The Toronto Tempo made history on Monday night, selecting point guard Kiki Rice out of UCLA with their sixth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Rice became the WNBA expansion team’s first-ever draft pick, and even though she’s never been to Toronto, the city is already welcoming her with open arms.
Basketball Hall of Famer and Toronto Raptors legend Vince Carter recorded a video message for Rice, which she saw moments after she was drafted, welcoming her to the city.
“Congratulations on being a part of history. You are about to do something special — not only for your family but for the city of Toronto,” said Carter. “You get to represent the Toronto Tempo. Everything you do will be celebrated and cherished. Go make your legacy.”
Heading into Monday’s draft, Rice was projected to be a top-five pick on several WNBA boards. With the Chicago Sky opting to select Rice’s collegiate teammate Gabriela Jaquez with the fifth overall pick, Rice slid down to sixth, allowing the Tempo to select a generational player with a second-to-none basketball IQ.
The 22-year-old from San Francisco was one of six players from the NCAA championship-winning UCLA squad selected in the first two rounds, a new WNBA record. She averaged 14.9 points per game on 49 per cent shooting in her final collegiate season.
We’re excited to have YOU, @kiki_rice0. 🩵
Entry Draft presented by @turbotaxcanada pic.twitter.com/H8EDYU2DJS
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) April 14, 2026
Rice joins a loaded Tempo backcourt consisting of previously acquired Brittney Sykes, Julie Allemand and Marina Mabrey.
Rice was not the only selection by the Tempo in Monday night’s draft. Toronto also selected forward Teonni Key from the University of Kentucky with the 22nd pick, and a pair of Australian forwards, Saffron Shiels and Charlise Dunn, with picks 26 and 36.
Tempo sign Canadian basketball guard Kia Nurse
The Tempo’s biggest move of the WNBA Draft came moments after the draft ended.
The team made history once again, signing their first Canadian player in WNBA veteran Kia Nurse.
“Kia represents everything this franchise stands for,” Toronto Tempo GM Monica Wright Rogers said in a press release. “She’s a world-class athlete, a proven professional, and someone who has helped grow the game in Canada at every level.”
Nurse said in a video posted to social media that she could not turn down an opportunity to play at home.
“Twenty years ago, this opportunity would have been beyond my wildest dreams for little me in Hamilton,” Nurse said. “I’m proud to represent Canada, will be proud to wear this jersey, and excited to help build something special here.”
The Tempo will open its season at Coca-Cola Coliseum against the Washington Mystics on May 8.
The team is scheduled to play most of its games at Exhibition Place, but will also play several games at Scotiabank Arena, including an Aug. 18 matchup against the Indiana Fever, when WNBA star Caitlin Clark comes to town.