The Toronto Tempo made a historic selection in their inaugural WNBA draft, choosing UCLA guard Kiki Rice with the sixth overall pick. This moment marks a significant milestone for both the expansion team and the league as it prepares for its 30th season.

Kiki Rice's Collegiate Achievements

Kiki Rice, a standout guard from UCLA, was instrumental in leading her team to the Final Four in 2025 and ultimately to the national championship in 2026. Hailing from Bethesda, Maryland, Rice has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership.

Her collegiate accolades include being a semi-finalist for both the prestigious Naismith Trophy and the Nancy Lieberman Award. In her senior year, Rice ranked eighth nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio and achieved career-best averages of 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Rice's Excitement for Toronto

Speaking from the draft stage, Kiki Rice expressed her enthusiasm about embarking on her professional career with the Toronto Tempo. Although she had not previously visited Toronto, Rice is eager to join the team and collaborate with its experienced personnel.

Historic Draft for UCLA and WNBA

Rice's selection was part of a remarkable draft for UCLA, with an impressive five players from the university being chosen in the first round. Her teammates Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez were selected fourth and fifth overall, respectively.

Other notable selections included Azzi Fudd by the Dallas Wings, Olivia Miles by the Minnesota Lynx, and Awa Fam Thiam by the Seattle Storm. The Portland Fire, the league's other new expansion team, drafted Iyana Martín Carrión.

Impact of New Collective Bargaining Agreement

This year's draft took place under the shadow of a recently finalized collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and the players' association. The agreement's late finalization in March led to a compressed off-season schedule.

Teams have had to navigate a condensed timeline for all roster-building activities, including expansion drafts, free agency, and training camps. This has created a sense of urgency as franchises prepare for the upcoming 30th season, which is set to tip off on May 8.

The addition of the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire injects new energy into the league. The Tempo's selection of Kiki Rice signifies a pivotal moment in establishing their franchise identity, as the WNBA looks forward to building on the momentum of this dynamic draft class.