The Toronto Tempo are boosting their depth down the middle.
Free agent centre Temi Fágbénlé has agreed to join the Tempo on a reported one-year, $1-million deal on Tuesday.
The Tempo did not disclose contract terms, but they were previously reported by ESPN's Alexa Philippou.
This is the second new franchise Fágbénlé joins after being taken fifth overall by the Golden State Valkyries in last year's expansion draft.
“I’m excited for this next chapter with the Toronto Tempo,” Fágbénlé said in a release. “The opportunity to be part of a new franchise with a strong vision and competitive mindset is something that really drew me in. Toronto is such a vibrant, diverse city, and that resonates with who I am and what I value. I’m looking forward to helping build something special here.”
Playing as a starter for the first time in her career, the six-foot-four centre averaged career highs in points (7.4), rebounds (4.9) and assists (1.6) while shooting 50.2 per cent from the field.
Prior to playing on the Valkyries, Fágbénlé spent one year with the Indiana Fever in 2024, preceded by a four-year stint overseas.
“Temi brings consistency and toughness to everything she does,” said Tempo GM Monica Wright Rogers in a statement. “She plays the game the right way — defending, rebounding, finishing around the rim and doing the work that impacts winning. Her experience anchoring the paint as a starter and her ability to contribute on both ends make her an important addition as we continue to shape our identity.”
Originally drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in 2016, the Baltimore, Md., native played three seasons with the team from 2017 to 2019.
Fágbénlé, 33, joins a centre rotation fronted by Nyara Sabally, whom the Tempo took with their second pick in the expansion draft, and rookie Teonni Key, whom they used the 22nd pick in Monday's entry draft on.