The Toronto Tempo faced a 108-95 loss to the Dallas Wings in Montreal, a game that nevertheless marked a new WNBA regular-season attendance record. A crowd of 20,996 fans gathered at the Bell Centre on Friday night, surpassing the previous record of 20,711 set in 2024 in Washington, D.C. This event was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada Series, showcasing the league’s growing appeal, particularly in a city without a permanent team.
The Tempo, Canada’s sole WNBA team, are in their expansion season and aim to represent the entire country. Head coach Sandy Brondello emphasized the unique opportunity, stating, “We’re creating firsts. We say we’re Canada’s team so we’re taking the show on the road.” She believes that once fans experience a game, they will “fall in love with the game because it is the very best players in the world.”
Record-Setting Attendance and Player Performances
The significant turnout in Montreal highlighted the city’s strong support for basketball. Despite the Tempo‘s loss, the atmosphere was electric, with many fans cheering for the Toronto squad. However, a notable contingent also supported Wings all-star Paige Bueckers, who delivered a season-high 34 points. Bueckers, a top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, also contributed six rebounds and six assists.
For the Tempo, Marina Mabrey led the team with 34 points, while Laura Juskaite added 25 points. Jessica Shepard of the Wings had a strong performance with 20 points and a game-high 17 rebounds. The game was a back-and-forth contest, with Dallas ultimately pulling away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Toronto 24-10.
Tempo’s Expansion Season and Roster Changes
The game in Montreal was a significant moment for the Tempo players in their inaugural season. Forward Isabelle Harrison reflected on the occasion, saying, “It’s been years in the making. It’s bigger than us, and I hope Canada’s proud of us.” The team is an international squad, with players and coaches representing nine different countries.
The Tempo‘s roster saw a recent addition with the signing of Canadian Kayla Alexander to a hardship contract. This marked Alexander’s return to the WNBA since 2020, brought in to address the team’s frontcourt needs due to injuries to Nyara Sabally and Temi Fagbenle. Alexander’s Canadian citizenship also streamlined her integration into the team, avoiding potential visa delays.
Alexander is expected to be available for at least two more games during her seven-day deal. Coach Brondello noted Alexander’s experience, stating, “I think it’s easier for someone that’s been in the league or someone that has more international experience than a rookie coming in.”
Looking Ahead for the Tempo
The Tempo‘s loss to the Wings marked their fourth consecutive defeat. Despite the outcome, the record attendance in Montreal has sparked discussions about the potential for a permanent WNBA team in the city, potentially creating a new rivalry with Toronto. Laura Juskaite of the Tempo expressed enthusiasm for the idea, saying, “It would be great to have two teams in Canada.”
The Tempo‘s ownership group includes Montreal Canadiens owner and president Geoff Molson and alternate governor France Margaret Belanger. The team has four home games scheduled outside of Toronto in its inaugural season, including upcoming games against the Portland Fire on August 21 and the Las Vegas Aces on August 23, both at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. The Tempo will next host the New York Liberty in Montreal on Sunday.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
