Where to Watch the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft — Plus Everything You Need to Know About the League’s Newest Teams
The WNBA is stepping into a new era and it all begins today.
For the first time ahead of a regular season, the league is staging a marquee offseason event that will shape its future in real time. On April 3, 2026, two expansion franchises the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo will officially begin building their inaugural rosters through the highly anticipated Expansion Draft.
It’s not just another administrative process. This is a pivotal moment that will determine how competitive these new teams can be from Day 1 and fans won’t want to miss a second of it.
Where and When to Watch the WNBA Expansion Draft
The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft will be broadcast live on ESPN, giving fans nationwide access to every pick, surprise move, and strategic decision.
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Start Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
For those who prefer streaming, the draft will also be available live via Fubo, which currently offers a free trial for new subscribers making it an easy option for fans looking to tune in without cable.
A New Chapter: Portland Fire vs. Toronto Tempo
This year’s expansion introduces two new markets into the league:
- Portland Fire
- Toronto Tempo
Both teams are entering the WNBA with clean slates but not equal footing.
Following a coin toss held on March 27, Portland secured the No. 1 overall pick, giving them the first opportunity to select from the pool of available players. Toronto will pick second, and from there, the draft will follow a snake format, meaning the order reverses each round.
That small detail could make a massive difference. In a snake draft, timing is everything. A team picking second might still land back-to-back selections depending on how the rounds unfold.
How the Expansion Draft Works
The structure of the Expansion Draft is designed to maintain league balance while still giving the new teams a fair shot at competitiveness.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- The draft consists of two rounds
- Each expansion team can make up to six picks per round
- The order alternates in a snake format
- Teams select from a pool of unprotected players
However, there are strict limits placed on how much talent can be taken from any one franchise.
- Each existing WNBA team can lose only one player per round
- No team can lose more than two players total
This ensures that while Portland and Toronto can build competitive rosters, they won’t completely dismantle existing teams in the process.
Player Protection Rules
Ahead of the draft, each of the 13 existing WNBA teams submitted a Roster List, which includes every player they hold rights to active players, free agents, draft rights, and even retired players under team control.
From that list, each team is allowed to protect up to five players.
That means every other player becomes eligible for selection.
For example, the Indiana Fever are widely expected to protect a core group built around their rising superstar:
- Caitlin Clark
- Kelsey Mitchell (unrestricted free agent)
- Lexie Hull (restricted free agent)
- Sophie Cunningham (unrestricted free agent)
- Aliyah Boston
While the Fever haven’t officially released their protection list, this projected group reflects their championship ambitions and long-term strategy.
Special Rules You Need to Know
There are a few important twists that could impact how the draft unfolds:
1. Free Agent Limitation
Portland and Toronto can each select only one impending free agent. This prevents teams from stockpiling players who may not even remain under contract.
2. Chicago Sky Exemption
In one of the most intriguing developments, the Chicago Sky are fully exempt from losing any players in this draft.
Why?
Because of strategic trades completed on April 1:
- Chicago swapped draft picks with Portland, moving from No. 17 to No. 21 in the 2026 WNBA Draft in exchange for protection
- They also sent pick No. 26 (originally from New York) to Toronto under the same condition
The result: neither expansion team can select a player from Chicago’s unprotected list.
It’s a calculated move that ensures roster stability while sacrificing future draft position.
What Happens During the Draft?
During the draft, Portland and Toronto will take turns selecting players from the pool of unprotected athletes.
Each selection grants the team either:
- The player’s existing contract
or - The rights to negotiate with that player
This flexibility is crucial, especially when dealing with players nearing free agency or those considering overseas opportunities.
Why This Draft Matters More Than Ever
Expansion drafts aren’t new in professional sports but this one feels different.
With the WNBA experiencing unprecedented growth in viewership, sponsorship, and star power, the addition of two new franchises signals a major investment in the league’s future.
And the stakes are high.
- A strong draft could fast-track a team into playoff contention
- A weak one could set a franchise back for years
For fans, it’s a rare chance to watch roster-building unfold live. Every pick tells a story whether it’s a rising role player getting a bigger opportunity or a veteran finding a fresh start in a new city.
What Fans Should Watch For
As the draft unfolds, keep an eye on these key storylines:
Surprise Selections
There’s always at least one unexpected pick whether it’s a young player with untapped potential or a veteran leader overlooked by their original team.
Team Strategy
Will Portland go all-in on established talent with the No. 1 pick? Or will they prioritize youth and long-term upside?
Free Agency Impact
Since each team can only select one impending free agent, those decisions will carry extra weight.
Ripple Effects
Every selection impacts not just the new teams, but the entire league. Depth charts shift. Rotations change. Opportunities open up.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft isn’t just about filling rosters it’s about shaping the league’s next chapter.
With Portland and Toronto stepping into the spotlight, fans are about to witness the foundation of two franchises being built in real time. Every pick, every decision, and every strategy choice will echo into the regular season and beyond.
So whether you’re a die-hard WNBA follower or a casual basketball fan curious about the league’s growth, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Tip-off for the future starts at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
