The Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA franchise, has officially unveiled its name and logo, marking a milestone for women’s professional basketball in the country. The name, selected from over 10,000 submissions, captures the vibrant energy and rhythm that define Toronto, a city known for its fast pace and rich cultural mix.
The new logo reflects the team’s spirit and the city’s dynamic character. At its center is a stylized basketball with sharp, clean lines suggesting motion and speed, which ties directly to the name “Tempo.” A bold, geometric “T” anchors the design, standing for Toronto while representing the team’s role in shaping Canada’s basketball culture. Six sharp lines extend outward from the basketball—five symbolizing the players on the court and the sixth representing the fans. This detail nods to Toronto’s six boroughs, grounding the team’s identity in the city’s local roots.
The typography is strong and structured, with slightly rounded edges to soften the bold design, giving it an approachable yet confident look. The words “TORONTO TEMPO” are stacked, with “TORONTO” placed above in a smaller font to highlight the team name while maintaining a balanced layout. The letters are closely spaced, reflecting a sense of unity and teamwork—qualities that matter both on and off the court.
Color plays an important role in the team’s new look. The primary palette features light blue paired with deep burgundy. Light blue conveys clarity, focus, and forward momentum, while burgundy adds warmth, strength, and resilience. The contrast between these colors makes the logo stand out on merchandise, digital platforms, or in the arena.
Dynamic lines stretching from the basketball create an effect similar to motion blur, adding a sense of speed and rhythm. This mirrors the fast-paced nature of basketball and reinforces the team’s identity—Tempo isn’t just a name; it’s an attitude that reflects how they plan to play and compete in the league.
The logo carries meaning beyond the game itself. The central “T” can be seen as an intersection, symbolizing the meeting of cultures, ideas, and communities that make Toronto unique. The radiating lines resemble pathways converging at one point, much like how the team aims to bring people together through the shared love of basketball.
Set to debut in 2026 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum; the Toronto Tempo will be the WNBA’s 14th team, with the league planning to expand to 16 teams by 2028. The franchise is owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum, who’s involved with several major Toronto sports teams, including the Raptors, Maple Leafs, and Toronto FC.
The arrival of the Toronto Tempo is a landmark moment for Canadian sports and women’s basketball worldwide. With a name and identity rooted in movement, energy, and community, Tempo is ready to impact both on and off the court, inspiring the next generation of athletes and fans.
