The Portland Fire are set to take a major step toward building their inaugural roster as the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft approaches. Alongside the Toronto Tempo, the franchise will participate in a historic draft scheduled for April 3.
When and Where Is the WNBA Expansion Draft?
The 2026 expansion draft will take place on April 3 at 12:30 p.m. ET, and fans can watch it live on ESPN.
This draft marks a unique moment for the Women’s National Basketball Association, as two expansion teams will build their rosters simultaneously for the first time in the league’s modern era.
How the Expansion Draft Works
The process gives both Portland and Toronto the chance to select players from the league’s existing teams.
Here’s how it works:
- The draft consists of two rounds
- Each of the 13 current WNBA teams can protect up to five players
- Expansion teams can select from unprotected players only
- Eligible players include those who are:
- Active
- Injured or suspended
- On reserve lists
- Even retired (if rights are held)
Once protected lists are submitted, the pool of available players becomes clear.
Coin Toss Will Decide Early Advantage
A key pre-draft event is a coin toss between Portland and Toronto.
The winner gets to choose between:
- Picking first in the expansion draft, OR
- Securing a higher pick (No. 6 instead of No. 7) in the upcoming college draft
The WNBA Draft 2026 is scheduled for April 13, and both teams will alternate positions in each round regardless of the coin toss outcome.
Snake Format Explained
The expansion draft will follow a snake format, meaning:
- The team that picks first in Round 1
- Will pick second in Round 2
This alternating order ensures a balanced selection process for both teams.
Key Rules Teams Must Follow
Several important rules will shape how teams build their rosters:
- Each expansion team can select only one “Potential Unrestricted Free Agent”
- Teams can make trades before the draft begins
- Deals may include:
- Agreements to select specific players
- Agreements to avoid selecting certain players
- Draft-and-trade scenarios
These strategies could significantly influence roster construction.
What Happens to Player Contracts?
When a player is selected:
- The expansion team acquires their contract or rights
- If the player is not under contract, the new team gains exclusive negotiation rights
This allows both new franchises to shape their squads for the 2026 season and beyond.
Why This Draft Matters
The expansion draft is the first real opportunity for the Portland Fire to begin assembling a competitive roster ahead of their debut season.
With strategic selections, trades, and draft positioning at stake, April 3 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of both expansion teams.
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