The newly formed Toronto Tempo has made WNBA history by securing two star guards with maximum-value contracts worth over $1 million each, marking the league’s first seven-figure backcourt duo.
Marina Mabrey, 29, has agreed to a two-year deal that will pay her $1.2 million per season, according to reports. Brittney Sykes, 32, also signed a two-year maximum contract that qualifies for seven-figure compensation, establishing an unprecedented financial milestone for the women’s professional basketball league.
Both the franchise and the players’ representatives have confirmed the signings, with ESPN providing details about the contract values.
Toronto acquired Mabrey through the sixth overall selection in last week’s 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.”
During the previous season with Connecticut Sun, Mabrey posted averages of 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists across 35 games with 34 starts. Throughout her professional career beginning in 2019, she has compiled averages of 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists over 230 games and 152 starts while playing for four different franchises.
Sykes comes to Toronto through free agency following her inaugural All-Star appearance in 2025, during which she played for both 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.”
Last season, Sykes contributed 14.1 points, 4.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game over 39 contests with 38 starts. Since entering the league in 2017, she has maintained career averages of 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists through 279 games and 211 starts across four teams, earning All-Defensive team recognition four times.
The Tempo also announced Saturday the addition of veteran guard Julie Allemand. The 29-year-old was Toronto’s second overall selection in the expansion draft.
Allemand contributed 5.4 points, 5.0 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game in 34 appearances for Los Angeles Sparks last season, starting 27 contests. The Belgian player has participated in 81 games with 53 starts across three franchises since 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.”
