Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Sign New Zealand Defender Rebecca Lake
Vancouver Rise FC announced on Thursday that the club has signed New Zealand defender Rebecca Lake as their final signing of the transfer window.
We’re excited to welcome Rebecca Lake to our roster” said Interim Sporting Director Robyn Gale. “Rebecca brings an ambitious mindset with strong leadership qualities, adding valuable depth at the center back position.”
Lake, 26, joins from A-League side Wellington Phoenix FC. The Kiwi joined New Zealand-based Phoenix FC in 2023, playing 19 times across two seasons where she was vice-captain.
“I’m already loving the environment here at Vancouver Rise—great players, but even better people” said Lake on her signing. “Everyone’s got a winning mindset, and I can’t wait to get involved.”
Prior to joining Phoenix, Lake played for Northern Tigers FC in 2023 in the New South Wales National Premier Leagues (NPL), Australia’s third division for Women’s football. She played 18 times and made 14 starts for Tigers FC, helping them finish fifth in the table out of 14 teams. In New Zealand, Lake was an integral part of New Zealand National Women’s National League side Canterbury United Pride, having played there from 2014 until 2022. The defender was captain of The Pride for three seasons, including when they won the historic three-peat league championship in 2020, scoring three goals on the way to the title.
“We are very happy to have Rebecca at Vancouver Rise FC.” said Rise FC Head Coach Anja Heiner-Møller. “Rebecca comes in with great experience and leadership skills as a centerback. She has only been with us for a few days, but her willingness to impact the ball and positive mindset has been noticed already.”
Internationally, Lake has represented New Zealand at both the U-17 and U-20 level, going to two youth FIFA World Cups in 2016 (U-17 in Jordan) and 2018 (U-20 in France). She was also called up to the senior national team in January of 2023 in their friendlies against the United States. Lake also captained the New Zealand futsal team in the 2022 World University Championship in Portugal. In her youth, she played for Waimakariri United in New Zealand.
Rebecca Lake
Pronunciation: Re-BECK-ka LAYKE
Position: Defender
Height: 5-09
Date of Birth: May 13, 1999 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand
Citizenship: New Zealand
Status: International
Previous Clubs: Wellington Phoenix FC (Australia), Northern Tigers FC (Australia), Canterbury United Pride (New Zealand).
Sports
Toronto Tempo Could Make WNBA Attendance History in Montreal
The Toronto Tempo are on the verge of making WNBA history when they bring their Cross-Canada Series to Montreal next month.
The Tempo will face the Atlanta Dream at the Bell Centre on July 10, with the possibility of setting a new attendance record for a WNBA game. If the game sells out, more than 22,000 fans would fill the arena, surpassing the current WNBA regular-season attendance record of 20,711 set by the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena in 2024.
A packed Bell Centre would also eclipse the WNBA playoff attendance record of 22,076, which was established during Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals between the Detroit Shock and Los Angeles Sparks before being matched in Game 5 of the 2007 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock. It would mark the largest crowd ever for a professional women’s basketball regular-season game, breaking the previous record of 21,490 set during an Unrivaled game in Philadelphia earlier this year.
The potential milestone comes during the Tempo‘s inaugural WNBA season and would add another chapter to the continued growth of women’s basketball in Canada.
“Playing two games in Montreal this summer is a huge moment for the Tempo and for basketball in Canada,” said Tempo President Teresa Resch. “From the beginning, we’ve said we want to be Canada’s team, and bringing the WNBA to Montreal is an important part of that vision. There is such a strong and passionate basketball community in Quebec, and we’re excited to connect with fans there in a meaningful way. We can’t wait to experience the energy inside the Bell Centre and continue growing the game across the country together.”
The Cross-Canada Series will offer more than basketball. Throughout the weekend, the Tempo will host community events, youth programs and fan experiences aimed at growing the sport across Quebec.
The team is partnering with Ball Her Way and the Mathurin Family Foundation to increase access to basketball for young athletes, including a girls’ 3-on-3 tournament presented by Canadian Tire featuring teams from Montreal and Quebec City. The Tempo say more community investments and programming in the Montreal area will be announced in the coming months.
Fans can take part in Tempo Live at the Bell Centre on July 11. The free event will include interactive basketball activities, community clinics, exclusive merchandise and family-friendly entertainment.
The weekend concludes on July 12, when the Tempo host the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty at the Bell Centre at 3 p.m. ET as part of the Cross-Canada Series.
Tickets for both Montreal games are available through Ticketmaster.
Sports
Toronto Tempo Unveil Bold “Rebel” Uniform Ahead of Inaugural Home Opener
The Toronto Tempo have revealed their new “Rebel” edition uniform, giving fans a first look at the alternate jersey the team will wear during its inaugural WNBA season.
The unveiling comes just ahead of the Tempo’s first-ever home opener and marks another milestone for the league’s newest franchise as it continues to establish its identity on and off the court.
The Rebel uniform is part of the WNBA’s league-wide alternate jersey program, which encourages each franchise to create a design that reflects its values, community, and culture. For the Tempo, that vision extends beyond Toronto.
The front of the jersey features “Tempo” across the chest, reinforcing the organization’s message that, while the club calls Toronto home, it represents basketball fans across Canada. The design is centered around the team’s secondary “T” logo, with speed lines extending outward to symbolize movement, pace, and the style of play the Tempo hope to bring to the court.
The uniform is finished in Borealis Blue, offering a cool contrast to the team’s signature Tempo Bordeaux colour. Flowing lines throughout the shorts are meant to capture the rhythm and motion of basketball, creating a look that emphasizes speed and constant movement.
The jersey also highlights two of the franchise’s founding partners. Beauty retailer Sephora appears on the shoulder, while CIBC’s logo is featured on the front of the jersey.
“The Rebel uniform is where we push boundaries and fully express who we are as the Toronto Tempo,” said Whitney Bell, the team’s Chief Marketing Officer, in a statement. “It’s bold, unapologetic, and rooted in the energy of our city. Every detail is designed to celebrate individuality, creativity, and the next generation of athletes and fans redefining the game. This jersey isn’t just something you wear—it’s a statement about where we’re going.”
Fans won’t have to wait long to get their own. The Toronto Tempo’s Rebel jersey is available now through the team’s online store (shop.torontotempo.com) as excitement continues to build for the franchise’s first season in the WNBA.