Robin Roberts, Serena Williams Launch Docuseries on This All-New Women's Franchise

A brand-new series heading to the "worldwide leader in sports" is all about setting the tempo.

Backed by A-list executive producers Ryan Reynolds, Serena Williams and Robin Roberts, an upcoming ESPN Original Series has been greenlit by the iconic network that centers on the WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo.

The four-episode series, cleverly dubbed Setting the Tempo, takes audiences inside the "exhilarating, high-stakes process of building a WNBA franchise from the ground up," according to an ESPN news release on Monday, June 15. It promises to capture the relentless race against the clock as the top-tier leadership evaluates talent, establishes a culture and lays the foundation for sustained success.

"As someone who has loved women's basketball and had the privilege of being part of the WNBA's story since the very beginning, this project feels incredibly special," said Roberts, 65, in a statement. "The launch of the Toronto Tempo represents a defining moment for the league and for women's sports in Canada. This series captures the passion, pressure and purpose behind building a franchise from the ground up, while shining a light on the women leading the way and shaping the future of the game."

"With the incredible growth of the WNBA and women's basketball, this is the perfect time to showcase the launch of Canada's first WNBA franchise," added Lindsay Rovegno, ESPN Originals vice president & executive producer, in a statement. "Setting the Tempo presents a rare opportunity for fans to see what it truly takes to build a successful organization, shining a spotlight on the female executives whose decisions and vision are laying the foundation for the future."

Williams, 44, is a principal owner of the Tempo, Canada's first-ever WNBA team that is preparing for its inaugural season. With expectations soaring, national pride on the line, and the countdown to tip-off accelerating, Setting the Tempo promises to chronicle "the ambition, pressure, and purpose behind launching a franchise determined to make an immediate impact," according to ESPN.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 6:08 PM.