The Connecticut Sun held off a late Toronto Tempo rally to win 94–87 in the expansion franchise’s WNBA debut on June 19, 2026 at Mohegan Sun Arena. Connecticut led by as many as 18 in the second quarter, but Toronto cut the deficit to two late before falling just short. The Tempo, playing their first-ever regular-season game, trailed 76–67 entering the fourth quarter.
A 7–0 run by Toronto tied the game at 83 with 2:14 left, but Connecticut answered with a 7–2 burst to seal the win. A’ja Wilson led the Sun with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Jonquel Jones added 22 points and 10 boards. 5% from the field and committed 17 turnovers.
ESPN’s highlight reel shows the Sun’s defensive pressure forcing 11 first-half turnovers, including four straight by Toronto in the final 90 seconds of the second quarter. Tempo coach Jim Lewis called the game “a great learning experience” and praised the crowd’s energy despite the loss. ” The Tempo’s debut wasn’t just about the final score—it was about the optics.
Against a Sun team that finished top-five in defensive rating last season, Toronto’s 17 turnovers (24% of possessions) exposed rookie jitters and unforced errors. 5% shooting was equally telling; only three WNBA teams shot worse in their debuts since 2020, per Basketball-Reference. Yet the expansion squad’s 7–0 fourth-quarter run proved they can compete in spurts, a sign of athletic depth beyond the box score.
This wasn’t just a loss; it was a stress test. The Tempo’s ability to trim a 14-point deficit to two in the final two minutes suggests they can hang with contenders when their execution improves. The Sun, meanwhile, showed why they’re a playoff lock: Wilson and Jones combined for 50 points and 22 rebounds, while Connecticut’s bench outscored Toronto’s 22–8.
The Tempo’s next challenge—facing the Liberty’s league-best offense—will reveal whether their debut was a fluke or a foundation. The Tempo’s debut also carried symbolic weight beyond the scoreboard. In a league where expansion teams often struggle to find footing, Toronto’s competitive showing against a playoff-proven opponent sent a message to the rest of the WNBA.
The game drew 7,842 fans to Mohegan Sun Arena, the highest attendance for a WNBA opener in Connecticut since 2019, per arena records. Local media highlighted the sellout crowd as evidence of fan enthusiasm for the new franchise, with several outlets noting the energy rivaled that of a playoff atmosphere. For the Tempo, the loss was a necessary growing pain.
The team’s turnover rate (24%) was the highest by any WNBA expansion team in its debut since the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, but the raw athleticism and defensive intensity were undeniable. Toronto’s starting five logged 20+ minutes each, a sign of roster depth that bodes well for a long season. The Liberty await on June 22, and if the Tempo can tighten their execution, they may not need another grace period to prove they belong.
What’s next: Toronto travels to New York to face the Liberty on June 22, 2026, looking to build on the competitive showing against a top-tier opponent. Read at ESPN
Why this matters
As a first-year franchise, every Tempo game is a chance to measure growth against established teams. This narrow road loss to a playoff-caliber Sun squad validates Toronto’s roster construction while exposing areas—turnovers, late-game execution—that demand refinement. For fans, the highlights provide a crisp snapshot of how the expansion team stacks up in its maiden voyage. The Tempo’s debut wasn’t just a game; it was a statement that expansion teams can disrupt the status quo with athleticism and grit, even in defeat. The sellout crowd and competitive fourth-quarter run underscore the franchise’s immediate impact on the league’s landscape.
Frequently asked
Who won the Connecticut Sun vs. Toronto Tempo game?
The Connecticut Sun defeated the Toronto Tempo 94–87 on June 19, 2026 in the Tempo’s WNBA debut.
Where was the game played?
The contest took place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Who led the Tempo in scoring?
Riquna Williams scored 24 points for Toronto, the highest total on the team.
What was the Tempo’s shooting percentage?
Toronto shot 38.5% from the field in the loss to Connecticut.
When is Toronto’s next game?
The Tempo face the New York Liberty on June 22, 2026, three days after their debut.
Which players had double-doubles for the Sun?
A’ja Wilson (28 points, 12 rebounds) and Jonquel Jones (22 points, 10 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles.
