Maria Gakdeng gets another opportunity to find a WNBA home with the Toronto Tempo

Former Tar Heel Maria Gakdeng has earned a another opportunity in the WNBA.

Gakdeng has signed a Developmental Player contract with the Toronto Tempo. She will look to help a Tempo team that has been hampered by injuries as the end of the regular season draws near.

Maria Gakdeng signs Developmental Player contract with Toronto Tempo

In case you're unfamiliar with what a Player Development contract is, here's a brief explaination:

A Player Development contract in the WNBA is an extra roster spot, introduced under the league's collective bargaining agreement. It allows teams to sign up to two players outside of the standard active roster. These players do not count against the team's salary cap, but they must have three or fewer years of service to be eligible for this type of contract.

Gakdeng went undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft, but spent some time with the Atlanta Dream during training camp. Since then, the former Tar Heel has played for KSC Szekszárd of the Hungarian A Division and suited up for the South Sudan women’s national team during the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket, helping them qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup.

Over the last few months, Gakdeng competed for the Greensboro Groove in the newly formed UpShot League for its inaugural season before an injury sidelined her.

Starting her college career at Boston College, Gakdeng was a major transfer portal addition for Courtney Banghart and the Tar Heels. A full-time starter over her two seasons in Chapel Hill, Gakdeng's ability to be a dominant presence in the post was a major factor for UNC on both ends of the floor.

Gakdeng earned All-ACC honors for her senior season, nearly averaging double-double figures in her last go-around as a Tar Heel. Those who follow the program saw first-hand how perfect of a fit Gakdeng was for what Banghart and her staff were building, as she filled a void that perfectly complimented what UNC already had on its active roster.

All you need is an opportunity, and hopefully this is the right one for Gakdeng as she continues to pursue her dreams. The Tempo have been injury ridden and could use a boost as they close out the regular season, and it's possible that the former Tar Heel will get an opportunity to suit up.

While it's also a tryout of sorts with the Tempo, it's also a way for Gakdeng to showcase her skills to the rest of the league. Hopefully, she will showcase her skiils, capturing the attention of at least one WNBA team who may look to bring her in for a closer look.

Not that anyone is wishing for injuries, but hopefully Toronto elects to rest its injured players (given they've been eliminated from postseason contention). This would allow players, such as Gakdeng, to earn a chance to compete, an opportunity that could make all the difference in her career path.

If she gets that chance to play, we know that Gakdeng will be more than ready to prove she belongs in the WNBA.

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