After months of negotiations, the WNBA has finally reached a historic agreement with the players’ union. This means that the much-awaited expansion draft for the 2026 season can finally take place. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are the two lucky teams who will have the opportunity to build their inaugural rosters through this draft.
For nearly 18 months, the looming CBA negotiations had cast a shadow over the WNBA, causing uncertainty and delaying key offseason activities. But with the agreement finally in place, the league can now move forward with confidence and excitement.
The expansion draft is a crucial event for any new team as it sets the foundation for their future success. It is a chance for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo to add talented players to their rosters and build a strong foundation for their inaugural season.
So, let’s take a look at some of the players who could potentially be selected by these two teams in the expansion draft.
Portland Fire:
The Portland Fire will have the first pick in the draft, giving them the first opportunity to build their team. With this advantage, they could potentially select a player like Breanna Stewart, who has proven to be a dominant force in the league. The 2018 WNBA MVP is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend at an elite level. Her experience and leadership could be crucial for the Fire’s success in their first season.
Another player that Portland could consider is A’ja Wilson, who was the 2020 WNBA MVP. Wilson is a dominant post player who can score inside and out, making her a valuable asset for any team. She also brings a strong work ethic and a winning mentality, which could be beneficial for a new team like the Fire.
In addition to these top players, the Fire could also look to build a strong backcourt by selecting players like Chelsea Gray or Skylar Diggins-Smith. Both are talented point guards who can create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
Toronto Tempo:
The Toronto Tempo will have the second pick in the draft, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have the chance to build a strong team. They could potentially select players like Diana Taurasi or Sue Bird, who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to any team. These two legends of the game could be valuable mentors for the young players on the team and help them develop into top players.
Another player that Toronto could consider is Liz Cambage, who is a dominant center in the league. She is a force to be reckoned with in the paint and could provide the Tempo with a strong presence inside. Her experience playing in different leagues around the world could also be beneficial for the team.
The Tempo could also look to build a strong perimeter game by selecting players like Jewell Loyd or Nneka Ogwumike. Both are versatile players who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level.
Overall, both the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have a great opportunity to build strong teams through the expansion draft. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented young players, these two teams could make a splash in their first season.
In conclusion, the WNBA expansion draft for the 2026 season is an exciting event that will shape the future of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. With the historic agreement in place, both teams can now focus on building their rosters and preparing for their inaugural season. It’s an exciting time for the WNBA and its fans, and we can’t wait to see these two new teams in action. Let the countdown to the 2026 season begin!
