The Toronto Tempo have officially entered the WNBA history books, and they did it by selecting a player who knows a thing or two about making history herself. With the sixth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the expansion franchise chose UCLA guard Kiki Rice, cementing her as the cornerstone of their new era.

This wasn't just a milestone for the Tempo; it was a historic night for the entire UCLA Bruins program. Rice's selection capped an unprecedented run, making her the third UCLA player chosen within the first six picks. She followed her former teammates Lauren Betts (No. 4 to Washington) and Gabriela Jaquez (No. 5 to Chicago), showcasing the incredible talent pipeline coming out of Westwood.

The draft began with the Dallas Wings selecting Azzi Fudd first overall, followed by Olivia Miles to Minnesota and Awa Fam Thiam to Seattle. But the story quickly became the Bruins' dominance at the top of the board, a testament to the program's culture of excellence and player development.

For Kiki Rice, this moment is the culmination of a stellar collegiate career defined by leadership, poise, and explosive playmaking. For the Toronto Tempo, it's the first step in building an identity. Selecting a player of Rice's caliber and competitive pedigree sends a clear message: this new franchise is ready to compete, and they're building from the ground up with elite talent.