Kia Nurse is coming home.
The Hamilton, Ont. native signed with the Toronto Tempo, the team announced on Tuesday. Contract details were undisclosed.
It marks the first Canadian signing for Toronto’s expansion franchise.
“To have the opportunity to play at home, for Canada’s team, means everything to me,” Nurse said in a press release. “This country has supported me throughout my career, and being part of the Tempo as the WNBA comes to Canada is incredibly meaningful. I’m proud to represent Canada, will be proud to wear this jersey, and excited to help build something special here.”
Nurse, 30, spent last season with the Chicago Sky. She averaged 7.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists through 44 games (18 starts).
The one-time all-star has played 245 games in the WNBA since she was taken 10th overall by the New York Liberty in 2018. She holds career averages of 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in that span, split between the Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks and Sky.
Aside from her time in the WNBA, Nurse carries a decorated resume that includes two NCAA championships with UConn (2015-16), two WNBL titles in Australia (2019-20) and 2020 WNBL MVP. She’s also represented Canada with the senior women’s team for over a decade and was a member of the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympic squads.
“Kia represents everything this franchise stands for,” said general manager Monica Wright Rogers in a release. “She’s a world-class athlete, a proven professional, and someone who has helped grow the game in Canada at every level. Having a Canadian player of her stature join Canada’s first WNBA team is incredibly special, and it reinforces our commitment to building a team the entire country can rally behind.”
On Monday, the Tempo went through their first college draft and made four selections: guard Kiki Rice (No. 6), forward Teonni Key (No. 22), forward Saffron Shiels (No. 26) and guard Charlise Dunn (No. 36).
Their franchise opener is set for May 8.
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