The WNBA's expansion draft is set to kick off on Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, marking the beginning of roster building for the league's two newest franchises, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo. As the 13th and 14th teams in the league, both squads will alternate picks over two rounds, with the opportunity to select up to one unprotected player from each of the existing 13 teams. This event comes on the heels of a new collective bargaining agreement verbally agreed upon on March 18, following months of negotiations between the league and the Women's National Basketball Players Association.
Portland earned the first overall pick in the expansion draft after Toronto won a coin toss last week and opted to select sixth in the first round of the April 13 WNBA college draft, leaving Portland with the seventh spot there. Each of the established franchises submitted lists of five protected players last Sunday, shielding them from selection. While those lists remain confidential, sources indicated to ESPN that the unique rules of this draft influenced some teams' decisions, leading to calculated risks on unprotected rosters.
In a notable pre-draft move, both Portland and Toronto completed trades with the Chicago Sky on Wednesday, agreeing not to select from Chicago's unprotected list. In exchange, the Sky swapped their No. 17 pick in the April 13 draft with Portland's No. 21, while sending the No. 26 pick—originally from New York—to Toronto. This deal underscores the strategic maneuvering already underway as the expansion teams position themselves for the future.
This year's expansion draft introduces several differences from the one held in December 2024 for the Golden State Valkyries, which served as a baseline for preparations amid the uncertain CBA talks. According to ESPN, both new teams can select only one unrestricted free agent, and any such player no longer eligible for core designation—those with five or more years of service—remains available. Portland and Toronto hold the exclusive right to offer these players the supermax salary, though as unrestricted free agents, those individuals retain the freedom to sign elsewhere even if selected.
These rule changes have ripple effects across the league, prompting front offices to weigh protections carefully. "Sources told ESPN that these changes have impacted how some front offices chose to protect players, making calculated risks in the players left unprotected," the report noted. The focus now shifts to the talent potentially on the board, with ESPN projecting the top available player from each team based on insights from league observers.
For the Atlanta Dream, Maya Caldwell emerges as a standout option. The 5-foot-11 guard has persevered through waivers and releases since being drafted in the third round by Indiana in 2021, initially as the No. 33 pick. After playing nine games for Atlanta in 2022, returning to Indiana in 2023, and spending the last two seasons with the Dream, Caldwell posted her best full season in 2024, averaging 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. At 27, she could thrive in an expanded role, as noted by ESPN's Michael Voepel.
The Chicago Sky's unprotected list features Sevgi Uzun, a 5-foot-10 guard from Turkey. Uzun began her WNBA career with Dallas in 2024, appearing in 40 games before a 2025 multiteam trade sent her to Phoenix, where she played just seven games prior to being waived in June. She joined the Sky in July, contributing in 18 games with averages of 3.7 points and 2.7 assists. With extensive overseas experience at age 28, Uzun represents a seasoned addition, according to Voepel.
Connecticut Sun could see Lindsay Allen available, a 5-foot-8 veteran guard who has suited up for six teams over eight seasons since being selected in the second round by New York in 2017. Allen played 31 games for the Sun last year, averaging 2.4 points and 2.2 assists. Described by ESPN's Malika Andrews as "pretty much the definition of a veteran guard who keeps finding roster spots," the 31-year-old offers dependability without flash.
Dallas Wings' Haley Jones, a 6-foot-1 forward/guard drafted No. 6 by Atlanta in 2023, might draw interest after a journeyman path. She appeared in 83 games with the Dream but never exceeded 4.0 points per game, was waived at the start of last season, played four games with Phoenix, and then joined Dallas for 24 games, averaging 8.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds. Voepel highlighted her potential for growth in a larger role.
The Golden State Valkyries face a tough spot, with Cecilia Zandalasini, a 6-foot-2 forward, projected as a prime target. The Italian veteran's length and wing shooting provide proven value, and her leadership could benefit a startup franchise. Andrews emphasized that Golden State's strong inaugural roster puts them "at risk of losing a key player, no matter whom Toronto and Portland pick."
Indiana Fever's Makayla Timpson, a 6-foot-2 forward/center picked 19th overall in the second round last year, showed promise as a rookie reserve. In 31 regular-season games, she averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds, adding 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds across eight playoff outings. With limited minutes but evident skill, Timpson could develop significantly, per Voepel.
Las Vegas Aces' Kierstan Bell, a 6-foot-1 guard, stepped into the starting lineup midseason last year, helping turn around an underwhelming start. Her scoring reliability and championship pedigree make her appealing on a cost-effective deal. As Andrews reported, Bell's coach highlighted "her cutting as her best asset," underscoring her fit for expansion teams seeking proven contributors.
Los Angeles Sparks' Rae Burrell, a 6-foot-2 forward, stands out after a strong showing in her second season with the Unrivaled league. With the Sparks likely protecting stars like Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink, and Rickea Jackson—plus Azura Stevens—Burrell could be exposed. Andrews suggested that if available, "Portland or Toronto should take a swing on the athletic, young wing."
Minnesota Lynx's Bridget Carleton, a 6-foot-2 forward and Ontario native, has been a fixture since 2019, starting 80 games over the past two seasons including playoffs. Last year, she averaged 6.5 points and 3.2 assists. Voepel noted her dependability and appeal to Toronto, saying she "will take on any role," though the Lynx may hesitate to expose her.
New York Liberty's Emma Meesseman, a 6-foot-4 forward and 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, joined the team last August after time away from the league in 2023 and 2024. In 17 regular-season games, she averaged 13.4 points and 5.1 rebounds, though her playoff output dipped to 4.3 points and 5.3 rebounds over three games. Turning 33 in May, Meesseman could be a solid pickup if committed to playing, according to Voepel.
Phoenix Mercury's Lexi Held, a 5-foot-10 guard and 25-year-old rookie last season, contributed key shots during the team's Finals run and stabilized the lineup amid injuries. Andrews praised her as "the kind of young yet steady player who could help kick-start a franchise and who has the potential to become a star."
Seattle Storm's Nneka Ogwumike, the 6-foot-2 forward and eight-time All-Star, represents a marquee unrestricted free agent at 35. With Seattle rich in UFAs, she could be the one selected under the draft's rules. As Andrews observed, Ogwumike's leadership is invaluable for a building team, and with Portland and Toronto able to offer supermax deals post-CBA fight, it "could be an attractive destination."
Washington Mystics' Jacy Sheldon, a 5-foot-10 guard drafted No. 5 by Dallas in 2024, brings defensive prowess but has bounced around. Traded to Connecticut in February 2025 for 28 games, then to Washington in August where an ankle injury limited her to two appearances, she career-averaged 6.3 points. Voepel suggested she "could probably benefit from a fresh start."
As the draft unfolds, it signals a new era for the WNBA, expanding its footprint to Portland and Toronto while redistributing talent. The selections could reshape rosters league-wide, with unprotected players offering bargains or steals. Officials emphasized the priority of executing this draft swiftly after the CBA resolution, setting the stage for the April 13 college draft and beyond. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how the Fire and Tempo lay their foundations.