Building A WNBA Franchise: Coach, Staffing, And Fan Focus
Teresa Resch, president of the Toronto Tempo, on building a WNBA franchise
Resources
Resources & Recommendations
Books
- "The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company" by Bob Iger - Teresa liked this book, possibly due to her previous work with Disney, finding it a good read for leadership insights.
- Barack Obama's Post-Presidency Memoir - Teresa is currently reading this book, enjoying revisiting the period it covers and finding it fun to reflect on the world and her life during that time.
People Mentioned
- Sandy Brondello - Coach of the Toronto Tempo, whose hiring process and qualities were discussed in detail.
- Monica Rogers - General Manager of the Toronto Tempo, who led the coaching search and plays a key role in the team's strategy.
- Patrick Lee - CFO of the Toronto Tempo and employee number one.
- Larry Tanenbaum - Member of the Toronto Tempo's ownership group, described as genuine and authentic.
- Ernie Clement - Blue Jays player whose interview about team camaraderie resonated with Teresa.
- John Lewis - Discussed MLB's new media deals in a previous podcast episode.
- Austin Karp - Discussed MLB's new media deals in a previous podcast episode.
- Ben Fisher (Sports Business Journal) - Appeared on a previous podcast episode to discuss NFL business stories.
- Robbie Hummel - Discussed his role with NBC's NBA coverage in a previous podcast episode.
Organizations & Institutions
- Toronto Raptors - Teresa was a senior leader for 11 years, launching their 905 G League team and overseeing the OVO Athletic Centre design.
- University of Toronto - Will be used as the interim practice facility for the Toronto Tempo's first season.
- Coca-Cola Coliseum - The arena where the Toronto Tempo will play their home games.
- MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) - Operates Coca-Cola Coliseum and is in charge of food and beverage for the venue.
- Peace Collective - A Canadian company and licensee for Toronto Tempo merchandise, mentioned for its bomber jacket.
- Roots - A Canadian company and licensee for Toronto Tempo merchandise, mentioned for its bomber jacket.
- Fanatics - Partnered with the Toronto Tempo for merchandise, responsible for purchasing and making products available.
- Disney - Mentioned in relation to Bob Iger's book.
- Blackhawks - Teresa interviewed for their GM job in 2022.
- Atlanta - Mentioned as a previous WNBA expansion team (2008) whose data can inform strategy.
- Portland Fire - The other WNBA expansion team joining the league in the same year as the Toronto Tempo.
- Mirvish Theatre - A live theater in Toronto that Teresa subscribes to.
- Soulpepper Theatre - A live theater in Toronto that Teresa subscribes to.
- Crow's Theatre - A theater where Teresa plans to see a show.
- MLB - Mentioned for its new media deals discussed in a previous podcast episode.
- NFL - Mentioned in a previous podcast episode for business stories and the possibility of a 20-game season.
- NBC - Mentioned for its NBA coverage and Robbie Hummel's role.
- Odyssey - The company supporting the podcast.
Websites & Online Resources
- Toronto Tempo Social Channels - Where listeners can find information about the mascot audit and surveys.
Other Resources
- Mascot Audit - A process the Toronto Tempo is undertaking to determine their mascot, involving fan surveys and focus groups with children.