Finding offensive cohesion is difficult for any franchise that has assembled an abundance of new players over the offseason. In the case of the Toronto Tempo, that process could be especially frustrating given the challenge of building a roster from scratch. However, the Tempo has acquired a player who can provide defensive stability while her teammates find their rhythm, and that player is Temi Fagbenle.
After struggling to find a home in the WNBA, Temi Fagbenle had a fantastic season with the Golden State Valkaryies during their inaugural campaign. The 33-year-old embodied everything that the then-rookie head coach Natalie Nakase wanted from a player. Grit, determination, and effectiveness of both sides of the floor. Fagbenle averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 stocks per game.
2025 proved to be a breakout year for Fagbenle, and now the Toronto Tempo will be hoping that this level of performance becomes a consistent part of the veteran’s game moving forward.
A large contract creates larger expectations for Fagbenle
After a stint in free agency, Fagbenle signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Tempo worth $1 million, according to Alexa Philippou. Not only does this signify Fagbenle's growing reputation in the WNBA, but it also shows that her new employers will expect an immediate impact on the floor alongside the talented duo of Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes.
First and foremost, Fagbenle's biggest responsibility will be a defensive presence for the Tempo, allowing Mabrey and Sykes to concentrate their minds on the offensive side of the game. The 2017 WNBA champion may not boast the numbers of one of the league's leading defenders, but her dominant stature in the paint and defensive IQ stifles her opponent's efficiency.
Defending will only be the tip of the iceberg for Fagbenle if Toronto wants to follow a similar postseason blueprint to the Golden State Valkyries. Fagbenle must be quick to establish a positive partnership with both Mabrey and Sykes. Executing pick-and-roll actions to make space for her teammates to devastate the opposition will be critical to early success for the expansion franchise.
Fagbenle will be trusted with a larger role in the rotation that she is used to in 2026, as Fox Sports is reporting that Maria Kliundikova is expected to stay overseas for the upcoming season -- a decision that is not believed to be related to any injury issues. Toronto had extended a reserved qualifying to Klundikova after acquiring her from the Minnesota Lynx in the expansion draft and will retain her rights.
Given their level of ambition in the expansion draft and free agency, the Toronto Tempo is not a franchise willing to be patient in their hunt for success; they want to make a statement in 2026. With a significant portion of the salary cap committed to Temi Fagbenle, she will be expected to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor for Toronto. If that doesn’t materialize, the franchise could find itself heading toward a lottery pick by the end of its inaugural season.
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