In a historic moment for women’s basketball, the WNBA expansion draft took place on April 1, 2026, with the Portland Fire selecting Bridget Carleton as the No. 1 overall pick. The Toronto Tempo followed closely, choosing Julie Allemand as the No. 2 pick, marking a new chapter for both franchises.
Each team successfully selected a total of 11 players during the draft, with Portland also acquiring Maya Caldwell and Sug Sutton, while Toronto added Marina Mabrey and Nyara Sabally to their roster. Notably, both teams were restricted to selecting only one unrestricted free agent, with Portland opting for Carleton and Toronto selecting Mabrey.
The expansion draft was initially delayed due to labor negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, which added to the anticipation surrounding the event. The Chicago Sky strategically completed trades with both franchises to protect their unprotected players, ensuring neither team could select from their roster.
Portland’s selection of Carleton is particularly significant, as it reflects the team’s strategy to build a competitive squad right from the start. “The Lynx lost serious talent with the drafting of Bridget Carleton,” analysts noted, highlighting the impact of this decision.
As the offseason progresses, the collegiate draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026, followed by the commencement of training camp on April 19, 2026. This timeline sets the stage for both teams to finalize their rosters and prepare for the upcoming season.
With the expansion draft now complete, reactions from fans and analysts are pouring in, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the new teams. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are poised to make their mark in the league, with a focus on developing their newly acquired talent.
As both franchises move forward, the WNBA community is eager to see how these selections will influence the dynamics of the league. The expansion draft not only reshapes the rosters of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo but also signals a growing interest in women’s professional basketball.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential future trades or player movements as the teams prepare for the collegiate draft and training camp.
The 2026 WNBA offseason has officially begun, and the excitement surrounding the expansion draft sets a promising tone for the future of the league.
