Expansion Draft Chaos? How the WNBA’s New System Could Shake Up Every Team

In an ideal off-season, the expansion draft should have already taken place. The Golden State Valkyries made their selection for the 2025 season on December 6, 2024. But that was not the case this time around, thanks to the new CBA deal agreed on March 18, delaying every other major offseason task.

Anyhow, the new “snake” draft will require the two new teams to take turns through two rounds picking unprotected players from the league’s other 13 teams.

But prior to the draft by March 29, each of the 13 teams is supposed to submit five unrestricted players from their team who are off-limits for Portland and Toronto. All other unprotected players will be eligible for the expansion draft.

However, a majority of the league’s players are currently not under contract, making them free agents. If the Fire or Tempo draft these players, the rights held by their previous teams will automatically transfer to the new franchises.

Also, both teams are allowed to choose one unrestricted free agent, even if the player can no longer be designated as a core player.

What About the WNBA College Draft?

The WNBA college draft is scheduled for April 13. While the expansion draft allows Portland and Toronto to take in some experienced players for their new lineups, the college draft is where they can add elite young talent—potential stars who can lead the team long-term.

Both teams are set to alternate picks, so whoever picks sixth in the first round would pick seventh in the second round and sixth in the third. Additionally, the team with the seventh overall pick would get the sixth pick in the second round and the seventh in the third.

The college draft will also provide both teams the opportunity to incorporate players who will increase fan interest for their new teams, all while controlling their rights from a long-term aspect. This will help Portland and Toronto go from simply forming a team to building a vision for future seasons.