While the entry of two new teams is exciting enough, the stars might be just extra aligned for the Toronto Tempo.

The Tempo and Portland Fire are those 2 teams that’ll kick-start their WNBA era this season. New franchise, no potent roster, no fanbase; things will feel clunky in the beginning. But the Tempo at least has one less thing to worry about.

“Positioned and prepared”, the team took to X on March 27. “We'll be picking 6th, 22nd, and 36th in the 2026 Entry Draft. Our experts have done the math, and this return is going to be (fire).”

Last Friday, they won a coin toss over the Portland Fire and will get to select one spot ahead of the Fire in the draft scheduled for April 13. As a result, and per the announcement, they’ll pick the 6^th, 22^nd, and 36^th from the draft.

The teams will eventually form their rosters and secure their place firmly in the league. But this is the much-needed boost that might help the Tempo advance over the Fire if they can make it. Now, how much will it actually work?

How Much Will the “Boost” Actually Work?

Both teams will go through a structured process, picking from the already existing team’s castaway players. Every team will protect 5 players, who’ll be shielded from selection, and the unprotected ones will be under the selection radar.

Both Tempo and Fire will also select only one unrestricted free agent – a veteran with 5 or more years of service but no contract for the 2026 season. This could be their supermax salary candidate. But the selection process will go in alternation.

In a snake format, the team with the first pick in Round 1 will take the second pick in Round 2. Toronto has already secured 3 picks from the college draft. Now, if they can land a better veteran player to build the roster around, that might just make things work.

Plus, the last year’s expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, became the first expansion team to make the playoffs. So, there’s a hope for the Tempo as well.

Do you think things will work in their favour? Comment it down.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy