Tempo sign 2017 WNBA champion to 1-year contract

The Toronto Tempo have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran center Temi Fagbenle, according to a report Tuesday from Alexa Philippou of ESPN.

Philippou reported the deal via X, formerly known as Twitter, noting that Fagbenle will earn $1 million for the 2026 season.

“Breaking: Free agent center Temi Fagbenle has agreed to a one-year deal with the Toronto Tempo for $1 million, per her agent, Marcus Crenshaw of The FAM Sports agency.

A big payday for the 2017 WNBA champ and former standout with the Valkyries.”

Fagbenle, 33, joins Toronto after spending the 2025 season with the Golden State Valkyries during the franchise’s inaugural campaign. She appeared in 39 games, making 38 starts, and averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. She also posted shooting splits of 19.4% from three-point range and 72.2% from the free-throw line across 23.7 minutes per contest.

Breaking: Free agent center Temi Fagbenle has agreed to a one-year deal with the Toronto Tempo for $1 million, per her agent, Marcus Crenshaw of The FAM Sports agency.

A big payday for the 2017 WNBA champ and former standout with the Valkyries. pic.twitter.com/thodoPm9u3

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 14, 2026

Temi Fagbenle’s experience anchors Tempo’s inaugural roster build

A 2017 WNBA champion, Fagbenle previously played for the Minnesota Lynx from 2017 to 2019, contributing to a title-winning roster during her rookie season. She later returned to the league with the Indiana Fever in 2024, adding further veteran experience before joining Golden State.

Toronto’s addition of Fagbenle signals a continued emphasis on building a competitive roster ahead of its upcoming season. The move comes shortly after the franchise selected Kiki Rice in the 2026 WNBA Draft, marking the first draft pick in team history. The Tempo also signed Kia Nurse, who became the first Canadian player to join the country’s inaugural WNBA franchise.

With a mix of veteran presence and emerging talent, Toronto continues to shape its identity entering its debut campaign. Fagbenle’s experience, efficiency in the frontcourt and championship pedigree provide the Tempo with an established interior option as the organization builds toward its first season.

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