Full Breakdown
WNBA Expansion Draft: Preparing for a New Era
3/28/2026, 2:57:10 PM
Overview of the Expansion Draft
The WNBA is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of two new franchises, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, in the 2026 season. The expansion draft is scheduled for April 3, 2026, where both teams will select players from a pool of unprotected athletes from the existing 13 teams. Each team must submit a list of five protected players by March 29, ensuring that only unprotected players are available for selection.
Draft Structure and Key Dates
The expansion draft will consist of two rounds, with each team allowed to select up to 12 players. The selection process will follow a "snake" format, where the team that picks first in the first round will pick second in the second round. The Portland Fire won a coin toss, granting them the first pick in the expansion draft, while the Toronto Tempo opted for the sixth pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft on April 13.
Team Strategies for Player Protection
Each existing WNBA team faces critical decisions regarding player protection. For instance, the Atlanta Dream is expected to protect Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, Naz Hillmon, and Te-Hina Paopao, while the Chicago Sky may focus on retaining Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins. The Connecticut Sun will likely protect Saniya Rivers and Leïla Lacan, emphasizing their commitment to developing young talent.
The Indiana Fever, with a promising lineup including Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, aims to maintain continuity despite injuries that limited their performance last season. The New York Liberty will protect their championship-winning core of Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, while the Washington Mystics are expected to safeguard Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, who have shown significant potential.
Implications of the New CBA
The recent collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has introduced changes that will impact the expansion draft. Notably, expansion teams can select one potential unrestricted free agent, who could be offered a supermax contract worth up to $1.4 million. This provision adds complexity to the decision-making process for existing teams, as they must weigh the risk of losing valuable players against the potential financial incentives for expansion teams.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics argue that the expansion draft may lead to significant talent loss for existing teams, particularly those with established stars. The potential for expansion teams to poach unrestricted free agents raises concerns about roster stability and competitive balance within the league. Additionally, the compressed timeline for player movement, with free agency commencing immediately after the expansion draft, may lead to chaotic roster changes.
What's Next
As the expansion draft approaches, teams are finalizing their protected player lists and strategizing for the upcoming free agency period. The WNBA Draft on April 13 will further shape the rosters of the new franchises, as they look to build competitive teams from the ground up. The league's 30th season is set to begin on May 8, marking a pivotal moment in women's basketball history.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of the reasons I wanted to become an owner of a WNBA team is because I love the sport,” — Serena Williams, Owner, Toronto Tempo
- “The expansion draft will be two rounds with 12 selections in each.” — General Manager, Portland Fire
This expansion draft represents a unique opportunity for both Portland and Toronto to make their mark in the WNBA, while existing teams must navigate the challenges of roster protection and player retention.
