Move Over Men: HOK Is Designing an Elite WNBA Training Center

By Dalene Rovenstine | Renderings courtesy of HOK

With athletes like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese becoming household names, the WNBA and women's sports in general are finally getting the attention they deserve. Canada's first WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo, commissioned global design firm HOK to build a performance center fit for these rising stars. It will open in downtown Toronto in 2028.

“It’s about building the foundation for sustained excellence,” says Monica Wright Rogers, general manager of the Tempo. “And our community deserves access to spaces that inspire the next generation.”

A world-class space like this calls for an architecture firm of the same caliber. And in turning to HOK, that’s just what the Tempo got. "We approached the center with the athletes’ experience at the core of the design, creating a high-performance environment that matches their drive," says Kristina Kamenar, the director of design, interiors at HOK Toronto.

The building includes spaces you'd expect, and some you might not. The two WNBA regulation courts, dedicated sports medicine area, strength and conditioning areas, and player lounges fit the norm. But HOK threw in some surprises. Going a step further for female athletes, HOK designed a locker room that caters to Tempo players with individual showers and changing areas for each player, salon and vanity spaces, and even a mother's room. Don’t we all wish we had these workplace amenity spaces!

"Beyond the courts and locker rooms, the performance center weaves together recovery, nutrition, strength training, and gathering spaces to support the full rhythm of the team," Kristina explains. Recovery zones include rehab areas, hydrotherapy pools, and a wellness consultation room, while the dining area is designed to foster team connection and promote nutritional health.

Though the thoughtful interiors feature a timeless, understated palette, Tempo branding (six speed lines) and official colors (Borealis Blue and Bordeaux) are curated throughout the space, exuding the team's energy. And those six speed lines in the branding represent the six boroughs of Toronto and the support from the team's "sixth player" (the fans).

Although the Tempo only officially joined the league this season, the team already has a devoted fanbase. Having Serena Williams as a joint owner helps! As does the fact that this new center is being designed to allow fans to engage with the athletes, encouraging involvement and excitement.

A critical element of the design plan was expanding access to basketball beyond the pro players. And thanks to the City of Toronto and grassroots partners, the performance center will provide developmental programming and access for local community members.

“This project represents a lasting symbol of equity, civic pride, and cultural identity,” says Paul Harrison, design principal for HOK. Above all, the performance center showcases Toronto's long-term investment in its WNBA athletes and commitment to sharing them with the community.

"As Canada’s first WNBA team, Tempo marks a pivotal moment for women’s sports," Kristina says, "and this center reflects that: a first-of-its-kind home that champions the athletes while opening its doors to the broader community." ⬥