The Toronto Tempo have officially announced their first player acquisition as the new franchise took part in the WNBA expansion draft on Friday, marking a significant step in the team's development. Julie Allemand was selected with the Tempo's first pick, which was the second overall in the draft, showcasing the team's ambition to build a competitive roster from the outset.

In a commanding start to the draft, the Portland Fire claimed Canada’s Bridget Carleton with the first overall pick. The Fire was able to secure this top pick thanks to a coin toss in which Toronto decided to opt for the sixth overall selection in the collegiate draft, thereby pushing Portland back to seventh for that round.

Throughout the draft, the Toronto Tempo utilized 11 out of their 12 available choices to construct a diverse and skilled lineup. Following the selection of Julie Allemand from the Los Angeles Sparks, the Tempo's remaining first-round picks included notable players such as Nyara Sabally (New York Liberty), Marina Mabrey (Connecticut Sun), Aaliyah Nye (Las Vegas Aces), Lexi Held (Phoenix Mercury), and Maria Conde (Golden State Valkyries).

The team's strategy continued into the second round, with the Tempo adding talents such as Maria Kliundikova (Minnesota Lynx), Adja Kane (Liberty), Nikolina Milic (Sun), Kitija Laksa (Mercury), and Kristy Wallace (Indiana Fever) to their roster.

General Manager Monica Wright Rogers expressed her enthusiasm regarding the draft selections, stating, “Today is an important step in building the foundation of the Toronto Tempo. Our goal was to construct a roster that reflects the style of play and culture we want to establish—one that balances competitiveness with long-term flexibility, and features players who bring versatility, toughness, and winning experience.”

Rogers emphasized that the current group will allow the Tempo to compete effectively right from the start while still having the potential for continued growth. She highlighted the unique opportunity for the team to help shape a new legacy as Canada's first WNBA franchise.

The drafted group comprises 11 players from eight different countries, including the United States, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Russia, France, and Latvia. This international mix reflects the Tempo's commitment to embracing diversity within the team structure.

In a strategic move earlier in the week, the Toronto Tempo reached an agreement not to select any players from the Chicago Sky, in exchange for the 26th pick in the upcoming college draft scheduled for April 13, aiming to optimize their drafting strategy.

The Toronto Tempo are set to make their inaugural appearance on May 8, hosting the Washington Mystics in what will be a historic game for the franchise and its fans.