Even before the WNBA expansion team was officially awarded to Toronto, Geoff Molson had his sights set on entering the world of women’s basketball. The co-owner of the Montreal Canadiens, along with Larry Tanenbaum from the Toronto Maple Leafs, had long contemplated bringing the WNBA to Canada. When Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Group successfully secured a bid for a team in May 2024, Molson was among the first individuals he reached out to.
Speaking to The Canadian Press, Molson emphasized the camaraderie between their competing NHL teams and the shared vision for introducing a WNBA team to Canada. Molson expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture, highlighting the importance of expanding women’s basketball in the country.
Molson, alongside Groupe CH executive France Margaret Belanger, recently joined the ownership group of the newly established Toronto Tempo. The WNBA team also announced plans to host two regular-season games in Montreal during their inaugural 2026 season. The involvement of Molson’s family-owned Groupe CH, known for their NHL franchise, signifies a strategic move into the basketball realm.
With Kilmer Group as the primary stakeholder in the Tempo, the ownership group boasts notable figures such as Serena Williams, Lilly Singh, and Sukhinder Singh Cassidy. Molson and Belanger expressed their dedication to growing the sport of basketball in Quebec, citing the region’s strong interest in the sport.
The Toronto Tempo will call Coca-Cola Coliseum their home arena when they commence play in the WNBA in 2026, with additional games scheduled at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. Teresa Resch, the team president, emphasized the aim of being a national team and the importance of cross-city partnerships in delivering an exciting basketball experience.
Reflecting the team’s inclusive approach, the name “Tempo” holds significance in both English and French, aligning with the bilingual nature of Canada. Resch shared the thoughtful process behind selecting the team name, underscoring the harmonious representation of both official languages.
