Portland, Oregon — The newly revived Portland Fire have officially begun shaping their inaugural roster, selecting 11 experienced players during the latest WNBA expansion draft.
The selections mark the franchise’s first major step toward assembling a competitive squad ahead of the 2026 season.
Portland Fire Expansion Draft Picks
The Portland Fire drew talent from across the league, focusing on versatility and experience. Their selections include:
- Bridget Carleton (Minnesota Lynx)
- Carla Leite (Golden State Valkyries)
- Luisa Geiselsöder (Dallas Wings)
- Emily Engstler (Washington Mystics)
- Maya Caldwell (Atlanta Dream)
- Chloe Bibby (Indiana Fever)
- Haley Jones (Dallas Wings)
- Nyadiew Puoch (Atlanta Dream)
- Sarah Ashlee Barker (Los Angeles Sparks)
- Sug Sutton (Washington Mystics)
- Nika Mühl (Seattle Storm)
General Manager Vanja Černivec emphasized that the team prioritized players who not only bring talent but also strong chemistry and adaptability to the team’s playing philosophy.
She highlighted that the goal is to create a roster that competes at a high level while also connecting with fans through compelling player stories and personalities.
Key Pick: Bridget Carleton
Portland used its top selection on Bridget Carleton, a reliable contributor from the Minnesota Lynx. While not previously a headline star, Černivec believes Carleton has the potential to thrive in a larger role.
According to the GM, building a system around Carleton could elevate her into an All-Star-caliber player, citing her teamwork and consistency as major assets.
Haley Jones Returns to Familiar Territory
Another notable addition is Haley Jones, who was selected early in the second round. Jones has strong ties to Oregon, having played college basketball at Stanford and frequently competing in cities like Eugene and Corvallis during her collegiate career.
Her regional familiarity and high-level experience are expected to strengthen the Fire’s core.
Fast-Tracked Team Building
Unlike typical expansion teams that receive several months to construct a roster, Portland faced a significantly shortened timeline. Labor negotiations within the league delayed the draft process, leaving the Fire with roughly five weeks to prepare for the upcoming season.
Despite the time crunch, the organization moved quickly to secure a balanced mix of players across positions.
WNBA Growth and Historic Season
The Fire’s return coincides with a landmark period for the WNBA, which is entering its 30th season amid surging popularity in women’s sports.
Recent agreements between the league and players’ union are expected to reshape the financial landscape, including the introduction of salaries exceeding $1 million and a revenue-sharing model that benefits athletes.
Toronto Tempo Also Build Roster
Portland wasn’t alone in the expansion process. The Toronto Tempo also selected 11 players, including standout names like Julie Allemand, Marina Mabrey, and Nyara Sabally.
What’s Next for Portland Fire?
While being drafted doesn’t guarantee a final roster spot, many of these players are expected to remain with the team as the season approaches.
With the 2026 WNBA season set to begin in May, the Portland Fire now turn their attention to refining their lineup and building team chemistry as they prepare for their long-awaited return to professional women’s basketball.
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