WNBA Expansion Draft: Building the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire Rosters

The WNBA expansion draft is set to take place on April 3, 2026, at 3:30 PM ET, marking a significant moment for the league as it welcomes two new franchises: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. This draft allows these teams to select players from a pool of unprotected athletes from the existing 13 WNBA teams. Each franchise can protect up to five players, leaving the remainder available for selection. The draft will consist of two rounds, with Portland picking first due to a coin toss, followed by Toronto.

2026 WNBA Expansion Draft: FAQ and Things to KnowESPNUSA TodayPortland Fire Begin Roster Build Ahead of Expansion DraftWill a Star Get Picked in the WNBA Expansion Draft?Now MagazineLethbridge HeraldChicago Sky Sell Picks to Protect Team from WNBA Expansion Draft

The expansion draft will allow each team to make up to 12 selections, with a maximum of six picks per round. Notably, both the Tempo and Fire can each select one unrestricted free agent, which could provide a strategic advantage in negotiations for a supermax contract valued at $1.4 million annually under the new collective bargaining agreement ratified on March 18, 2026.

Will a Star Get Picked in the WNBA Expansion Draft?

In a strategic move, the Chicago Sky executed trades with both expansion teams, ensuring that none of their players would be selected in the draft. The Sky traded their No. 17 pick to the Fire and No. 26 pick to the Tempo, effectively blocking both teams from selecting any unprotected Sky players. This maneuver highlights the competitive landscape as teams prepare for the draft and subsequent free agency period.

Chicago Sky Sell Picks to Protect Team from WNBA Expansion Draft

The expansion draft's player pool includes several notable unrestricted free agents, such as Arike Ogunbowale from the Dallas Wings and Marina Mabrey from the Connecticut Sun. Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty has already announced her intention to re-sign with her current team, indicating that the Tempo and Fire will need to focus on other available talent. Analysts predict that players like Hailey Van Lith, who had limited production in her rookie season with the Sky, could be a valuable pick if left unprotected.

Will a Star Get Picked in the WNBA Expansion Draft?

The Chicago Sky's decision to trade away draft picks to protect their roster has drawn criticism. Observers argue that the Sky's front office may have overvalued their players, potentially missing out on the opportunity to retain younger talent. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the team's strategic direction as they navigate the expansion draft and free agency.

FanSided

Following the expansion draft, both the Tempo and Fire will participate in the WNBA Draft on April 13, 2026, where they will have additional opportunities to build their rosters. The outcomes of the expansion draft are expected to influence free agency negotiations and shape the teams' strategies heading into their inaugural seasons, with the Tempo's first game scheduled for May 8 against the Washington Mystics.

ESPN

• “I don’t think anything in sports has happened like this, with this short of a run-up and the current status of the league with all the free agencies,” — Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo

Lethbridge Herald

• “This will be talked about in case studies in business schools.” — Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo

Lethbridge Herald

The expansion draft represents a pivotal moment for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire as they seek to establish competitive rosters in the WNBA. The decisions made in the coming days will set the tone for their future in the league.

Lethbridge Herald