WNBA Free Agency: Grading Mabrey and Sykes signing in Toronto
The Toronto Tempo are signing the WNBA’s first million-dollar backcourt duo.
COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 8: Marina Mabrey #3 of the Connecticut Sun walks on the court before a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Connecticut Sun at Gateway Center Arena on September 8, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew J.
Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images The Toronto Tempo are coming out swinging in their very first WNBA free agency, signing the WNBA’s first million-dollar backcourt. Per ESPN, the Tempo are signing Marina Mabrey (who they cored this week) as well as Brittney Sykes to 2-year, max contracts. As the core player for the Tempo, Mabrey was eligible for $1.
4 million this year, but likely negotiated a 2-year contract at the regular max of $1. 19 million in year one with a slight bump up in 2027. The Tempo chose her from the Connecticut Sun in the expansion draft with the intention to core her.
Sykes comes to Toronto by way of Seattle, where she was traded midseason in 2025. She’s a strong two-way shooting guard, a WNBA All-Star, and a 4x WNBA All-Defense selection. Her veteran presence was significant on the Washington Mystics at the beginning of last season, which is likely a big reason Toronto had sought her out.