Full Breakdown
WNBA Expansion Draft for Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo Delayed by CBA Negotiations
12/11/2025, 11:17:39 PM
Current Status of the Expansion Draft
The expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo is currently on hold due to ongoing negotiations over the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The existing CBA is set to expire on January 9, 2026, unless extended again. Major offseason activities, including the expansion draft and free agency, cannot proceed until a new agreement is ratified. The CBA outlines critical aspects such as salaries, benefits, revenue distribution, and working conditions, making its resolution essential to avoid a potential work stoppage.
Implications of the CBA Negotiations
As the CBA negotiations continue, the timeline for the expansion draft remains uncertain. Historically, expansion drafts have allowed new teams to build their rosters by selecting players from existing teams, with the last multi-team expansion draft occurring in 2000. In this upcoming draft, existing teams are expected to protect a certain number of players—likely six—leaving others available for selection. The specific rules governing the draft, including the number of players each team can protect, will not be finalized until after a new CBA is established.
Player Dynamics and Potential Selections
The uncertainty surrounding the CBA has led to speculation regarding which players might be at risk of being selected in the expansion draft. Notable players such as Li Yueru from the Dallas Wings and Sophie Cunningham from the Indiana Fever have been mentioned as potential targets. Yueru, in particular, is highlighted for her strong performance during the 2025 season, making her an attractive option for the new teams. Additionally, the Portland Fire may look to draft players from the west coast, with Carla Leite of the Golden State Valkyries being a potential candidate.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics of the current situation express concern over the prolonged negotiations and the impact on player movement and team strategies. The inability to finalize the expansion draft rules is seen as detrimental to the league's growth and the new teams' ability to compete effectively. The contentious nature of the CBA negotiations, particularly regarding player designations such as "core candidates," adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Official Statements & Responses
Both the WNBA leadership and the players' union have acknowledged the importance of reaching a new CBA to facilitate the expansion draft and free agency. The league has not released official details regarding the draft, indicating that the situation remains fluid and contingent on the outcome of negotiations.
What's Next
As the January 9 deadline approaches, stakeholders in the WNBA will be closely monitoring the progress of the CBA negotiations. The resolution of these discussions will ultimately determine the timeline for the expansion draft and the future of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo as they prepare to enter the league.
