The Toronto Tempo selected Julie Allemand with their first pick in Friday's 2026 WNBA expansion draft, choosing the LA Sparks and Belgium guard second overall to launch the franchise's inaugural roster.
In her only season with LA, 29-year-old Allemand averaged 5.4 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds across 34 games.
"Julie brought a versatile skill set to the Sparks, highlighted by her elite court vision and selfless play," Sparks GM Raegan Pebley said in a statement. "Toronto is gaining a talented player and an exceptional teammate."
Portland Fire drafted Canadian forward Bridget Carleton from the Minnesota Lynx with the first overall selection. Portland earned the top pick, after Toronto won a coin toss and opted for the sixth overall selection in the April 13th WNBA entry draft.
"Today is an important step in building the foundation of the Toronto Tempo," GM Monica Wright Rogers said in a team statement.
"Our goal was to construct a roster that reflects the style of play and culture we want to establish — one that balances competitiveness with long-term flexibility, and features players who bring versatility, toughness and winning experience."
Julie Allemand Headlines International Toronto Tempo Roster
Toronto's additional first-round WNBA expansion draft selections include Nyara Sabally (New York), Marina Mabrey (Connecticut), Aaliyah Nye (Las Vegas), Lexi Held (Phoenix), and Maria Conde (Golden State).
The second round subsequently brought María Conde (Golden State), Maria Kliundikova (Minnesota), Adja Kane (New York), Nikolina Milic (Connecticut), Kitija Laksa (Phoenix), and Kristy Wallace (Indiana) to Canada's first-ever WNBA team.
The roster features two WNBA champions in Sabally and Nye, with Tempo players representing eight countries including the US, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Russia, France, and Latvia.
Earlier this week, Toronto acquired the 26th pick in the college draft from Chicago in exchange for the Sky's expansion draft immunity.
The Tempo is set to tip off its debut WNBA season on May 8th.
