Key Points: A slam Dunk Partnership

• The WNBA’s Toronto Tempo secures a major sponsorship from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).
• CIBC will launch a national advertising campaign tied to the Tempo.
• The Tempo, set to debut in May 2026, aims to build a national following.

The Deal: More Than Just a Game

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is betting big on women’s basketball, backing the Toronto Tempo as the team strives for national prominence. The partnership arrives as the Tempo gears up for its inaugural season as the WNBA’s first international franchise in May 2026.

Kilmer Sports Ventures, under the leadership of billionaire Larry Tanenbaum, acquired the team last spring for an estimated $115 million. Tanenbaum also chairs Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), the parent company of the Toronto Raptors, who clinched the 2019 NBA championship.

We jumped at the opportunity to be part of a team with an ambition to build a national following, in partnership with a proven winner in Larry Tanenbaum.

Victor Dodig,CIBC chief executive officer

Building a National Brand

While the Tempo’s home base will be Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum,which seats 8,700,the team intends to host games across Canada next year. This strategy aims to cultivate a nationwide fan base.

The Tempo represents a movement, not a moment, and we are thrilled CIBC recognizes the WNBA’s potential in Canada.

Teresa Resch, Tempo president and former Raptors executive

Chief revenue officer Lisa Ferkul echoed this sentiment, stating, Our goal is to ensure the Tempo become part of the DNA of sports in Canada. The team plans to play games in Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax to broaden its reach.

Banks Battle for Sports Dominance

the Tempo’s partnership with CIBC highlights the escalating competition among Canadian banks in the realm of sports marketing. Bank of Nova Scotia, a long-time supporter of NHL hockey, has also become a founding partner of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which debuted in January 2024.

The Tempo will introduce a CIBC courtside club offering reserved seating at home games, mirroring Toronto-Dominion Bank‘s strategy with prime seats at Toronto Blue Jays baseball games.

We feel the energy building around landing a WNBA franchise in Canada and we’re proud of the work our teams are doing to make this a win for fans and also for our communities.

Stephen Forbes, executive vice-president of CIBC

CIBC’s existing sports affiliations include TV commercials featuring Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid and logo placements on Ottawa Senators jerseys.

WNBA’s Rising Star

established in 1996, the WNBA is recognized as the leading professional women’s basketball league. The Golden State Valkyries will join this season as the 13th team, with Toronto and Portland set to follow next year.

The league experienced a surge in television ratings last year, fueled by Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, whose college stardom translated into increased viewership. ESPN’s coverage of 24 WNBA games averaged 1.2 million viewers, a 170% increase from 2023.

Tempo’s Growing Roster of partners

In January,the Tempo announced cosmetics giant Sephora as its inaugural sponsor. Players will feature both Sephora and CIBC logos on their jerseys. Looking ahead, CIBC and Sephora will participate in Tempo events such as the entry draft, free agent signings, and college draft, according to Ms. Ferkul.

Adding to the team’s star power, retired tennis icon Serena Williams acquired a stake in the Tempo in March. Mr.Tanenbaum is expected to bring additional partners into the WNBA team’s ownership group.

A Sports Empire in the Making

The Tempo is a key component of Mr. Tanenbaum’s vision for a sports empire independent of MLSE, which encompasses the NHL’s Maple Leafs, MLS’s Toronto FC, and CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

Rogers Communications Inc. is currently in the process of acquiring a 75% stake in MLSE by purchasing BCE Inc.’s share for $4.7 billion. Rogers is anticipated to exercise its option to buy Mr. Tanenbaum’s remaining 25% stake in 2026, thereby securing full ownership.