Building a WNBA franchise: The guest is Toronto Tempo president Teresa Resch
Dec 10, 2024
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Teresa Resch, the president of the soon-to-launch Toronto Tempo, is on a mission to build a successful WNBA franchise. She shares insights on how to learn from other teams and the process of hiring essential staff. Fans will love her humorous take on naming the team and engaging the community. Resch emphasizes the importance of media relationships for visibility and discusses the excitement surrounding the franchise's debut in 2026. With a focus on sustainability, she champions the growth of women’s sports in Canada.
Teresa Resch emphasizes the collaboration and shared knowledge among WNBA teams as crucial for successfully navigating expansion drafts and roster building.
With the growing interest and investment in women's sports, the Toronto Tempo aims to create a unique team identity that resonates with fans and elevates women's athletics in Canada.
Deep dives
Building a New Franchise
The president of the Toronto Tempo, Teresa Rush, is tasked with the unique challenge of building a WNBA franchise from the ground up. This opportunity is rare in sports, as it allows her to define the team's identity, philosophy, and operational culture. Rush emphasizes the collaboration within the WNBA community, noting the importance of support and shared knowledge among team management as they navigate the complexities of expansion drafts and roster building. As they prepare for their inaugural season in 2026, Rush and her team are focusing on establishing a strong foundational structure for success, which includes hiring a general manager and coach who will shape the playing style.
Expansion Draft Insights
Rush reflects on learning from the recent expansion draft conducted by another franchise, analyzing the strategies employed in selecting players. She notes various approaches teams can take, whether to acquire players with trade potential or those who can immediately contribute on the court. Furthermore, the dynamics of the league are expected to change with a new collective bargaining agreement and an influx of free agents, requiring careful strategy. Rush highlights the transparency within the league, emphasizing the collaborative spirit amongst teams, and recognizes the untapped potential of international players who might soon join the league.
Franchise Branding and Community Engagement
The name 'Toronto Tempo' was intentionally chosen to capture the essence of basketball while setting the team apart from existing professional teams. Rush explains the significance of creating a unique identity that resonates with the sport, allowing fans to connect with the brand on a deeper level. Over 10,000 name submissions were received, and the organization focused on being transparent with fans throughout the decision-making process. Engaging fans in this journey is paramount, as it fosters a sense of community and loyalty even before the team takes the court.
The Future of Women's Sports
Rush believes strongly in the momentum of women's sports, emphasizing that the Toronto Tempo is entering the league at a time when interest and investment in women's athletics are rapidly increasing. She notes that societal changes and shifts in perception have paved the way for greater support and visibility for female athletes. As Canada’s team, they aim to harness this potential to elevate not only their franchise but women’s sports as a whole in the country. This movement surpasses mere moments in sports; it reflects a broader cultural shift that the Tempo intends to capitalize on for sustainable success.
Episode 456 of the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch features Teresa Resch, the president of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, which will start play in the WNBA in 2026. In this podcast Resch discusses how she viewed the Golden State Valkeries expansion draft; what she can learn from other WNBA franchises; her timeline to hire a general manager and coach; what it's like being the public face of a new sports franchise; the process to pick a team nickname; merchandise and ticket availability; how she sees the role of local and national media regarding coverage; playing future games in Montreal and Vancouver; the Tempo’s “Bringing Home The W” podcast series; the growth of women’s sports; and more.You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.