Particle.news
Download on the App Store
13 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Toronto Tempo Sign Kia Nurse and Temi Fagbenle as Inaugural Roster Takes Shape

The signings signal a push for instant relevance under championship coach Sandy Brondello.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Kiki Rice (L) of UCLA poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (R) after being selected with the 6th pick in the first round by the Toronto Tempo during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Sparks' Kia Nurse (10) makes the pass as Seattle Storm's Victoria Vivians (35) tries to block during second half WNBA preseason action in Edmonton on Saturday, May 4, 2024. A new study shows that more Canadian girls are participating in organized sports, but they are still lagging behind boys. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Image
May 29, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Golden State Valkyries center Temi Fagbenle (14) boxes out against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The expansion team, which added guard Kia Nurse and center Temi Fagbenle on one‑year deals Tuesday, locked in two core pieces for its first season.
  • Nurse, a Hamilton native and three‑time Olympian, becomes Toronto’s first Canadian player on a guaranteed veteran‑minimum contract reported by ESPN.
  • Fagbenle’s agent said her deal is worth $1 million, a seven‑figure salary that reflects the league’s new labor deal and gives Toronto a proven defensive presence at center.
  • Toronto also drafted Kiki Rice sixth overall Monday as the franchise’s first pick, placing the UCLA champion alongside guards Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand.
  • The Tempo will host the Washington Mystics for their first regular‑season home game on May 8 at Coca‑Cola Coliseum, following a fan event at the venue that introduced the club’s new court.