What's Happening?
The Toronto Tempo has successfully signed guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, marking a significant move for the expansion team. According to their agent Marcus Crenshaw, both players have agreed to two-year contracts, each valued at approximately
the maximum salary for the first year. This makes them the first million-dollar backcourt pairing under the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement. Mabrey, who was selected by the Tempo in the recent expansion draft, was designated as a core player. Sykes, on the other hand, is Toronto's first major free agent signing, having spent the previous season with the Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm. Mabrey, a former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game last season with the Connecticut Sun. Sykes, a 5-foot-9 guard, earned her first All-Star nod last season, averaging 14.1 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Mabrey and Sykes represents a strategic move for the Toronto Tempo as they aim to establish themselves in the WNBA. By securing two high-caliber players, the Tempo is setting a strong foundation for their inaugural season. This move also highlights the impact of the new collective bargaining agreement, which allows teams to offer more competitive salaries to attract top talent. For the WNBA, this development underscores the league's growth and the increasing financial opportunities for players. The Tempo's investment in these players could lead to increased competitiveness and fan engagement, potentially boosting the league's profile and revenue.
What's Next?
With Mabrey and Sykes on board, the Toronto Tempo will focus on building a cohesive team around their new backcourt duo. The team will likely continue to explore additional signings and trades to strengthen their roster. As the WNBA season approaches, the Tempo will aim to integrate their new players into their system and develop strategies to maximize their impact on the court. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the Tempo performs in their debut season and whether their investment in Mabrey and Sykes pays off.
