The WNBA has announced its newest expansion team, the Toronto Tempo, and with it comes the appointment of Monica Wright Rogers as general manager.
According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou and Shams Charania, the Toronto Tempo hired former WNBA player Monica Wright Rogers as the team’s first general manager.
This significant step marks a milestone for both the Wright Rogers and the league as they prepare for the team’s debut in the 2026 season.
Thanks to her impressive track record and extensive experience in the WNBA, Wright Rogers got selected for such a coveted role in the league.
Speaking of her successful basketball career, Wright Rogers played seven seasons in the WNBA, winning two championships and earning a reputation as a reliable guard.
The two-time WNBA champion, Wright Rogers, spent seven seasons in the WNBA with the Minnesota Lynx from 2010 to 2015 and the Seattle Storm in 2016. During her time in the league, she averaged 7.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
Following her playing career, she moved into coaching and administrative roles.
She was the women’s basketball director of student-athlete development at Incarnate World from 2017 until 2018.
Wright Rogers was an assistant coach for the Liberty and her alma mater in Virginia. Likewise, she also worked as the Elite Basketball Women’s operations lead for the NBA’s league office before moving to Phoenix Mercury.
Most recently, she served as the assistant general manager for the Phoenix Mercury under general managers Jim Pitman and later Nick U’Ren.
With Monica Wright Rogers Appointed the Toronto Tempo’s GM, the Team Is Gearing Up for Its Debut in 2026!
The name of the WNBA’s new expansion team, Toronto Tempo, was announced in December 2024. Toronto Tempo is WNBA’s 14th franchise and is set to begin its play in the 2026 season.
Team president Teresa Resch talked about the team in a press release, saying,
Tempo is pace. It’s speed. It’s a heartbeat. And it’s what you feel when you step into the streets of this city, and in the energy of the people who call Canada home.
“As Canada’s WNBA team, I know the Tempo will set our own pace, move at a championship cadence, and inspire people across this country,” she added.
Meanwhile, with the new role comes several responsibilities for Wright Rogers. As the first general manager, she faces several key tasks to ensure the success of the Toronto Tempo for the 2026 season.
One of her immediate responsibilities is naming a head coach who will lead the team on the court.
Likewise, Wright Rogers has several crucial roles, including overseeing the team’s first rookie and expansion drafts, essential in building a competitive roster.
Above all, Wright Rogers’ experience in various basketball roles will be invaluable in creating a cohesive and effective team environment.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Two-time WNBA champion Monica Wright Rogers married Michael Rogers, basketball coach and former player, on July 18, 2018.
- Wright Rogers and Michael Rogers have a son named McKale Larue Rogers, born on July 20, 2020.
- Before tying the knot with Michael Rogers, Monica Wright Rogers was engaged to NBA superstar Kevin Durant. However, they eventually ended their relationship.
- Some of Monica Wright Rogers’ awards include WBCA Defensive Player of the Year (2010), ACC Player of the Year (2010), ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2010), and more.
