The 2026 WNBA free agency has been a whirlwind. Recent news has brought exciting developments for Toronto Tempo fans. According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, center Temi Fágbénlé has signed a one-year contract worth one million dollars with the Tempo. Last season, Temi played for the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries, and had an outstanding year. Before that, she had one of her best seasons with the Indiana Fever in 2024.
Temi Fágbénlé “Got the Bag” One-Million Contract
Champion, champion and champion again. 🤩
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) April 14, 2026
Get to know more about Temi Fágbénlé ➡️ pic.twitter.com/aeXG38hTrm
Let’s discuss the one-million-dollar contracts and the movement that will change WNBA players’ lives. Temi is not the first player to sign a one-million-dollar contract; however, this changes everything for the third-round pick in the 2016 draft. This goes to show that hard work pays off, whether you start or come off the bench in the WNBA. From winning a championship with the Minnesota Lynx in 2017 to being fifth overall in the 2025 expansion draft with Golden State. This will be Fágbénlé’s fourth team in her WNBA career.
Other players with life-changing million-dollar contracts include Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces), Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo), Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces), and Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx), among others.
Temi has rightfully earned her one-year, one-million-dollar contract. Despite what casual fans may say, they haven’t witnessed the hard work Fágbénlé has put in over the years. Her golden year was with the Indiana Fever; she was a vital post player for a young Fever team. They relied on her shooting and defensive skills. She played 22 games and started two in 2024.
Temi’s statistics with Indiana were impressive. She averaged 18.9 minutes per game, shot 50% from the field, and had a free-throw percentage of 78%. Additionally, she recorded an average of 4.7 total rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 6.4 points per game. Her performance only got better with the Valkyries in 2025. Temi improved her game all across the board with Golden State.
In 2025, she played 17 more games than she did in 2024. Temi played in 39 games, starting 38 of them while playing for the Valkyries. Her average playing time increased from 18.9 minutes per game with Indiana to 23.7 minutes per game with Golden State. She maintained a shooting percentage of 50%, and her total rebounds rose to an average of 4.9 per game. Additionally, she facilitated play by averaging 1.6 assists.
Her defensive skills improved compared to her time with Indiana, with averages of 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. By the end of 2025, Temi averaged 7.4 points per game. This is the caliber of player Toronto will be accustomed to.
We’re all in on building something special together. 💪
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) April 14, 2026
Welcome, Temi! pic.twitter.com/H99LHUBvbR
Let’s celebrate all the women in the WNBA and their promising futures, with salaries that can significantly improve their lives and those of their loved ones.
Stay tuned for the 30th season of the WNBA.
Follow me on Twitter @CoachGuevara205 and read other excellent Beyond Women’s Sports articles. Also, make sure to shop all things WNBA and Soccer merch here.
