Toronto Tempo Sets WNBA Regular Season Attendance Record

Montreal Breakthrough Moment

The Tempo hosted the Dallas Wings in Montreal in front of 20,996 fans, eclipsing the league’s regular‑season attendance mark. It was a massive win for Canada, a nation not traditionally known for women’s basketball culture. The game highlighted how far the WNBA has come in just three years since its first Canadian preseason foray in Toronto. Canada’s enthusiasm is especially notable given the country hasn’t qualified for the 2026 FIBA World Cup. Even with only six rostered Canadian players in the WNBA, the support from fans continues to surge.

Power Rankings Snapshot

The latest power rankings see Golden State at the top, followed closely by Minnesota, Dallas, Indiana, and Las Vegas. Toronto jumped to ninth after a breakthrough win over a top‑eight team, while Phoenix sits in the cellar after a troubling stretch. The table reflects a tight race at the top and a struggle for the Mercury, who are now six games out of a playoff spot.

• 1. Golden State Valkyries (prev 4)
• 2. Minnesota Lynx (prev 2)
• 3. Dallas Wings (prev 5)
• 4. Indiana Fever (prev 6)
• 5. Las Vegas Aces (prev 3)
• 9. Toronto Tempo (prev 11)
• 15. Phoenix Mercury (prev 10)

Hot Hands: Marina Mabrey and Kelsey Mitchell

The Tempo lost the record‑setting game but Marina Mabrey’s recent play has become a bright spot. Without Brittney Sykes, Mabrey averages 29.6 points and 3.6 assists, shooting 50.6% from the field and 49.3% from three. Her 3.9 turnovers and two technical fouls are manageable for a team still learning to protect her. In the win over New York, Mabrey poured in 12 points in the third quarter and added a pull‑up three to extend the lead.

Kelsey Mitchell has mirrored that explosive form for the Indiana Fever. Over her last three games she posts 28.3 points and 4.7 assists, hitting 48.2% of her shots and 47.8% from deep. Indiana’s offense runs 16 points per 100 possessions better when Mitchell is on the floor, and her on‑court impact shows a plus‑12.9 net rating. The Fever will look to keep that momentum as they prepare for a critical clash with Golden State.

Declining Stars: Phoenix Mercury

Phoenix suffered a 48‑point defeat to Las Vegas, capping a week of three losses that has dropped the Mercury into the bottom half of the standings. Only two players, Jovana Nogic (who will not return in 2026) and Natasha Mack (out with a foot bruise), carry a positive net rating for the team. The offense was the league’s worst last week, even against defenses ranked eighth, ninth and 11th in defensive efficiency. With Sami Whitcomb back from injury, the Mercury hope to arrest the slide before the 2027 draft lottery looms.

Rookie Spotlight: Justine Pissott

Justine Pissott signed a developmental deal with the Fever and waited until a midseason trade brought her to the Las Vegas Aces. In her debut she erupted for 19 points in 10 minutes, completing six 3‑pointers—the only player in WNBA history to start her career with at least five threes. Coach Becky Hammon praised her court vision, noting a couple of slick passes that left the Mercury scrambling. A’ja Wilson even presented her with a Toy Story backpack as a rookie welcome gift.

Game to Watch: Golden State at Indiana

On Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network, the top‑ranked Golden State Valkyries face the feisty Indiana Fever. Golden State is on a seven‑game winning streak and sits atop the power rankings for the first time in franchise history. Indiana’s All‑Star trio has not all played at peak levels together, and matching that against a Golden State squad that beats most of the league’s best will be a true test. The Valkyries have a 4‑1 edge in head‑to‑head matchups over the past two seasons, making this showdown a must‑see for any fan.