The 2025 WNBA expansion draft is coming. Find out how it works, who could be protected, and what it means for fans and teams alike.
With WNBA expansion draft 2025 buzz heating up, fans are asking: Who’s getting a new team? Who will get picked? And most importantly—how will it all go down? As the league rides a wave of record-breaking viewership, star power, and public interest, adding new franchises feels less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.
Let’s dive into what the expansion draft could look like, the rules, and which players and cities are at the center of this pivotal moment in women’s basketball 2025.
Why the WNBA Is Expanding Now
The timing couldn’t be better. Here’s why 2025 is the perfect storm for WNBA expansion:
- TV ratings are booming — Viewership is up 64% compared to 2024, with rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese leading the charge.
- Merchandise sales have hit all-time highs, led by jersey sales from Clark, Reese, and A’ja Wilson.
- Social media engagement is off the charts—#WNBA2025 regularly trends on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
- Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed in June 2025 that the league will add two new teams in 2026, making this year’s expansion draft a crucial next step.
(Source: WNBA.com)
How the WNBA Expansion Draft Works
The WNBA expansion draft rules are modeled after previous expansions (like the 2008 Atlanta Dream draft). Here’s how it’s expected to play out:
- Each existing team can protect 6 players.
- Unprotected players become eligible to be drafted by the new teams.
- Teams cannot lose more than one player during the expansion draft.
- Rookies drafted in 2025 may be automatically protected due to rookie contracts.
- New teams will draft 12 players total—one from each of the 12 existing franchises.
This setup ensures balance while still giving new teams a shot at strong rosters.
Likely WNBA Expansion Draft Timeline (Projected)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2025 | Expansion teams officially announced |
| October 2025 | Protected player lists submitted |
| November 2025 | WNBA Expansion Draft held |
| May 2026 | New teams debut in WNBA season opener |
Note: This timeline is based on historical precedent and recent reports.
Cities Likely to Join the WNBA in 2026
Based on reports from Just Women’s Sports, here are the cities leading the race for a new franchise:
- Toronto – Huge international market, sold out the 2023 exhibition game, passionate basketball culture.
- Philadelphia – Underserved sports market with strong college basketball roots.
- Nashville – Rapidly growing city, ideal for a fresh, young fan base.
- Bay Area (Oakland/San Francisco) – Backed by former Golden State Warriors executives.
- Portland – Deep sports loyalty, plus a history of supporting women’s basketball.
Which Players Could Be Available in the Expansion Draft?
Every team will have tough decisions to make. While stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart will almost certainly be protected, some key contributors may be left exposed.
Possible unprotected players (speculative):
- DiDi Richards (Liberty)
- Dana Evans (Sky)
- Chiney Ogwumike (Sparks)
- Lexie Hull (Fever)
- Joyner Holmes (Storm)
Keep in mind, teams can only protect six players, so someone fans love is bound to be left vulnerable.
What This Means for Existing Teams
Expansion drafts can shake up rosters, even for championship contenders. Coaches and GMs will need to:
- Prioritize younger talent vs. veteran leadership
- Consider salary cap impact
- Think about team chemistry and depth
A team like the Las Vegas Aces may be forced to expose a role player they’d rather keep, simply due to the talent they already have locked in.
Fans React to the Expansion News
The WNBA community is thrilled about expansion:
“Put a team in Toronto already! That exhibition game was louder than most NBA arenas.” – @HoopsNorth
“Please let Philly get a team. We’re ready to go all in.” – Reddit user u/WNBA4Life
“Expansion draft season = chaos. Protect Angel Reese at all costs.” – @SkyHighFans
It’s not just speculation anymore—it’s happening. And fans are more invested than ever.
How Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Influence Expansion
These two rookies have completely changed the WNBA’s trajectory:
- Clark is averaging 20.3 PPG, 7.1 APG, and regularly trending on ESPN.
- Reese is leading the league in rebounds and double-doubles.
Their rookie class has brought millions of new eyes to the league. That visibility directly impacts ticket sales, media rights, and the case for new teams. In short, Clark and Reese are part of the reason expansion is possible right now.
TV Ratings & Sponsorships Fuel the Push
The WNBA’s growth isn’t just anecdotal—it’s data-backed:
- Average game viewership: 1.2 million (up from 730K in 2024)
- Corporate sponsors: Nike, Amazon, State Farm, and now even Coca-Cola
- Streaming numbers on Amazon Prime and ESPN+ continue to climb
More attention = more revenue = more teams.
Conclusion: WNBA Expansion Draft 2025 Will Redefine the League
The WNBA expansion draft 2025 will mark a historic turning point. As the league grows beyond its original 12 teams, new stars will rise, new fanbases will emerge, and the league will become more competitive than ever before.
If you’re a WNBA fan, now’s the time to start thinking about who your team must protect—because change is coming, and it’s coming fast.
💬 Ready for Expansion?
Which city needs a WNBA team? Who should your team protect in the draft? Drop your picks in the comments, share this post with your crew, and subscribe for weekly WNBA updates.
FAQs
1. What is the WNBA expansion draft?
It’s a special draft where new WNBA teams select players from existing teams. Each current team can protect six players.
2. When will the WNBA expansion draft happen?
It’s expected in November 2025, ahead of the 2026 season.
3. Which players are eligible for the expansion draft?
Players not on the six-player protected list from each team will be eligible to be selected.
4. Which cities are most likely to get new WNBA teams?
Top contenders include Toronto, Philadelphia, Nashville, and the Bay Area.
5. Will rookies like Caitlin Clark be protected?
Yes. First-year rookies on rookie-scale contracts will almost certainly be protected.
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