New Toronto Tempo players are already baffled by Toronto traffic

Toronto Tempo players have arrived, ahead of the new WNBA team's inaugural season. And while they await tip off of their first regular season game on May 8, much of the roster is adjusting to the city's nuances and culture.

Speaking with blogTO at Tempo media day, rookies Kiki Rice and Teonni Key said they've been in the city for more than a week, and they've already noticed Toronto's traffic. 

"I think the traffic has been the biggest adjustment for me," said Key. "It's just something I'm not used to."

Toronto Tempo rookies Kiki Rice (left) and Teonni Key speak to the media at Tempo Media Day. (Marley Dickinson/Offside)

Before being selected by Toronto 22nd overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Key spent two seasons playing at the University of Kentucky, and grew up in Cary, N.C.—both places are significantly smaller than Toronto.

Toronto's lottery pick, Rice, echoed Key's sentiments.

"It's been a lot of change for both of us. We both only moved here a little over a week ago," she said. "This is also our first time in Toronto, but honestly, it's been really great."

Adjusting to life in Toronto has also meant learning where to shop.

Rice said one place she struggled to find was a CVS Pharmacy. 

"They usually have those on every corner in the States, but apparently not here," Rice said. "So, I've learned about places like Farm Boy and a few other spots that are equivalent."

Kia Nurse, a seven-year WNBA veteran, said she has quickly become the go-to teammate for questions about Toronto—even though she grew up in Hamilton.

"I've been asked how to get cable, where the closest CVS is, and more," Nurse said. "One teammate even told me that Shoppers Drug Mart is like CVS on crack, which is 'awesome' apparently."

"I'm trying my best to help them," Nurse laughed.

The traffic and unfamiliarity with stores seemed to be the only grievance by Tempo players so far, but the city's congestion could soon become far worse with the FIFA World Cup coming to town in June and July.

The Tempo's home arena, Coca-Cola Coliseum, sits between BMO Field (where Toronto's World Cup matches will be played) and Fort York (the location of the city's FIFA Fan Festival).

The Tempo are scheduled to play five home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum during the World Cup, which could add some time for players and fans trying to get to games.

Besides navigating traffic and trying to find a CVS equivalent, Rice and Key said they've still found time between training and practice to explore Toronto and experience "a few" good spots.

The Tempo will play two preseason games (one home and one away) this week before trimming their roster from 19 players to 12 ahead of their inaugural regular-season game against the Washington Mystics on May 8.