Key Takeaways
- Kia Nurse, a 30‑year‑old Canadian guard, will sign with the Toronto Tempo for their inaugural WNBA season in 2026.
- Nurse brings WNBA experience from five teams (New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky) and a 2019 All‑Star selection.
- She has represented Canada in three Olympic Games (2016, 2020, 2024) and works as a basketball analyst for TSN.
- In the Tempo’s first WNBA Draft, they selected UCLA guard Kiki Rice with the sixth overall pick, followed by Kentucky forward Teonni Key, Australian forward Saffron Shiels, and Davidson forward Charlise Dunn.
- Prior to the draft, Toronto had already acquired guard Julie Allemand in the Expansion Draft and signed free‑agent guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes.
Kia Nurse Signs with Toronto Tempo
The Toronto Tempo announced that Canadian guard Kia Nurse will join their roster for the franchise’s first season in the WNBA, slated for 2026. Nurse, who turned 30 earlier this year, agreed to a deal after spending the 2025 campaign with the Chicago Sky. Her signing marks a historic moment for the Tempo, as she becomes the first Canadian player to be placed on the expansion team’s roster. The move reflects Toronto’s strategy to build a roster that blends veteran leadership with emerging talent, while also honoring the strong basketball tradition in Canada. Nurse’s familiarity with the Canadian market and her experience playing for the national team are expected to help the Tempo connect with local fans and establish a competitive identity from day one.
Nurse’s Career Overview
Over her six‑year WNBA career, Nurse has averaged 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game across 245 contests with five different franchises: the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks, and most recently the Chicago Sky. In the 2025 season with Chicago she posted 7.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 35.4 % from the field over 44 appearances. Nurse’s best statistical year came early in her career; she earned her lone All‑Star nod in 2019 while playing for the New York Liberty, the team that selected her 10th overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft after a standout collegiate run at the University of Connecticut, where she captured two NCAA national championships. Her journeyman path—six teams in six seasons—demonstrates both her adaptability and the league’s recognition of her defensive versatility and three‑point shooting capability.
International Experience and Analyst Role
Beyond the WNBA, Nurse has been a mainstay on Canada’s senior women’s basketball squad, representing her country at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (2016), Tokyo (2020, held in 2021), and Paris (2024). Her international pedigree adds a valuable dimension to the Tempo’s roster, offering leadership in high‑pressure situations and a global perspective on the game. Off the court, Nurse has transitioned into media work, serving as a basketball analyst for TSN, Canada’s premier sports network. This role not only keeps her connected to the sport’s evolving strategies but also positions her as a bridge between the Tempo’s on‑court performance and its broadcast and fan‑engagement initiatives.
Tempo’s 2026 WNBA Draft Recap
The Toronto Tempo participated in their inaugural WNBA Draft on Monday night, using the sixth overall pick to select UCLA guard Kiki Rice. Rice, known for her quick first step and perimeter shooting, is expected to provide immediate backcourt depth and scoring punch. In the second round, Toronto continued to build versatility by picking Kentucky forward Teonni Key, a strong rebounder and interior defender, followed by Australian forward Saffron Shiels, who brings a versatile skill set and experience playing in both the WNBL and European leagues. The draft concluded in the third round with the selection of Davidson forward Charlise Dunn, a promising forward with a solid shooting stroke and defensive instincts. Collectively, these selections address the Tempo’s need for athleticism, shooting, and frontcourt depth while laying a foundation for future development.
Building the Tempo Roster Through Expansion and Free Agency
Before the draft, the Tempo had already begun shaping their roster through the Expansion Draft, acquiring guard Julie Allemand from the Los Angeles Sparks. Allemand’s playmaking ability and experience in both the WNBA and EuroLeague give Toronto a steady hand at the point‑guard position. Shortly thereafter, the team bolstered its guard depth by signing free agents Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes. Mabrey, a sharpshooting guard with a reputation for clutch performances, adds perimeter scoring and defensive tenacity, while Sykes, known for her slashing ability and defensive versatility, provides another dynamic option in the backcourt. These moves, combined with Nurse’s veteran presence and the recent draft class, signal the Tempo’s intention to field a competitive, well‑rounded lineup capable of contending for a playoff berth in their maiden season.