The Toronto Tempo are stepping onto the WNBA stage with a strategic edge, thanks to a decisive coin flip that favored them over fellow expansion team, the Portland Fire. This win allowed the Tempo to choose a higher entry draft selection, opting for the sixth pick in the upcoming college entry draft on April 13th, while securing the second pick in the expansion draft on April 3rd. Meanwhile, the Portland Fire will pick seventh in the entry draft but have the first pick in the expansion draft.
This choice reflects a savvy approach to roster building, especially considering the current landscape where over 80% of the league, including 21 of 24 all-stars, are entering free agency. By focusing on the entry draft, the Tempo aim to secure a long-term, top-tier talent on a favorable contract, a move that could pay dividends as they build their foundation. With picks at Nos. 6, 22, and 36, the Tempo have a solid opportunity to shape their future.
While there isn't a clear-cut No. 1 pick this year, the draft pool is rich with talent. Prospects like UCLA’s Lauren Betts, UConn’s Azzi Fudd, LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, and TCU’s Olivia Miles, along with Awa Fam from Spain, are all on the radar for fans and analysts alike.
In the expansion draft, Toronto and Portland will alternate selections across two rounds, with the Tempo picking first in the second round. This setup allows both teams to strategically fill their rosters, with Toronto selecting 13th overall in that round.
As they prepare for their inaugural season, the Tempo can draw insights from the Golden State Valkyries, who navigated the expansion process last season. The Tempo will kick off their journey with pre-season action against the Connecticut Sun on April 29, before diving into the regular season against the Washington Mystics on May 8. With these strategic moves, the Tempo are poised to make a significant impact in their debut season.