In a bold move during their first WNBA free agency, the Toronto Tempo has signed guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes to two-year max contracts, creating the league's first million-dollar backcourt. Mabrey, who was selected from the Connecticut Sun, is expected to earn $1.19 million in her first year, while Sykes, a former All-Star and defensive standout, joins after a midseason trade from the Seattle Storm. The Tempo aims to establish a competitive culture right from the start, similar to the successful expansion of the Golden State franchise in 2025. While the team currently has the 11th-best title odds in the WNBA for 2026 at +150,000, the focus is on building a strong foundation rather than immediate championship aspirations. The signings not only enhance the team's talent but also aim to attract fans in a new WNBA city. However, the roster remains heavily guard-focused, prompting speculation about future acquisitions to strengthen the frontcourt.