Toronto Tempo, Portland Fire Unveil Teams in Expansion Draft

The WNBA has officially welcomed the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire as its 14th and 15th franchises, respectively, as they completed their inaugural expansion draft on April 3, 2026. This pivotal moment arrives after a prolonged period of anticipation due to extensive labor negotiations between the league and the players’ union regarding a new collective bargaining agreement.

In a unique twist, the Tempo secured the sixth overall selection in the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft after winning a coin toss last week, thereby granting the Fire the privilege of making the first pick in the expansion draft. The draft format consisted of two rounds, with the teams alternating their selections in each round, utilizing a snake order in between rounds. Each franchise was permitted to select only one player from the existing teams in each round, totaling two players.

The Fire made a significant statement by picking Bridget Carleton from the Minnesota Lynx with the first overall choice, signaling their intent to build a competitive roster right out of the gate. Following closely, the Tempo opted for Julie Allemand from the Los Angeles Sparks as their inaugural selection, marking a strategic move to enhance their backcourt capabilities.

Prior to the draft, the Chicago Sky executed trades with both expansion teams to protect their unprotected players. Reports indicate that the Sky sent their 17th overall pick in the 2026 draft to the Fire in exchange for the 21st pick and an agreement that the Fire would refrain from selecting any of their unprotected players. Similarly, the Sky traded their 26th overall pick to the Tempo under the same conditions. This strategic maneuvering underscores the competitive nature of the league and the importance of roster management as teams prepare for the new season.

The expansion draft not only brings fresh faces into the league but also adds a layer of excitement for fans eager to see how these new franchises will shape the WNBA landscape. Both Toronto and Portland have the opportunity to carve out their identities and establish a competitive edge in the league, with the potential to attract new talent and fanbases in their respective cities.

As reported by CBS Sports, the expansion clubs are already focused on building a solid foundation to ensure long-term success. With the draft concluded, attention now shifts to the upcoming WNBA Draft, where both teams will continue to seek talent that aligns with their vision for the future. The Tempo and Fire’s selections indicate a commitment to cultivating a competitive spirit, setting the stage for an exhilarating 2026 season.

The WNBA’s growth is evident through this expansion, and as these two new teams embark on their journeys, the league’s commitment to inclusivity and competitiveness shines brighter than ever. The next few months will be crucial as both franchises look to finalize their rosters and prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.