Toronto signs WNBA's first $1M backcourt pairing

The expansion Toronto Tempo signed guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes to two-year max contracts.

Mabrey, 29, reportedly will earn $1.2 million in each of the next two seasons. Sykes, 32, is also eligible for a seven-figure deal, making them the league's first known $1 million backcourt.

The team and the players' agent confirmed the signings, with ESPN reporting on the financial details.

The Tempo selected Mabrey with the sixth overall pick last week in the WNBA expansion draft.

"Marina plays with a level of confidence and edge that stands out," Toronto general manager Monica Wright Rogers, said in a news release on Saturday. "She's a player who isn't afraid of big moments, can create offense in a variety of ways, and brings a strong competitive presence every game. Identifying her in the Expansion Draft and now officially welcoming her to Toronto is an exciting step for our organization."

Mabrey averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 35 games (34 starts) last season with the Connecticut Sun. She has career averages of 12.5 points, 3.5 boards and 3.2 assists in 230 games (152 starts) with four teams since 2019.

Sykes joins the Tempo as a free agent after earning her first All-Star selection in 2025 while splitting the season with the Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm.

"Brittney is an elite competitor who impacts winning on both ends of the floor," Wright Rogers said. "Her defensive versatility, toughness, and leadership set a standard, and adding a player of her caliber and All-Star experience is a significant step as we continue to build our roster."

Sykes averaged 14.1 points, 4.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 39 games (38 starts) last season. She has averaged 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 279 games (211 starts) with four teams since 2017 and is a four-time member of the league's All-Defensive team.

Toronto also announced the signing veteran guard Julie Allemand on Saturday. Allemand, 29, was the No. 2 overall pick in the expansion draft.

Allemand averaged 5.4 points, 5.0 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 34 games (27 starts) with the Los Angeles Sparks last season. The Belgium native has appeared in 81 games (53 starts) with three teams since making her WNBA debut in 2020.

"Julie is a true point guard who brings poise, intelligence, and a team-first approach every time she steps onto the floor," Wright Rogers said. "She has played and led at the highest levels internationally and in the WNBA, and her experience, voice, and feel for the game are incredibly valuable as we continue to build our identity."

--Field Level Media