Canadians Bridget Carleton and Laeticia Amihere headline WNBA playoff storylines as Toronto Tempo fans watch closely ahead of the team’s 2026 debut.
Playoffs Begin with Canadian Spotlight
The 2025 WNBA playoffs tip off Sunday with Canadian talent in the spotlight. Bridget Carleton of the Minnesota Lynx and Laeticia Amihere of the Golden State Valkyries will go head-to-head in a first-round series, giving Canadian fans plenty to follow as the postseason begins.
Canadian Clash on the Court
Carleton, 28, has become a steady presence for Minnesota, starting every game this season while averaging 6.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and two assists. The Chatham, Ontario native is valued as a versatile defender and floor spacer alongside MVP candidate Napheesa Collier. On the other side, Amihere, 23, has carved out a role with expansion team Golden State, providing energy and defence off the bench after midseason re-signing. Their matchup offers a rare all-Canadian duel on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
Expansion Success Sets an Example
The Valkyries have already made history as the first WNBA expansion team since 2008 to reach the playoffs in their debut year. With a 23–21 record, head coach Natalie Nakase’s group leaned on defensive grit and a loyal fan base. Their success provides a roadmap for the Toronto Tempo, who will debut in 2026 alongside fellow expansion side Portland Fire.
Building Toronto’s Future
The Tempo are in the early stages of constructing their roster under general manager Monica Wright Rogers. While expansion draft rules remain undisclosed, nearly every WNBA team is expected to have players available. For Toronto, identifying overlooked contributors and defensive-minded athletes could be the difference between a slow start and immediate competitiveness. The ongoing playoffs will serve as a scouting opportunity.
Lessons from Contenders
Beyond Canadian storylines, the league’s top contenders — the Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, and Las Vegas Aces — provide insight into sustainable success. Each franchise boasts a former top draft pick at its core, surrounded by stars acquired through bold trades and free agency. Toronto will likely need to follow a similar model: securing elite young talent while strategically adding veterans who complement the roster.
Looking Ahead
For Canadian fans and future Tempo supporters, this postseason is more than a championship chase — it’s a glimpse of what lies ahead. With Carleton aiming for a title and Amihere playing the underdog role, both athletes symbolize the depth of Canadian basketball talent poised to inspire when Toronto officially joins the WNBA in 2026.
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