Now that the WNBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has been agreed upon, the true excitement can begin. The Toronto Tempo is one of two teams joining this exciting new chapter in league history. However, being the new kids on the block comes with an abundance of riddles to solve—one of which is the identity you wish to shape for yourself. Toronto has a chance to build a young team around Flau’jae Johnson, a talented rookie who’s also a commercial goldmine.
After winning a coin toss that allowed Toronto to choose between the first selection in the upcoming expansion draft or the WNBA draft process, the Canada-based franchise selected the latter. This decision suggests that Tempo is leaning toward building a young core rather than bringing in seasoned players with experience at this level. Toronto now owns the sixth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft.
Usually, this dilemma will be swayed by the direction a front office wants to divert its attention. Does a franchise prioritise the acquisition of a ready-made player who has a marketability value? Or is the best option to build a steady foundation of young, talented stars that can make a championship push in the near future? Well, in the case of Flau'jae Johnson, this is a choice Toronto will not have to make.
Flau'jae Johnson mixes her talent with a sprinkle of stardust
First and foremost, the Toronto Tempo is entering a business fuelled by basketball. Signing players with big names but little skill isn’t an option. Luckily, Johnson has talent. This player has shown throughout her four years at LSU that she can handle the pressure of spearheading a team's offense.
During her senior year, Johnson showcased a mixed bag of performances, averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Despite her inconsistencies, the 22-year-old discovered her form when the spotlight shone the brightest. In LSU's NCAA Tournament second-round 101-47 demolition of Texas Tech, Johnson scored 24 points in 25 minutes, while shooting 69.2% from the floor.
Johnson is exactly the kind of player you want leading your offensive game plan. She is aggressive, versatile, and most importantly, has the confidence to lead her team into battle, no matter which opponent stands before her.
Additionally, the talents of the LSU alum extend well beyond the basketball court. Johnson's music career continues to go from strength to strength as she has amassed a whopping two million followers on Instagram. This alone proves that Flau'jae will automatically draw viewership to Toronto during their inaugural campaign.
Momentum is everything in the world of sports. If an expansion franchise like the Toronto Tempo wishes to reach its full potential, it must create noise on and off the court. That is exactly what Flau'jae Johnson can do.