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Cary Today
By the People, for the People
Kentucky's Teonni Key Grateful for Opportunity, Excited for WNBA Debut
Key was drafted 22nd overall by the Toronto Tempo, one of four Wildcats selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:00pm
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Teonni Key's WNBA draft selection caps a transformative college career, as the Kentucky forward prepares to join the new Toronto Tempo franchise.Cary TodayKentucky senior Teonni Key, a 6-foot-5 forward from Cary, North Carolina, was selected 22nd overall by the Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Key, who averaged a career-high 11.4 points per game last season, expressed gratitude for her time at Kentucky and excitement to play alongside the Tempo's first-round pick, UCLA's Kiki Rice.
Why it matters
Key's selection continues Kentucky's strong pipeline to the WNBA, with a program-record four Wildcats being drafted this year. The Tempo, an expansion team, will be looking to Key and Rice to help build a competitive roster in their inaugural season.
The details
Key played sparingly in her first three years due to injuries before thriving at Kentucky under coach Kenny Brooks. She was the Wildcats' second-round pick, with Chicago selecting point guard Tonie Morgan 32nd overall, LA taking wing Amelia Hassett 35th, and Las Vegas drafting guard/forward Jordan Obi 44th.
- Teonni Key was selected 22nd overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, April 14, 2026.
- Key averaged a career-high 11.4 points per game during the 2025-26 season at Kentucky.
The players
Teonni Key
A 6-foot-5 forward from Cary, North Carolina, who was the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Toronto Tempo.
Kiki Rice
A 5-foot-11 guard from UCLA who was the Tempo's first-round pick and averaged career-highs of 14.9 points and a .490 field goal percentage for the national champion Bruins.
Kenny Brooks
The head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats women's basketball team, who helped develop Key into a WNBA draft pick.
Tonie Morgan
A Kentucky point guard who was selected 32nd overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Amelia Hassett
A Kentucky wing player who was drafted 35th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
What they’re saying
“Kentucky was so amazing. It was such a great opportunity. I am forever grateful. They gave me a chance, loving me and showing me how good I can be. I am super grateful for my time at Kentucky. Outside of basketball, it has been amazing, too. Everybody was so welcoming. Just genuine people. It was better than I could have ever imagined it would have been.”
— Teonni Key, Kentucky Senior
“I think it is going to be a great year. I have just been soaking it all in.”
— Teonni Key, Kentucky Senior
“She is a great player. I watched her in the championship game. Her career has been really good and I am super excited just to get started with her.”
— Teonni Key, Kentucky Senior
What’s next
Key and her new Tempo teammates will begin preparing for the 2026 WNBA season, which tips off in May.
The takeaway
Key's journey from injury-plagued prospect to WNBA draft pick showcases the transformative impact of Kentucky's coaching staff and the program's continued success in developing talent for the professional ranks.
