What to know
- Kyle Lowry and Ayahna Cornish-Lowry have joined the Toronto Tempo’s ownership group, strengthening the team’s commitment to growing women’s basketball in Canada.
- The announcement comes as Lowry officially retires as a Toronto Raptor, calling the investment a “true full circle moment” for his family.
- Raptors and Tempo fans flooded social media with praise, saying the move further cements Lowry’s lasting impact on Toronto and Canadian basketball.
Kyle Lowry and his wife, Ayahna Cornish-Lowry, are the latest to join the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, and local WNBA fans couldn’t be happier.
The Raptors legend and his entrepreneur and philanthropist wife made the announcement on Tuesday. This move, the Tempo says, further strengthens the organization’s commitment to growing and investing in women’s basketball.
Hailing from North Philadelphia and playing for the Raptors from 2012-2021, Lowry became a local favourite during his nine seasons in Toronto, becoming an instrumental part of the team’s first NBA Championship in 2019. Widely considered one of the most respected and beloved players in team history, the announcement coincided with Lowry signing a one-day contract before retiring with the Raps, fulfilling a promise that he would officially end his career with the local team.
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An accomplished hooper, philanthropist and advocate for youth and families, Cornish-Lowry is a superstar in her own right. During her time at St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania, she secured the title of the women’s basketball team’s Best Offensive Player for two consecutive seasons. Additionally, she co-founded the Lowry Love Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for underserved communities while encouraging positive and meaningful change through education, wellness and sport.
“We are a huge basketball family and have been big supporters of the WNBA since day one,” the couple said in a statement.
“This feels like a true full circle moment to announce our ownership in the Tempo. We’re excited to help build something special in Toronto, inspire the next generation of athletes and fans, and support the continued growth of women’s basketball in Canada.”
Meanwhile, Toronto Tempo Chairman Larry Tanenbaum gave the couple their flowers, saying they made an immeasurable impact on the game of basketball and on the City of Toronto.
“Their commitment to community, their passion for growing the game and their belief in the future of women’s sports make them outstanding additions to our ownership group. We are proud to welcome them to the Tempo family.”
Fans show love for the Lowrys
Following the announcement, thousands of Tempo, Raptors, and Lowry fans took to social media to share their excitement.
“This is incredible!!! Only love for the Lowrys! &… that was kept secret!” one fan wrote on X.
“Whatever keeps Kyle in Canada and involved in basketball development, I’m down for that,” another posted.
“I thought he was coming back to be on the coaching team, but this is even better.”
Some supporters took the time to highlight how this investment is part of the Lowry family’s legacy in Toronto.
“THIS is how you give back and support the city that you call home… sticking around and pouring into it,” one Toronto fan posted to X. “One of the greatest athletes to ever play in Toronto and bring a championship to us. You will forever be loved by Toronto and all of Canada.”
“I’m so emotional about this, a guy who helped a whole country love basketball continues his legacy in growing the game,” another fan posted.
“Wow, they’re really cementing their love for Toronto.”
