The WNBA is set to take another major step in its expansion era with the 2026 Expansion Draft, as two new franchises prepare to build their inaugural rosters.
With league growth now a central focus, both the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will begin shaping their teams ahead of the upcoming season.
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The draft will play a key role in determining their foundation. And fans will be able to follow every moment live. Here is everything you need to know:
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WNBA 2026 Expansion Draft date, time, and how to watch
The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft will take place on Friday, April 03, 2026, with coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Fans can watch the event live on ESPN, with streaming also available through Fubo.
This draft marks the official starting point for both expansion teams as they begin assembling competitive rosters.
With two new markets entering the league, the spotlight will be firmly on how each franchise approaches its selections.
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WNBA Expansion Draft format and rules explained
The draft will follow a two-round snake format, meaning the order will reverse between rounds as teams alternate selections.
Each expansion franchise can make up to 12 picks, giving them flexibility in how they construct their initial roster.
Before the draft, existing WNBA teams were required to submit full player lists, from which they could protect five players. Anyone not protected becomes eligible for selection.
To maintain competitive balance, a maximum of two players can be selected from any single existing team across both expansion franchises.
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The order of selections was determined by a coin toss, with Toronto opting for a strategic position in the annual draft, allowing Portland to secure the first pick in the expansion draft.
These rules ensure fairness while giving both new teams the opportunity to build competitive squads from day one.
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