Toronto Tempo’s Vancouver Tour
Toronto Tempo president Teresa Resch announced that the team will return to Vancouver for a WNBA slate that includes a Friday game against the Portland Fire, a Sunday matchup with the Las Vegas Aces, and a Saturday fan festival featuring a 3-x-3 tournament and player appearances at Rogers Arena. The tour follows a 12-game losing streak and a 93-82 elimination loss to the Washington Mystics.
Building a National Brand
Resch highlighted the Tempo’s sell-out record at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum and the record-setting 20,996-attendee game at Montreal’s Bell Centre, where the team lost 108-95 to the Dallas Wings. She credits the team’s 13-year history with the Toronto Raptors for learning how to grow a national fan base through training camps and preseason games across Canada.
The Vancouver Experience
The first Vancouver game drew a sold-out crowd of 15,892 against the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream, a moment that inspired Resch’s excitement about the team’s potential. Resch said the experience of playing in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver is “incredible” and helps put Canada on the map for women’s elite-level basketball. She added that the team will evaluate fan engagement in Vancouver to decide whether to return next season.
Future Plans
Resch emphasized that the Tempo’s national tour is only the beginning. The team will continue to learn about its fans and adjust its schedule accordingly, potentially adding more Canadian venues. The WNBA players, many of whom are experiencing Canada for the first time, also appreciate the country’s summer atmosphere and the opportunity to showcase the sport across the nation.
