After months of intense negotiations, the WNBA has finally reached a historic agreement with its players. This much-awaited deal has not only brought an end to the looming uncertainty, but it has also paved the way for the league’s expansion. With the addition of two new teams, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA is set to embark on an exciting new journey in 2026.
The expansion draft, which is the first order of business for the two new teams, is set to take place soon. This draft will give the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo the opportunity to build their inaugural rosters and lay the foundation for their respective franchises. As the anticipation builds, let’s take a closer look at what we can expect from these two teams in their debut season.
The Portland Fire, led by head coach Cheryl Reeve, has a lot to look forward to as they prepare for their first season in the WNBA. With the first pick in the expansion draft, the Fire have the opportunity to select the best player available. And with a deep pool of talented players to choose from, they are sure to make a strong first impression.
One player that could be on the Fire’s radar is Sabrina Ionescu. The former Oregon Ducks standout is a highly skilled point guard who has the potential to be a game-changer for any team. Her exceptional court vision and ability to score from anywhere on the court make her a top prospect for the Fire. Not to mention, her strong ties to the state of Oregon would make her a fan favorite in Portland.
Another player that could be a valuable addition to the Fire’s roster is Arike Ogunbowale. The Dallas Wings guard has proven to be a prolific scorer in her first two seasons in the WNBA, averaging 19.1 points per game. Her ability to create her own shot and knock down clutch shots could be a valuable asset for the Fire in their inaugural season.
The Fire could also look to add some veteran leadership to their young roster. Players like Candice Dupree and Sylvia Fowles could bring a wealth of experience and championship pedigree to the team. Their presence on the court and in the locker room could be crucial for the Fire’s success in their first season.
On the other hand, the Toronto Tempo, led by head coach Nicki Collen, also have a lot of options to choose from in the expansion draft. With the second pick, the Tempo have the opportunity to select a player who can make an immediate impact on their team.
One player that could be on the Tempo’s radar is Liz Cambage. The Australian center is one of the most dominant players in the WNBA, averaging 23.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in her last full season in 2019. Her size, strength, and scoring ability would make her a perfect fit for the Tempo’s frontcourt.
Another player that could be a valuable addition to the Tempo’s roster is Chiney Ogwumike. The Los Angeles Sparks forward is a two-time All-Star and a former Rookie of the Year. Her versatility and high motor make her a valuable asset on both ends of the court. Plus, her experience playing alongside her sister Nneka Ogwumike could be a great advantage for the Tempo.
The Tempo could also look to add some shooting to their roster. Players like Allie Quigley and Kelsey Plum could provide the team with much-needed outside scoring. Their ability to knock down threes at a high percentage could open up the floor for their teammates and give the Tempo a potent offense.
As we eagerly await the expansion draft, one thing is certain – both the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo are in a prime position to build strong and competitive rosters for their inaugural season. With a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, these two teams are sure to make a splash in the WNBA and leave their mark on the league.
The WNBA expansion draft is just the beginning of an exciting new era for the league. With the addition of two new teams, the competition will only get tougher, and the level of play will continue to rise. It’s an exciting time for the WNBA, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Portland Fire, the Toronto Tempo, and the entire league. Let the countdown to the 2026 season begin!
