The WNBA expansion draft 2025 is coming. Here’s what fans should expect from protected lists, top picks, and how new teams could reshape the league.
The buzz is real—the WNBA expansion draft 2025 is officially on the calendar, and it’s one of the most exciting developments in women’s basketball in 2025. With the league adding a 13th team in San Francisco, fans, players, and execs are preparing for one of the biggest shifts the league has seen in over a decade.
So what exactly is an expansion draft, how will it work, and who might be available? If you’ve been following WNBA news, you know this moment has been a long time coming. Let’s break it all down.
What Is the WNBA Expansion Draft?
An expansion draft allows a new WNBA team to build its roster by selecting players from the existing 12 teams. Each current team can protect a set number of players, while the rest are eligible to be picked.
Key details for 2025:
- Date: December 10, 2025 (tentative)
- Team: Bay Area franchise (owned by Golden State Warriors)
- Protected players per team: 6
- Maximum picks per team: 1 player can be taken from each existing team
This format ensures every franchise contributes to helping the new team compete without losing their core.
Why 2025 Is the Perfect Time for Expansion
The WNBA has never had more momentum:
- Viewership has doubled in the past two years
- Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and others have ignited a fan boom
- National sponsors like Nike, Google, and Amazon are all in
- Arenas are selling out, and merch sales are at record highs
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said during the All-Star break:
“Adding new markets and new opportunities is critical to our long-term growth. This is just the beginning.”
Expect more expansion news in 2026, with cities like Toronto and Philadelphia rumored to be next.
How the Expansion Draft Could Shake Up the League
The WNBA expansion draft 2025 could have ripple effects across rosters and rivalries. Some teams will be forced to expose quality role players—or even rising stars.
Teams most at risk:
- Las Vegas Aces – Too much talent to protect everyone
- New York Liberty – Deep rotation, tough decisions
- Chicago Sky – Angel Reese will be protected, but who else?
- Indiana Fever – Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston are locks, but depth may be picked
Players Likely to Be Protected vs. Exposed
| Team | Likely Protected | Possible Exposed |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Fever | Clark, Boston, Smith, Mitchell | Kristy Wallace, Queen Egbo |
| Aces | Wilson, Gray, Young, Plum, Stokes | Kierstan Bell, Sydney Colson |
| Liberty | Stewart, Ionescu, Jones, Laney | Han Xu, Kayla Thornton |
| Sky | Reese, Mabrey, Carter, Williams | Ruthy Hebard, Chennedy Carter |
Note: Final protection lists will be released closer to draft day.
Who Could Be the #1 Pick in the Expansion Draft?
While most top-tier stars will be protected, the new team will likely target:
- Young, high-upside talent stuck behind stars
- Versatile role players on team-friendly contracts
- Veteran leaders to stabilize the locker room
Names to watch:
- Han Xu (Liberty) – Young, 6’10” center with international appeal
- Kierstan Bell (Aces) – Shooter with untapped potential
- Kayla Thornton (Liberty) – Tough defender with playoff experience
- Queen Egbo (Fever) – Energetic forward, solid backup big
These players may not be All-Stars yet—but they could shine in a bigger role.
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Anxiety
Fans have mixed feelings, and it’s easy to see why.
“I’m pumped to see a new team in the Bay! Finally!”
“Hope we don’t lose one of our young guards.”
“The W’s growing fast. Just hope we don’t water down talent.”
Still, most fans agree: the WNBA needs more teams to match the talent coming in from college.
How the Expansion Impacts the 2025 Draft Class
With another team added, expect:
- More rookies making final rosters
- Higher draft pick value as teams consider trade-down scenarios
- A chance for international prospects to break into the league
The WNBA Draft 2025 already looks stacked, and expansion opens the door for more talent to thrive.
TV Ratings and Media Buzz Boosting the Move
Let’s not forget how expansion benefits the league’s bottom line:
- More games = more TV rights deals
- More markets = more fan engagement
- New rivalries = more social media conversation
Early projections from Front Office Sports suggest the expansion team could generate over $15M in its first season, largely from Bay Area fan support, local sponsorships, and merch sales.
What Comes After the Expansion Draft?
Once the draft wraps, the new team will:
- Hire its head coach and full staff
- Participate in the 2026 WNBA Draft
- Sign free agents and make trades
- Reveal its name, logo, and jersey designs
We’re expecting the official team name and branding to drop by January 2026. (Insiders say “Bay City Blaze” and “Golden State Glow” are frontrunners!)
Final Thoughts: A New Era of the WNBA Begins Now
The WNBA expansion draft 2025 represents more than just new jerseys and logos—it’s a sign of a league on the rise. With demand at an all-time high and a wave of new talent entering every year, this move feels right on time.
If the league keeps growing at this pace, don’t be surprised to see 16 teams by the end of the decade.
Are you excited about the new WNBA team? Who should they draft first? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with your group chat, and subscribe for weekly W content!
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