Story perspectives

Toronto Tempo Signs First Million-Dollar WNBA Backcourt Duo

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Toronto Tempo signed guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes to two-year contracts, creating the first million-dollar backcourt pairing in WNBA history.
Their agent, Marcus Crenshaw, confirmed the deals, which are near the maximum allowed under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Mabrey averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists last season with the Connecticut Sun.
Sykes, a first-time All-Star in 2025, averaged 14.1 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals with the Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm.
The Tempo's inaugural season starts on May 8.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA's landmark collective bargaining agreement, ratified in January 2020, marked a significant shift in player compensation and benefits, raising average salaries to over six figures for the first time. This agreement followed years of advocacy by the WNBA Players Association, which was formed in 1998, and reflects the ongoing push for equity in women's professional sports, enhancing visibility and investment in female athletes.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Toronto Tempo signed guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes to two-year contracts, creating the first million-dollar backcourt pairing in WNBA history.
Their agent, Marcus Crenshaw, confirmed the deals, which are near the maximum allowed under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Mabrey averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists last season with the Connecticut Sun.
Sykes, a first-time All-Star in 2025, averaged 14.1 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals with the Washington Mystics and Seattle Storm.
The Tempo's inaugural season starts on May 8.

1 / 2