When is the WNBA expansion draft?
April 3, 2026.
Yanuki
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WNBA / News
WNBA Expansion Draft and 2026 Draft Details
The WNBA is expanding! The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire are joining the league in 2026. Here's a breakdown of the key dates and details for the expansion draft and the 2026 WNBA Draft, compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data.
Key Insights
- The WNBA expansion draft is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN.
- The Toronto Tempo won a coin toss and chose to pick sixth in the first round of the WNBA draft, giving the Portland Fire the first pick in the expansion draft.
- The expansion draft will consist of two rounds, with Portland and Toronto alternating picks from a pool of unprotected players from the existing 13 teams. Each team can protect five players from being selected.
- The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026, in New York City.
- The Dallas Wings have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
- Free agency begins on April 7, with signings starting on April 12.
- The 2026 WNBA season tips off on May 8.
In-Depth Analysis
The WNBA is setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season with the addition of two new teams: the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo. To ensure these teams can quickly build competitive rosters, the league has scheduled an expansion draft for April 3rd.
**Expansion Draft Details:**
- **Date:** April 3, 2026
- **Time:** 3:30 p.m. ET
- **Broadcast:** ESPN
- **Format:** Two rounds. The Portland Fire will pick first, after Toronto chose to have the 6th pick in the regular draft. The teams will alternate picks in a "snake" format, meaning the team that picks first in the first round will pick second in the second round.
- **Player Pool:** The Fire and Tempo will select players from a pool of unprotected players from the existing 13 WNBA teams. Each current team can protect only five players from being selected.
- **Trades:** Portland and Toronto can make trades ahead of the expansion draft, including agreeing to select a specific player and then trading that player to another team.
**2026 WNBA Draft:**
- **Date:** April 13, 2026
- **Location:** The Shed at Hudson Yards, New York City
- **First Pick:** Dallas Wings
- **Key Players:** Potential top picks include Azzi Fudd, Awa Fam, Lauren Betts, Olivia Miles and Flau'jae Johnson.
**Key Dates:**
- **April 3:** Expansion Draft
- **April 7–18:** Free Agency
- **April 13:** WNBA Draft
- **April 19:** Training Camp Begins
- **May 8:** Opening Night
**Why This Matters:** The expansion draft and the 2026 WNBA Draft are crucial events that will shape the competitive landscape of the league for years to come. The success of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will depend heavily on their ability to make smart selections in the expansion draft and identify promising talent in the college draft. The new CBA and the influx of talent will make the WNBA more exciting.
The quick timeline, from expansion draft to free agency and then the regular draft, underscores the WNBA's commitment to a fast-paced and exciting offseason. This ensures that the new teams are competitive and that the league maintains its momentum heading into the 2026 season.
FAQ
When is the 2026 WNBA Draft?
April 13, 2026.
Which team has the first pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft?
The Dallas Wings.
Which team picks first in the Expansion Draft?
The Portland Fire.
Takeaways
- Stay informed about the WNBA expansion draft and the 2026 WNBA Draft to see how the new teams are built and which college stars are joining the league.
- The expansion of the WNBA with the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire signals a growing interest in women's basketball and a positive outlook for the league's future.
- Follow the free agency period to see how teams are bolstering their rosters in preparation for the 2026 season.
Discussion
What are your predictions for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo in their inaugural season? Which college players do you think will make the biggest impact in the WNBA? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This article may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.