After months of uncertainty and tense negotiations, the WNBA has finally reached a historic agreement with its players’ union. This means that the league’s expansion plans can now move forward, starting with the highly anticipated expansion draft. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are the two lucky teams that will have the opportunity to build their inaugural rosters through this draft.
The expansion draft is a crucial step for any new team in the WNBA. It sets the foundation for the team’s future and can greatly impact their success in the league. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what we can expect from the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA season.
Portland Fire:
The Portland Fire have a lot to be excited about as they prepare for their first season in the WNBA. Led by head coach Cheryl Reeve, who has a proven track record of success in the league, the Fire are poised to make a strong impact in their inaugural season.
In the expansion draft, the Fire will have the opportunity to select players from the existing WNBA teams. With the first pick, they are expected to choose a player who can be the face of their franchise. Some top contenders for this spot include A’ja Wilson from the Las Vegas Aces, Breanna Stewart from the Seattle Storm, and Candace Parker from the Chicago Sky.
The Fire will also have the opportunity to select players from the pool of unprotected players from each team. This is where they can find some hidden gems and build a well-rounded roster. With the right mix of experienced veterans and promising young players, the Fire can quickly establish themselves as a competitive team in the league.
Toronto Tempo:
The Toronto Tempo, led by head coach Nicki Collen, will also be looking to make a strong impression in their first season in the WNBA. With the second pick in the expansion draft, they will have a great opportunity to select a top player who can lead their team to success.
Some potential options for the Tempo include players like Liz Cambage from the Las Vegas Aces, Brittney Griner from the Phoenix Mercury, and Nneka Ogwumike from the Los Angeles Sparks. These players have proven themselves as top performers in the league and could be the missing piece for the Tempo’s roster.
In addition to the expansion draft, the Tempo will also have the chance to sign free agents and make trades to further strengthen their team. With a solid core of players and strategic moves, the Tempo can quickly establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA.
The Impact of the Expansion Draft:
The expansion draft not only allows new teams to build their rosters, but it also has an impact on the existing teams in the league. Losing a key player to an expansion team can greatly affect a team’s performance and strategy for the upcoming season.
However, the WNBA has implemented measures to ensure that the existing teams are not left at a disadvantage. Each team will be able to protect a certain number of players from the draft, and the league has also introduced a new rule that allows teams to protect a player who is in their first or second year in the league.
Predicted Rosters:
While it’s impossible to predict the exact rosters of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, here’s a look at a potential starting lineup for each team:
Portland Fire:
– A’ja Wilson (F)
– Candace Parker (F)
– Nneka Ogwumike (C)
– Odyssey Sims (G)
– Kayla McBride (G)
Toronto Tempo:
– Liz Cambage (F)
– Brittney Griner (C)
– Diamond DeShields (F)
– Kia Nurse (G)
– Kelsey Mitchell (G)
Final Thoughts:
The 2026 WNBA season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with the addition of two new teams and the potential for some major roster changes. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have the opportunity to make a strong impact in their inaugural season, and it will be interesting to see how their rosters come together through the expansion draft and other offseason moves.
As fans, we can’t wait to see these new teams take the court and compete with the rest of the league. The WNBA continues to grow and evolve, and the addition of these two new teams is a testament to the league’s success and popularity. Let’s all look forward to an exciting 2026 season for
