WNBA Expansion Draft: Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire’s Top Picks Revealed

Bassyonni

ago 1 hour

WNBA Expansion Draft: Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire’s Top Picks Revealed

The upcoming WNBA expansion draft for 2026 is set to reshape the league with the introduction of two new teams: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. This event marks a significant moment, as it allows these franchises to build their inaugural rosters by selecting players from the existing teams.

Expansion Draft Overview

Although most high-profile WNBA stars are unlikely to be drafted, the talent pool remains robust. Historical context shows that previous expansion drafts have successfully unearthed exceptional talent. For instance, the Golden State Warriors’ expansion draft yielded All-Star Kayla Thornton and 2025 Most Improved Player Veronica Burton.

In this expansion draft, both the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will have the opportunity to select players in a strategic process governed by specific rules, which are collectively bargained.

Key Expansion Draft Highlights

The draft consists of 12 rounds.
In the first six rounds, existing teams can protect five players, allowing only one select of their players by either expansion team.
After round six, an additional player can be protected, with the stipulation that only one player can be selected per team in the subsequent rounds.
Toronto is set to select first due to its earlier announcement as an expansion team.
Both teams can add as many unrestricted free agents as they wish but can only offer a core designation to one player.

Notable Selections

Toronto Tempo’s Draft Picks

Li Yueru (6’7″, C) – Dallas Wings: A 26-year-old center with impressive stats, averaging 6.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in 2025.
Anastasiia Kosu (6’1″, F) – Minnesota Lynx: A promising 20-year-old with long-term potential.
Sarah Ashlee Barker (G) – Los Angeles Sparks: A youthful player selected for growth potential.
Aaliyah Nye (G-F) – Las Vegas Aces: Another young talent looking to develop further.
Isobel Borlase (G) – Atlanta Dream: A 21-year-old guard who has made waves in the WNBL.
Maddy Westbeld (F) – Chicago Sky: A player showcasing a budding talent capable of contributing effectively.
Azurá Stevens (F-C) – Los Angeles Sparks: A versatile player crucial to Toronto’s future success.
Jacy Sheldon (G) – Washington Mystics: A playmaker looking to make her mark.
Dorka Juhasz (G) – Minnesota Lynx: A consistent performer in the EuroLeague.
Marine Johannes (G) – New York Liberty: A scoring threat with an excellent shooting touch.
Haley Peters (F-G) – Connecticut Sun: A seasoned player adding veteran experience.

Portland Fire’s Draft Picks

Carla Leite (G) – Golden State Valkyries: A young guard bringing upside potential.
Emily Engstler (F) – Washington Mystics: A versatile option who has shown promise in past seasons.
Lexi Held (G) – Phoenix Mercury: A spirited player with a strong collegiate background.
Chloe Bibby (F) – Indiana Fever: A solid 3-point shooter with defensive capabilities.
Nyara Sabally (C) – New York Liberty: A dynamic player aiming to regain peak performance.
Rayah Marshall (C-F) – Connecticut Sun: A draft gamble based on her college performance.
Arike Ogunbowale (G) – Dallas Wings: A veteran All-Star set to elevate Portland’s offensive game.
Holly Winterburn (G) – Atlanta Dream: A player with previous international acclaim.
María Conde (F) – Golden State Valkyries: A skillful forward eager to make her WNBA debut.
Kalani Brown (C) – Phoenix Mercury: A traditional center with a solid track record.

Outlook for Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire

The Toronto Tempo aims for a blend of youthful potential and veteran experience, establishing a strong foundation to build upon in their inaugural season. Conversely, the Portland Fire focuses on balancing star power in Ogunbowale with a cohort of young, diverse talent. Both teams are set to embark on exciting journeys as they prepare for the upcoming season.