Toronto’s WNBA franchise, the Tempo, has approved a $100 million practice facility at Exhibition Place, slated to open for the 2028 season.[1]

The project matters because it gives the expansion team a dedicated training hub while also creating a public‑access recreation centre for neighbourhood athletes.[2]

The complex will sit on an underused parking lot on the waterfront and will feature two WNBA‑regulation courts, sports‑medicine and performance labs, recovery areas, player lounges, and locker rooms.[1] City officials said the design will allow community groups to book courts and use the wellness spaces during off‑hours, widening access to high‑quality facilities.[2]

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the $100 million budget funded through a partnership between the city and private investors.[2] The timeline aligns with the Tempo’s inaugural season, ensuring players have a permanent home base for practices, film review, and strength training before the league’s 2028 schedule kicks off.[1]

Mayor Olivia Chow said the centre will serve more than just the professional team and that the facility will be a catalyst for youth sport participation across Toronto.[2] The city’s recreation department will manage the public‑use component, coordinating with local schools and clubs to schedule floor time.

Industry analysts said dedicated practice venues are becoming standard for new franchises, as they help attract top talent and reduce travel fatigue. By securing its own site now, the Tempo positions itself to compete with established teams that already enjoy similar amenities.[1]

The project also reflects broader municipal goals to revitalize Exhibition Place’s underused parcels, turning vacant land into active community assets. Planners expect the development to generate construction jobs and, once open, ancillary economic activity from visitors and events hosted at the venue.[2]

Overall, the $100 million investment signals confidence in the WNBA’s growth trajectory and Toronto’s commitment to expanding its sports infrastructure.

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**What this means**: The Tempo’s new facility will give the fledgling franchise a competitive edge by centralizing training resources, while simultaneously delivering a high‑quality, publicly accessible sports hub that could boost participation and health outcomes across Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods.

“$100 million complex will feature two regulation courts and a full sports‑medicine suite.”

The Tempo’s new facility will give the fledgling franchise a competitive edge by centralizing training resources, while simultaneously delivering a high‑quality, publicly accessible sports hub that could boost participation and health outcomes across Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods.