Toronto Tempo Guards Brittney Sykes and Kiki Rice Sidelined with Leg Injuries, Expected to Return in 2026

The Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's newest expansion franchise, faces the first major adversity of its inaugural 2026 season. The team announced on Friday that starting guards Brittney Sykes and Kiki Rice will be sidelined for the foreseeable future due to lower-body injuries. Despite the immediate setback to the active roster, the franchise offered a hopeful long-term outlook, confirming that both players are expected to make full recoveries and return to the court before the end of the current campaign. The dual injuries represent a significant hurdle for a team that had been performing admirably in its debut year, but the positive medical prognosis has provided a sense of relief for the organization and its growing fanbase.[1][2]

The most recent blow came when veteran guard Brittney Sykes suffered a plantar fascia injury during a Tuesday matchup against the Indiana Fever. The non-contact injury occurred in the third quarter as Sykes attempted to execute a sharp cut toward the basket. Visibly in pain, the 32-year-old had to be assisted off the court, unable to put full weight on her legs. The team stated that she will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks to determine a precise timeline for her return. Plantar fascia injuries can be notoriously tricky to manage, often requiring extended rest and careful rehabilitation to prevent chronic discomfort, making the team's cautious approach entirely necessary.[3][4]

Before going down, Sykes was enjoying a stellar season, leading the Tempo with an average of 20.1 points per game—ranking her among the top five scorers in the entire WNBA. The four-time All-Defensive team selection was also contributing 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest, providing vital veteran leadership for the expansion roster. Her absence removes a primary ball-handler, an elite perimeter defender, and the team's most reliable scoring option from Toronto's starting five. Head coach and management are now forced to heavily adjust their rotations and offensive schemes to compensate for the massive void left by their marquee offseason acquisition.[1][6]

Compounding the loss of Sykes is the continued absence of rookie standout Kiki Rice, who has been sidelined since June 3. The Tempo confirmed that Rice sustained a Grade 3 left ankle sprain during a hard-fought game against the New York Liberty. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter when Rice landed awkwardly after her shot was contested and blocked by former MVP Jonquel Jones. Rice immediately grabbed her leg in pain and hobbled to the locker room, missing the team's subsequent matchups. A Grade 3 sprain indicates a complete tear of the ligament, which explains the extended recovery period required before she can safely resume basketball activities.[1][5]

Selected sixth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft out of UCLA, the 22-year-old Rice had quickly acclimated to the speed and physicality of the professional level. Through her first 10 games, she averaged 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, establishing herself as a cornerstone for the franchise's future. She had scored 15 or more points in four of her seven starts, showcasing the dynamic playmaking ability that made her a highly touted prospect. Her rapid development and seamless integration into the starting lineup was one of the brightest storylines for the Tempo before the severe ankle sprain temporarily halted her momentum.[3][6]

The dual injuries leave Toronto severely depleted in the backcourt as they navigate a grueling stretch of the regular-season schedule. The Tempo are currently sitting at 7-8, a highly respectable record for an expansion team, but they have dropped three consecutive games, including back-to-back blowout losses. With upcoming matchups against heavyweights like the Connecticut Sun, Los Angeles Sparks, and Phoenix Mercury, Toronto will need unexpected contributions from its bench to stay afloat in the playoff race. The lack of available guards means that opposing defenses will likely apply intense pressure, testing the composure of the remaining ball-handlers on the roster.[3][4]

The situation is further complicated by lingering health issues elsewhere on the roster, threatening to stretch the team's depth to its absolute limit. Forward Nyara Sabally has been dealing with a right hamstring injury, missing recent games and leaving her status questionable for the immediate future. If Sabally remains unavailable, Toronto could be forced to dress as few as nine active players for their upcoming contests. Analysts note that the team lacks secondary playmakers capable of fully replacing the production and court vision that Sykes and Rice provide, placing immense pressure on the remaining guards to initiate the offense and create scoring opportunities.[1][4]

Despite the daunting short-term challenges, the overarching sentiment surrounding the Tempo remains overwhelmingly optimistic. The medical staff's assessment that neither injury is season-ending provides a significant morale boost for the locker room and the broader community. As the first WNBA franchise located outside the United States, Toronto has enjoyed robust fan support, and the eventual return of their star backcourt duo is expected to provide a major spark for a late-season playoff push. Until then, the team will focus on diligent rehabilitation and weathering the storm, knowing that their foundational pieces will be back on the hardwood before the year concludes.[2][5]