In a highly anticipated event, the WNBA Expansion Draft showcased the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire, both of which made their selections on Friday. This draft was significant as it marked the addition of new talent to the teams.
2026 WNBA Expansion Draft Summary
The Portland Fire had the first overall pick, choosing Canadian player Bridget Carleton from the Minnesota Lynx. Meanwhile, the Toronto Tempo secured guard Julie Allemand from the Los Angeles Sparks with their first selection. These decisions set the tone for the draft.
Key Picks
- Portland Fire:
- 1. Bridget Carleton (Minnesota Lynx)
- 3. Carla Leite (Golden State Valkyries)
- 5. Luisa Geiselsoder (Dallas Wings)
- 7. Emily Engstler (Washington Mystics)
- 9. Maya Caldwell (Atlanta Dream)
- 11. Chloe Bibby (Indiana Fever)
- 13. Haley Jones (Dallas Wings)
- 15. Nyadiew Puoch (Atlanta Dream)
- 17. Sarah Ashlee Barker (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 22. Nika Muhl (Seattle Storm)
- Toronto Tempo:
- 2. Julie Allemand (Los Angeles Sparks)
- 4. Nyara Sabally (New York Liberty)
- 6. Marina Mabrey (Connecticut Sun)
- 8. Aaliyah Nye (Las Vegas Aces)
- 10. Lexi Held (Phoenix Mercury)
- 12. Maria Conde (Golden State Valkyries)
- 14. Maria Kliundikova (Minnesota Lynx)
- 16. Adja Kane (New York Liberty)
- 18. Nikolina Milic (Connecticut Sun)
- 21. Kristy Wallace (Indiana Fever)
Pre-Draft Trades
Notably, the Chicago Sky engaged in trades with both Toronto and Portland prior to the draft. These strategic moves were made to prevent the selection of players on their unprotected list. This created a dynamic environment heading into the expansion draft.
The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft provided an exciting opportunity for both teams to enhance their rosters. Fans are eager to see how these new picks will perform in the upcoming season.
