The Toronto Tempo’s team has officially welcomed a new general manager, Monica Wright Rogers. The announcement was made during a press conference in Toronto on Thursday. Wright Rogers joins president Teresa Resch, chief marketing officer Whitney Bell, and other executives as the WNBA expansion team prepares for its debut in 2026.
The team is still in the process of hiring a head coach, players, scouts, and establishing partnerships and ticket sales. Despite the ongoing tasks, the Tempo team has the advantage of ample time to prepare for their inaugural season.
Wright Rogers expressed her intention to listen and learn from the city’s sports leaders to operate thoughtfully in Toronto. Resch mentioned that the GM hiring process involved a thorough selection from a pool of candidates, with Wright Rogers ultimately standing out as the right fit for the role.
Resch emphasized her involvement in basketball operations alongside Wright Rogers. The upcoming entry draft and the upcoming season will precede the official addition of players to the team.
Wright Rogers, a former WNBA player and assistant general manager for the Phoenix Mercury, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She aims to build a competitive basketball team with an emphasis on an up-tempo playing style.
The expansion draft for Toronto may differ from previous drafts due to the league’s evolving processes. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire, the team faces uncertainties in roster construction and player acquisitions.
Wright Rogers highlighted the importance of attracting top talent to the team and city. She noted the city’s enthusiasm for women’s basketball and expressed confidence in Toronto’s appeal to prospective players.
As the Tempo team continues its preparations for the 2026 season, Wright Rogers is focused on conveying the team’s vision and creating a compelling pitch to attract top players to Toronto.