Brittney Sykes Lands WNBA Max Contract with Toronto Tempo

Former Syracuse star overcomes injuries to secure lucrative two-year deal with expansion team

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors depicting the powerful, kinetic motion of a basketball player driving to the hoop, with the player's face and jersey dissolved into unrecognizable brushstrokes.Brittney Sykes' relentless drive and explosive talent are captured in a vibrant, expressionist painting that celebrates her journey to a WNBA max contract.Syracuse Today

Brittney Sykes, a former standout player for the Syracuse women's basketball team, has signed a maximum contract with the Toronto Tempo, one of the WNBA's new expansion teams. Sykes' journey to this point has been marked by resilience, as she overcame two ACL tears to become an integral part of Syracuse's historic 2016 national title game run. Her well-rounded skill set, including her defensive prowess, has made her a coveted free agent, and the Tempo's decision to sign her to a lucrative two-year deal is seen as a strategic move to establish the new franchise.

Why it matters

Sykes' contract represents the growing recognition and investment in women's sports. The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement, which allows for maximum contracts like Sykes', is a step towards ensuring that female athletes receive the compensation they deserve. Sykes' story also serves as an inspiration, showcasing the power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The details

Sykes, a former star at Syracuse University, has signed a two-year maximum contract with the Toronto Tempo, one of the WNBA's new expansion teams. The deal is valued at $1.19 million for the upcoming season, a significant achievement for the 28-year-old guard. Sykes' journey to this point has been marked by resilience, as she overcame two ACL tears during her college career. Despite these setbacks, she became an integral part of Syracuse's historic run to the national title game in 2016, a team widely regarded as one of the best in the program's history. Sykes' well-rounded skill set, including her defensive prowess, has made her a coveted free agent, and the Tempo's decision to sign her is seen as a strategic move to establish the new franchise.

  • Sykes signed her maximum contract with the Toronto Tempo in April 2026.
  • Sykes was a star player for the Syracuse women's basketball team, leading them to the national title game in 2016.

The players

Brittney Sykes

A 28-year-old guard who has signed a two-year maximum contract with the Toronto Tempo, one of the WNBA's new expansion teams. Sykes overcame two ACL tears during her college career at Syracuse University to become an integral part of the team's historic 2016 national title game run.

Toronto Tempo

One of the two expansion teams joining the WNBA in 2026. The Tempo made a strategic move to sign Brittney Sykes to a maximum contract, bolstering their roster with an experienced and talented player.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Toronto Tempo will look to build around Brittney Sykes as they prepare for their inaugural WNBA season, aiming to establish themselves as a competitive franchise in the league.

The takeaway

Brittney Sykes' maximum contract with the Toronto Tempo is a testament to the growing recognition and investment in women's sports. Her story of resilience and determination serves as an inspiration, and the Tempo's strategic move to sign her highlights the evolving landscape of the WNBA.