The WNBA's expansion draft has concluded, and the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire have finally secured their inaugural season rosters. The draft was a strategic affair, with both teams aiming to build a competitive foundation. The highlight of the draft was the selection of Bridget Carleton by the Portland Fire, a surprising move that showcases the team's international vision. Carleton, a Canadian national, was a standout player for the Minnesota Lynx, who reached the WNBA Finals in 2024 and boasted the league's best record in 2025. Her selection by the Fire is a strategic move to strengthen their starting lineup.
The draft's international flair continued with the selection of Belgian point guard Julie Allemand by the Toronto Tempo, followed by France's Carla Leite joining the Portland Fire. Germany's Nyara Sabally and Luisa Geiselsöder were also key picks, with Sabally heading to Toronto and Geiselsöder to Portland. The first American player selected was Marina Mabrey, who joined the Tempo. The draft's international flavor adds depth and versatility to both teams.
The draft also saw the reunion of Toronto head coach Sandy Brondello with Nyara Sabally, with whom she won a title in New York in 2024. Additionally, Australian national Kristy Wallace, who won a bronze medal under Brondello at the 2024 Paris Olympics, joined the Tempo. Portland general manager Vanja Černivec, who was part of the Golden State front office that selected Leite in the previous expansion draft, reunited with the 21-year-old point guard on the Fire.
The draft process preserved some teammate pairings, such as Phoenix's Lexi Held and Kitija Laksa heading to Toronto, and Washington's Emily Engstler and Sug Sutton being drafted by Portland. The Fire also secured the Wings duo of Geiselsöder and Haley Jones. These strategic moves demonstrate the teams' commitment to building cohesive units.
The draft's impact extends beyond the initial picks. Five players under contract moved teams, and the remaining players are mostly restricted free agents, giving the new teams negotiating rights. Carleton and Mabrey, both unrestricted free agents, are not bound to their respective teams unless they are 'cored,' which would grant exclusive negotiating rights to Portland and Toronto in free agency. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer of strategy to the draft's aftermath.
In summary, the WNBA expansion draft has set the stage for an exciting season, with both the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire building competitive rosters. The international flavor, strategic picks, and team reunions make this draft a pivotal moment in the league's history, setting the foundation for the future of women's basketball.
