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May
Aussies in the WNBA
Wallace, Rocci cut as Brondello makes ruthless call
Toronto Tempo guard Maddison Rocci in preseason action before being waived from the inaugural roster. Photo: Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Brondello cuts Kristy Wallace and Maddi Rocci as Toronto’s Aussie roster hopes take a brutal hit
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- Aussie Showcase: From Ballhalla to the Big Apple
- Every WNBA player and what they will earn in 2026
- Isobel Borlase scores 13 for Atlanta as Aussies make WNBA debuts
Opals head coach Sandy Brondello removed any doubt that being an Australian trying to make the Toronto Tempo’s roster in its first season in the WNBA would not be an advantage.
Tempo head coach Brondello, 57, who is putting together Toronto’s inaugural squad ahead of next week’s 2026 season, cut Queenslander Kristy Wallace and Victorian Maddi Rocci just a day after the expansion franchise played its first-ever game.
Maddi Rocci – Toronto Tempo vs Connecticut Sun (April 30, 2026)
- Minutes: 13:55 │ Points: 11 │ FG: 2-6 │ 3PT: 0-0 │ FT: 7-7 │ Rebounds: 2 │ Assists: 3 │ Steals: 1 │ TO: 3 │ +/-: -13
Kristy Wallace – Toronto Tempo vs Connecticut Sun (April 30, 2026)
- Minutes: 16:31 │ Points: 5 │ FG: 1-4 │ 3PT: 1-3 │ FT: 2-4 │ Rebounds: 2 │ Assists: 3 │ Steals: 0 │ TO: 1 │ +/-: -5
Both players were on training camp contracts. Wallace was selected by Brondello in the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft after sitting out the 2025 WNBA season. The 30-year-old won bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games and 2022 World Cup … under Brondello.
Australians Saffron Shiels and Charlise Dunn remain on the Tempo squad, both drafted by Brondello last month.
Brondello was appointed new head coach of WNBA expansion franchise on November 5, 2025, only a month after departing ways with the Liberty.
2024 WNBA champions New York didn't renew Brondello's contract after the Liberty were knocked out of the 2025 play-offs by Sami Whitcomb's Phoenix Mercury.
Wallace and Rocci are two of the three Australians waived this week.
Australian forward Amelia Hassett, who was selected with the 35th overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, was waived on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
The 190cm Albury forward played at Kentucky, starting 67 games across two seasons while emerging as a stretch forward with perimeter shooting and rebounding presence.
Hassett played 11:30 minutes against Nigeria last Sunday and scored three points to go with three boards.
Amelia Hassett – Los Angeles Sparks vs Nigeria (Sunday, April 26, 2026)
- Minutes: 11:30 │ Points: 3 │ FG: 1-2 │ 3PT: 1-2 │ FT: 0-0 │ Rebounds: 3 │ Assists: 0 │ Steals: 1 │ TO: 0 │ +/-: -6
Toronto Tempo
Basic Facts
- Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- First WNBA team located outside the United States.
- Will play home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum (capacity about 8,500) in Toronto.
- Head coach: Sandy Brondello
Ownership & Leadership
- Owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum.
- Also has co-owners: Serena Williams, Lilly Singh, and Sukhinder Singh Cassidy.
- President: Teresa Resch.
- General Manager: Monica Wright Rogers.
Branding & Identity
- Name: Toronto Tempo. Unveiled in December 2024.
- Colours: Bordeaux, hydrogen blue, black, white.
- The name “Tempo” chosen through public engagement; the idea is to reflect rhythm, pace, energy of Toronto and basketball.
Other Key Facts / Plans
- Expansion franchise was awarded in May 2024.
- Expansion fee about USD $50 million.
- Will join the WNBA in 2026.
- Founding partners and sponsors are lined up (e.g. Sephora, CIBC) and early front office hires are in place (including assistant GM etc.).
- The Tempo will also play two regular-season games in Vancouver during the 2026 season, expanding outreach in Canada.
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