In a highly anticipated event, the 2026 WNBA expansion draft took place on April 1, 2026, with the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo making their inaugural selections. The Portland Fire made headlines by selecting Bridget Carleton as the No. 1 overall pick, while the Toronto Tempo followed closely behind, choosing Julie Allemand as the No. 2 pick.
Both teams successfully selected a total of 11 players each during the draft, marking a significant step in their journey to establish competitive rosters. The Portland Fire also welcomed Maya Caldwell and Sug Sutton into their lineup, adding depth and experience to their team.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Tempo made strategic choices, including the selection of Marina Mabrey and Nyara Sabally, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s development. Each expansion team was allowed to select one unrestricted free agent, with Portland opting for Carleton and Toronto choosing Mabrey.
This expansion draft was initially delayed due to labor negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, but it finally took place, bringing excitement to fans and players alike. The Chicago Sky played a role in the draft by completing trades with both franchises, ensuring that neither team selected from their unprotected players.
The collegiate draft is set to follow on April 13, 2026, with training camp beginning shortly after on April 19, 2026. As the teams prepare for the upcoming season, the excitement continues to build within the WNBA community.
Reactions to the draft have been mixed, with some expressing concern over the talent lost by teams like the Minnesota Lynx, who saw Carleton depart. The expansion draft has certainly reshaped the landscape of the league, and fans are eager to see how these new teams will perform.
As the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo embark on their new journeys, the WNBA community is rallying behind them, eager to support their growth and success in the league. This expansion marks a new chapter in women’s basketball, and the anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable.
