Geoff Molson expressed interest in the women’s basketball business long before Toronto was granted a WNBA franchise. The co-owner of the Montreal Canadiens, along with Larry Tanenbaum, co-owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, had conversations about bringing the WNBA to Canada in the past. When Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Group successfully secured a team bid in May 2024, he reached out to Molson promptly.
Molson shared, “Despite our competition on the ice, we have a close relationship with Larry Tanenbaum and the MLSE organization. We discussed the growth and significance of the WNBA and the importance of having a team in Canada.”
Molson and Groupe CH executive France Margaret Belanger officially became part of the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the newly established WNBA team. The Tempo also disclosed plans to host two regular-season games in Montreal during their debut season in 2026.
The Molson family, through Groupe CH, primarily known for owning the NHL’s Canadiens, including the Laval Rocket in the AHL and managing venues like the Bell Centre in Montreal, decided to invest in the Toronto Tempo. Kilmer Group holds the majority stake in the team, while the ownership group features notable figures such as Serena Williams, Lilly Singh, and Sukhinder Singh Cassidy.
Molson and Belanger highlighted the popularity of basketball in Quebec and their commitment to fostering its growth in the province. Belanger recalled the rapid ticket sales for Raptors’ pre-season games at the Bell Centre, emphasizing the immense local interest in basketball.
The Coca-Cola Coliseum at Toronto’s Exhibition Place will serve as the home arena for the Tempo when they start competing in the WNBA in 2026. Additionally, the team is set to play two regular-season games at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena, aiming to establish themselves as “Canada’s team.”
The team’s president, Teresa Resch, emphasized the collective enthusiasm and support for the initiative, with various stakeholders working together to make the cross-city games possible. The team’s bilingual name, Tempo, was chosen deliberately to resonate with both English and French-speaking fans, symbolizing inclusivity and unity across languages.