The WNBA draft is the most anticipated night of the year, following the conclusion of the draftees’ senior seasons at their respective schools.

It’s a night full of excitement, anticipation and hope as these future pros’ dreams come true. All the blood, sweat and tears poured into their lifelong pursuit of professional basketball brings them one step closer to achieving that dream.

Women from across the world will be drafted by 15 organizations, where they will continue to fight for a spot on each team’s roster.

As one of the newest expansion teams in the league, the Toronto Tempo have started off strong, selecting 11 players in the expansion draft, including Marina Mabrey, Nyara Sabally and Julie Allemand, and later signing Brittney Sykes from the Seattle Storm.

Entering the league, the Tempo are looking to build from the ground up. With a mix of experienced veterans and newcomers, the team is ready to compete at the highest level and set a new tempo in the 6ix.

That foundation begins to take shape with the addition of their 2026 rookie class.

Kiki Rice

Kiki Rice, one of the newest crowned national champions of the 2026 NCAA season with her fellow UCLA Bruins, helped deliver the program’s first-ever title on April 3. Just 10 days later, she was selected fifth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Toronto Tempo.

As she takes the next step in her career, Rice now becomes part of the foundation of a franchise just getting started and is ready to help the Tempo find their footing and make their mark in the league.

The rookie is a 5’11” point guard who excels in transition, creating off the dribble, and defending on the perimeter. A true floor general, she’s known for her patience, poise and ability to read defences to make the right decision.

Teonni Key and Saffron Shiels

With the 22nd pick in the draft, and the first for the Tempo in the second round, they selected Teonni Key.

Key is a 6’5” versatile forward out of the University of Kentucky. She is a difference-maker in the paint with her shot-blocking ability and rebounding presence, while also pushing the pace in transition. On the offensive end, she is a high-efficiency scorer with the speed, agility and ball-handling of a guard. 

With the 26th pick in the draft, and their second selection of the second round, the Tempo selected Saffron Shiels.

Shiels is a 6’2” forward out of Australia who contributes on both ends of the floor. A versatile player with strong offensive and defensive skillsets, she brings impact in multiple areas of the game.

Charlise Dunn and conclusion

With the 36th pick in the draft, and the final for the Tempo of the night, they selected Charlise Dunn.

Dunn is a 6’2” forward from Australia out of Davidson College. She is an all-around player, with her size allowing her to play multiple positions. She presents a mismatch for opponents, with the ability to pass the ball and score in a variety of ways. 

With their final selection, the Tempo concluded their first-ever draft in the league. Training camp begins April 19, where the team will compete at the highest level against the best of the best in the league.

Here’s to their first ever season in the league and many more to come. 

Good luck Tempo, Toronto is ready.