Teresa Resch, the first president of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, is spearheading the creation of the franchise’s inaugural team as it prepares to launch in May 2025. From her roots in Lakefield, Minnesota, a small town of just 1,400 people, Resch’s path has been shaped by a lifelong passion for sports and leadership, aspects that now fuel her vision for this historic expansion team in Canada’s largest city.
Lakefield’s quiet rural setting, with just one dentist, lawyer, and doctor each, was a stark contrast to bustling Toronto, yet it laid the foundation for Resch’s grounded approach. Growing up, she held various leadership roles including president of her local 4-H Club, and participated in activities such as showing sheep at fairs and competing in a meat-judging contest. Standing six feet tall, Resch naturally gravitated toward high school basketball but ultimately focused on volleyball, where a technical coach greatly influenced her game and love for sport.
Pathway Into Sports Management and the Birth of Toronto’s WNBA Team
Though originally studying communications, Resch pivoted to a business major and joined her college volleyball team. An encounter while attending the NCAA finals with a championship director sparked her ambition to work in sports administration. That moment cemented her decision to pursue a career in sports management.
Her professional journey advanced in 2013 when she joined the Toronto Raptors organization. Her longstanding connection with Larry Tanenbaum, an owner at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and a passionate advocate for bringing a WNBA franchise to Toronto, played an instrumental role.
“If it was something Larry believed in, it was probably going to happen,”
Resch explains.
The Tempo marks the first-ever WNBA team in Canada, presenting both the challenge and opportunity of building everything from the ground up.
“There’s never been a WNBA team in Canada, so we get to build everything from scratch,”
she states. Launching a new team means creating its identity, including the name and logo, which adds complexity to the process.
Distinct Evolution of Women’s Sports Compared to Established Men’s Leagues
Resch highlights the key difference in timelines, noting that while the Raptors entered her career already two decades old, the WNBA itself has existed only for about 30 years. Men’s professional sports franchises often boast histories spanning hundreds of years, whereas women’s teams like the Toronto Tempo are still in their early stages of development.
Toronto’s WNBA franchise was officially awarded in May 2024, with the team’s debut game scheduled a year later. Resch is determined to fully absorb the significance of this milestone, which she sees as an important moment not only for the city but also for the players and Canadian basketball fans.
“It’s going to be historic. I need to be sure that I stay present for that moment and embrace what it means for the city, the country, the players and our community,”
she shares.
Building a Team Based on Unity, Passion, and Community Stories
Known for her extroverted nature, Resch draws energy from connecting with people, and plans to celebrate the first game by engaging deeply with the community and reliving memorable moments alongside those involved. Her philosophy underlines teamwork both on and off the court,
“When you’re on a team, everyone has to be good at passing and setting and serving. The weak link can be singled out, but we don’t want that. We’re all stronger together.”
She emphasizes that the goal is for fans to connect with Toronto Tempo not simply through wins and losses, but through the inspiring stories of the players and the franchise’s unique journey. This approach aims to foster a lasting bond between the team and its supporters.
Personal Connection to Canada and Commitment to the Toronto Tempo
After nearly thirteen years living in Canada, Resch officially became a Canadian citizen in 2022, reflecting her strong connection to the country and especially Toronto.
“I love living here so much that I became a citizen in 2022. After nearly 13 years, the longest I’ve lived anywhere other than Lakefield, I feel Canadian. I feel at home here,”
she affirms.
Her dedication to building the WNBA Toronto Tempo comes not only from professional ambition but also from a personal commitment to being part of something groundbreaking in Canadian sports history. As the franchise moves forward, Resch’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the team’s identity and fostering the growth of women’s basketball in Canada.
