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2026 WNBA Expansion Draft Set for April 3

3/28/2026

Summary

WNBA Expansion Draft

The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft will occur on April 3 at 3:30 p.m. ET, featuring Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.
Portland Fire earned the first pick after a coin toss.
Toronto Tempo chose the sixth WNBA Draft pick on April 13.
Each existing team must submit five protected players by March 29, and the snake-format draft uses unprotected players with one unrestricted free agent up to $1.4 million annually.

Summary

WNBA Players Empowered

The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) increases player pay and revenue sharing, with salaries from $270,000 to $1.4 million and a $7 million team cap.
The agreement allocates 20% of gross revenue to players and expands health provisions, including mental health reimbursements.
Teams must obtain consent before trading pregnant players.
Minimum practice facility standards will be established by 2028.
The season ends November 21, with potential for more games.

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WNBA Expansion Draft

The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft will occur on April 3 at 3:30 p.m. ET, featuring Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.
Portland Fire earned the first pick after a coin toss.
Toronto Tempo chose the sixth WNBA Draft pick on April 13.
Each existing team must submit five protected players by March 29, and the snake-format draft uses unprotected players with one unrestricted free agent up to $1.4 million annually.

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