WNBA blunder forces new franchise into announcement - 'nothing ever goes as planned'

In a slip-up that split WNBA fans' opinions in half, the league accidentally gave up the name of its upcoming Toronto franchise set to debut in 2026.

While browsing the league's website on Wednesday, hoop fans noticed a dropdown menu listing all current teams and the surprise addition of the " Toronto Tempo ." The initial discovery was a slow burn that quickly spread across social media, with fans piling onto the site to take screenshots before the league removed the listing.

After the section disappeared after a few hours, the damage, excitement, or surprise was already done.

Speculation immediately followed, with WNBA fans debating whether the leak was an intentional teaser or an accidental unveiling.

Logos spreading online added to the mystery, though fans couldnt tell whether they were official designs, fan mockups, or AI-generated concepts.

Jewell Loyd requests WNBA trade after decision on Seattle Storm investigation How WNBA Expansion Draft will work and which players will be available The league stayed silent throughout the day about the mishap, which fueled even more theories.

As they stayed silent, fans wondered if "Tempo" was a placeholder name, a quiet trial to measure public reaction or a premature reveal of a well-kept secret.

The suspense ended on Thursday morning when the WNBA officially announced the Toronto Tempo as the leagues newest franchise in a tweet featuring the teams logo.

The design had similarities to the Indiana Pacers ' branding but with a light blue and red colorway similar to the Toronto Blue Jays .

Pacers fans were quick to point it out online.

Team president Teresa Resch commented on the misstep: "Well, nothing ever goes as planned.

But yeah, we would have loved to have our merchandise ready and be able to roll that all out at once.

But we're still really excited to share the name, logo, and colors." One fan wrote, "Interesting name.

Excited to see how they support the team.

If its anything like the Raptors, the WNBA has a great new fan base." Another added, Definitely will be going to a game.

Still undecided on that name.

Im sure it will grow on me.

A Pacers fan jokingly commented, "Stole our whole flow." Regardless of fan reaction, Toronto has been a prime candidate for WNBA expansion for years and finally became the league's first international team.

The name "Tempo" hints at a stylistic identity the franchise will embrace on the court, according to the team's first press release .

In a tweet from the team's official X account, they say Tempo is significant because it's the heartbeat of competition and the unseen force that shapes a game's outcome.

For the city of Toronto, the move gives the region a team after 27 years.

It took 78 years for the NBA's Toronto Raptors franchise to join the league in 1995, just two seasons before the WNBA's inaugural season in 1997.

For the WNBA, adding Toronto is just a portion of its greater efforts to expand into several markets within the coming years.

The Golden State Vaklyries will suit up for its first season in 2025, with a team in Portland expected to join the Tempo.

League commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she wants at least 16 teams by 2028.

The league features 14 teams including the Valkyries and Tempo.

Several celebrities have inquired about adding franchises to their respective cities.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is reportedly looking to add a team in Kansas City , while NBA champion Jayson Tatum is rumored to want a team in his hometown of St.

Louis..

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