused on building a team grounded in toughness and veteran experience, aiming to compete from day one rather than undergoing a lengthy rebuild. This approach mirrors the ambitious sports culture in Toronto, where teams are often expected to contend for championships. The city's last major men's expansion team, Toronto FC, eventually won an MLS Cup, and the Toronto Raptors, under the leadership of Larry Tanenbaum, won their first NBA title in 2019. In another high-stakes environment, Los Angeles schools braced for a massive strike by 70,000 employees.
Tanenbaum, the chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures which owns the Tempo, has a long history with Toronto sports franchises as the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. His involvement brings a legacy of building winning organisations, which has created high expectations for the WNBA's first team outside of the United States. While the Maple Leafs continue to search for their winning formula, the success of the Raptors provides a potent example of what a championship-focused culture can achieve. The economic impact of successful teams is also significant for the city, a fact highlighted by the recent economic activity generated by the renovated Rogers Centre.
The historic million-dollar contracts also highlight the incredible growth of the WNBA. Rising viewership, increased investment, and a recent collective bargaining agreement have led to higher player salaries and better resources across the league. Securing Toronto as the 14th franchise, and first internationally, is a major milestone for the WNBA as it continues to expand its footprint and invest in its world-class athletes.
Rounding out the roster
The Tempo also announced the signing of a third veteran guard, Julie Allemand, on Saturday. The 29-year-old from Belgium was the team's second overall pick in the expansion draft. She provides a different skill set to complement the high-scoring Mabrey and defensive-minded Sykes.
"Julie is a true point guard who brings poise, intelligence, and a team-first approach every time she steps onto the floor,” Wright Rogers said. “Her experience, voice, and feel for the game are incredibly valuable as we continue to build our identity.” Allemand averaged 5.4 points and 5.0 assists for the Los Angeles Sparks last season. Her role as a facilitator will be critical in orchestrating the offence and getting the ball to scorers like Mabrey. Having played at high levels internationally and in the WNBA since her 2020 debut, her experience is another key asset for the fledgling team.
With the core of a veteran backcourt now in place, the Toronto Tempo has made a clear statement of intent. The signings of Mabrey, Sykes, and Allemand provide a strong foundation of talent, leadership, and defensive grit. As the front office continues to assemble the rest of the roster, the city's basketball fans have every reason to be excited for the team's debut in 2026. Sykes' commitment sums up the feeling around the new organisation: a focus on the future and a readiness to start the hard work.
