Tempo's Grit: Can They Win the Expansion Race?

The Toronto Tempo are currently struggling, marked by a 12-game losing streak and official elimination from playoff contention as of August 21, 2026. Their expansion counterpart, the Portland Fire, sits comfortably in the ninth spot in the WNBA standings. This contrast leads to a debate about which expansion team is truly succeeding.

Despite initial skepticism regarding their investment in Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, the Tempo have shown promise. Mabrey, in particular, has been a standout, authoring a record-tying 53-point performance. Sykes' season was hampered by an 18-game absence due to a foot injury, a significant factor in Toronto's subsequent struggles.

Even with injuries, the core of Mabrey, Sykes, and rookie Kiki Rice provides a proof of concept for Toronto. The team anticipates a roster refurbishment in the offseason and hopes for a top pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft to build a playoff contender. This aggressive approach contrasts with Portland's more measured development strategy.

While Portland's focus on player development and culture is commendable, the Tempo's proactive strategy might lead them to become the first expansion team to reach the playoffs. This prediction holds, even as Toronto faces further losses due to injuries to key players like Mabrey and Sabally.