After months of uncertainty and tense negotiations, the WNBA has finally reached a historic agreement with its players’ union. This means that the long-awaited expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo can finally take place, marking the beginning of a new era for the league.
For nearly 18 months, CBA negotiations have been looming over the WNBA, causing concern and uncertainty for players, teams, and fans alike. The possibility of a delayed or even cancelled season was a real threat, but with the new agreement in place, the league can now move forward with confidence and excitement.
The first order of business for the two new teams is the expansion draft, where they will have the opportunity to build their inaugural rosters. This is a crucial step in establishing a strong foundation for the future success of these teams, and it will be fascinating to see how they approach this task.
The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have been eagerly anticipating this moment, and they have been preparing diligently for it. Both teams have been scouting players from other teams, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, and strategizing on how to build a competitive roster.
The expansion draft will consist of three rounds, with each team selecting six players in the first two rounds and four players in the third round. The order of selection will be determined by a lottery, with the two new teams having the highest odds of getting the first pick.
So, who are the potential players that could be joining the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo? Let’s take a look at some of the top candidates for each team.
For the Portland Fire, one player that stands out is All-Star center Sylvia Fowles. The 2017 MVP is a dominant force in the paint and would bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the new team. Other notable players that could be on Portland’s radar include Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner and Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd.
As for the Toronto Tempo, they could have their sights set on players like Chicago Sky’s Courtney Vandersloot, who led the league in assists last season, and Dallas Wings’ Arike Ogunbowale, who was the 2019 Rookie of the Year. These players would provide a strong foundation for the Tempo’s backcourt and could help them establish a fast-paced and dynamic style of play.
Of course, there are many other talented players available in the expansion draft, and it will be interesting to see which ones the two teams ultimately choose. But one thing is for sure, both the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are determined to make a statement in their inaugural season and will be looking to build a competitive and exciting roster.
The expansion draft is just the beginning for these two teams. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming WNBA draft, where they will have the first and second picks in each round. This will give them a chance to add even more young talent to their rosters and continue to build for the future.
The WNBA expansion draft is a significant moment for the league, as it marks the growth and expansion of women’s basketball. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff who have made the WNBA what it is today.
As we eagerly await the start of the 2026 season, let’s celebrate this milestone and look forward to seeing the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo take the court for the first time. The future is bright for the WNBA, and with these two new teams, it is only going to get better.
