After months of heated negotiations, the Women’s National Basketball Association’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is finally settled, bringing a sense of relief and excitement to the league and its fans. With this landmark agreement in place, the WNBA is now ready to take the next big step – expansion. The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are set to join the league as its newest teams in the 2026 season, and all eyes are on the upcoming expansion draft.
For nearly 18 months, the looming CBA negotiations had delayed important offseason activities, including the expansion draft. But now, with the agreement finally in place, the league has wasted no time in getting things started. The expansion draft, which will take place on December 15th, will mark the beginning of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo’s journey in the WNBA.
Both teams have been eagerly anticipating this moment and have been preparing for it for months. The Fire and Tempo have been scouting potential players, analyzing data, and strategizing on who to pick for their inaugural rosters. And while it’s too early to know for sure, here’s a prediction of the possible rosters for these two new teams.
Portland Fire:
The city of Portland is no stranger to professional basketball, with the Portland Trail Blazers being a longstanding and successful team in the NBA. And now, with the addition of the Portland Fire, the city’s basketball fans can look forward to cheering on another exciting team.
The Fire’s first pick in the expansion draft is likely to be point guard Sabrina Ionescu, who has been making a name for herself in the recent WNBA season. With her exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities, Ionescu would be a valuable addition to the Fire’s roster. The team is also expected to pick up some solid post players, potentially selecting players like Alanna Smith or Stephanie Mavunga.
The Fire will also have the opportunity to draft international players, and they could go for someone like Australia’s Ezi Magbegor, who has been impressing with her skills in the Australian WNBL. Additionally, the Fire could also look to pick up some experienced players through trades or free agency, adding depth and leadership to their young team.
Toronto Tempo:
For the city of Toronto, the addition of the Tempo to the WNBA is a significant moment. Canada is no stranger to basketball, and the Tempo’s entry into the league will only help grow the sport further in the country.
Like the Fire, the Tempo’s first pick is likely to be a point guard – Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe could be a strong contender. With her size and athleticism, Raincock-Ekunwe would bring a lot of versatility to the team’s lineup. The Tempo could also look to select talented shooters like Kia Nurse or Bridget Carleton, who have proven themselves in the WNBA.
As for international players, the Tempo could go for Canada’s own, Shaina Pellington, who has been putting up impressive performances in the EuroLeague. With her speed and scoring ability, Pellington could make a significant impact for the Tempo.
The expansion draft is just the beginning for these two new teams, and there’s no doubt that the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will continue to make exciting moves to strengthen their rosters before the start of the 2026 season.
The WNBA is already a league of talented and competitive teams, and the addition of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will only make it stronger. With these new teams comes an expanded fanbase, increased exposure, and more opportunities for players, coaches, and staff. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved and a significant step towards the continued growth and success of the WNBA.
The 2026 WNBA season is still a few years away, but the anticipation and excitement for the expansion draft are already building up. The selections made on December 15th will shape the future of these two new teams and add another layer of excitement to the upcoming WNBA season. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the WNBA, and we can’t wait to see what the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will bring to the league. Let’s welcome them with open arms and get ready for an even more thrilling season ahead.
