Toronto Tempo Select Kitija Laksa in 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft
The Toronto Tempo have added a proven international scoring threat to their inaugural roster, selecting Latvian standout Kitija Laksa in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft. The move provides the new franchise with a versatile wing who brings a championship pedigree from Europe and a long-standing ambition to establish a permanent footprint in the WNBA.
Laksa, a 6-foot-1 small forward and guard, joins Toronto during a pivotal moment for the league as it expands its reach. The 2026 expansion draft saw the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire select a combined 22 players to build their foundational rosters from the ground up.
A Journey to the Six
For Laksa, the selection by Toronto represents the latest chapter in a professional journey defined by resilience and high-level competition. While she has been a dominant force in European basketball, her path through the WNBA has been a series of brief stints and missed opportunities. She was first introduced to the league in 2020, when the Seattle Storm selected her in the first round as the 11th overall pick.
Despite signing with the Storm on April 25, 2020, Laksa did not spot game action during that season and was eventually waived on May 13, 2021. She attempted a return to the league in February 2023, signing with the Dallas Wings, but was waived on May 10 before she could make her on-court debut. Most recently, Laksa signed with the Phoenix Mercury on February 12, 2025, before the expansion process shifted her trajectory toward Canada.
The transition to Toronto offers Laksa a fresh start with a franchise that is actively seeking established talent to anchor its early identity. For global readers, the move to Toronto places Laksa in one of North America’s most diverse basketball hubs, where the Tempo aim to capture a passionate international fan base.
European Dominance and Pedigree
While Laksa’s WNBA tenure has been intermittent, her resume in Europe is elite. She has spent the last several years proving herself as one of the premier players in the women’s game outside of the United States. Her time with Fenerbahçe was particularly decorated; in 2024, she achieved the “Triple Crown,” winning the EuroLeague Women title, the Turkish Cup, and maintaining a high standard of play across all competitions.
Laksa’s success is not limited to 2024. In 2023, she secured the FIBA Europe SuperCup Women championship. This track record of winning at the highest levels of international basketball provides the Toronto Tempo with a veteran presence who understands the pressure of championship environments.
Before her recent success in Turkey and Italy with PF Schio (2024–2025), Laksa spent four seasons with TTT Riga from 2019 to 2023, establishing herself as a cornerstone of Latvian basketball.
Collegiate Roots and Physical Profile
Laksa’s foundation in the American game was built at the University of South Florida, where she played for the Bulls from 2015 to 2019. Her impact was immediate; she was named the AAC Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the AAC All-Freshman Team in 2016.
Her collegiate career faced a significant hurdle in November 2018, when a knee injury forced her to miss the remainder of her senior season. Rather than returning for a fifth year of eligibility, Laksa opted to turn professional in July 2019, signing with TTT Riga.
Physically, Laksa provides the Tempo with significant length and versatility. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 155 lbs, she possesses the size to defend multiple positions and the shooting range to stretch opposing defenses.
Player Profile: Kitija Laksa
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Small Forward / Guard |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 155 lb (70 kg) |
| Nationality | Latvia |
| College | South Florida |
| WNBA Draft | 2020: 1st Round, 11th Overall (Seattle Storm) |
The Expansion Context
The addition of Laksa is part of a broader strategic build for the Toronto Tempo. The 2026 expansion draft is designed to distribute talent across the new franchises—Toronto and Portland—to ensure the league remains competitive as it grows. By selecting a player with Laksa’s international experience, Toronto is prioritizing a “plug-and-play” athlete who can contribute immediately without a steep learning curve regarding professional expectations.
The WNBA expansion is more than just adding teams; it is an expansion of the league’s global footprint. Bringing in a Latvian national team star like Laksa signals Toronto’s intent to be a destination for the world’s best talent, not just domestic stars.
For the Tempo, the challenge now lies in integrating these expansion picks into a cohesive system. Laksa’s ability to play both the guard and forward positions gives the coaching staff tactical flexibility in their rotations.
What’s Next for Laksa and the Tempo
As the Toronto Tempo finalize their roster, the focus shifts to training camp and the integration of the 2026 expansion class. Laksa will be looking to finally translate her European dominance into consistent WNBA production, utilizing the stability of a new franchise to carve out a permanent role in the starting lineup.
The league continues to monitor the roster builds of both Toronto and Portland as they prepare for their inaugural seasons. Fans can expect further updates as the Tempo announce their full roster and coaching strategies.
For more detailed statistics and updated player profiles, fans can follow the Kitija Laksa profile on ESPN or review her career history via Wikipedia.
Next Checkpoint: The Toronto Tempo are expected to announce further roster moves and their official 2026 preseason schedule in the coming weeks.
Do you think Kitija Laksa will be a starter for the Toronto Tempo in their inaugural season? Let us grasp your thoughts in the comments below.
