The WNBA Expansion Draft 2026 is coming fast. Here’s how it works, who might be left unprotected, and what fans can expect from this historic moment.
The buzz around the WNBA Expansion Draft 2026 is real — and growing louder by the day. With the league officially expanding to San Francisco (Bay Area) and likely Toronto, fans are wondering what this draft means for their favorite stars.
This marks the first WNBA expansion in over 15 years, and with the surge in WNBA news, player popularity, and rising viewership in 2025, the timing couldn’t be better. But how does an expansion draft actually work in the WNBA? Who could be unprotected? And what are the teams looking for?
Let’s break it all down — from rules to risks to the players most likely on the move.
What Is the WNBA Expansion Draft?
An expansion draft gives a brand-new WNBA team a chance to build its roster from scratch. But unlike the college draft, this one involves existing WNBA players.
Key Rules for 2026:
- Each existing team can protect up to 6 players.
- Players not protected are eligible to be selected by expansion teams.
- Only one player can be taken from each current team.
- Rookie contract players and free agents may have special exemptions (pending new CBA adjustments).
This structure ensures current teams keep their cores, while new franchises still get a shot at proven talent.
Why 2026 Is the Perfect Year for WNBA Expansion
Let’s be real — the league has outgrown its 12-team format. Here’s why 2026 makes perfect sense:
- Skyrocketing viewership: WNBA TV ratings in 2025 are up 160% year-over-year.
- Massive rookie class: Players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso have made instant impact.
- City demand: The Bay Area has long pushed for a team, and Toronto’s sold-out preseason game in 2024 proved international interest.
Add in growing sponsorships, sold-out arenas, and more national broadcasts on Amazon Prime and ESPN, and you’ve got a league that’s ready to scale.
What Fans Can Expect from the WNBA Expansion Draft 2026
Expect drama. Expect debate. Expect movement.
- Popular veterans may be left unprotected due to salary caps.
- Promising young players could be snagged due to roster depth.
- GMs will face tough calls balancing star power vs. team chemistry.
And for fans? You’ll likely see your favorite team lose someone, which could seriously shake up 2026 playoff predictions.
Predicted WNBA Expansion Draft Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2025 | Official Draft Format Announced |
| January 2026 | Protection Lists Submitted by Teams |
| February 2026 | Expansion Draft for SF and Toronto Teams |
| May 2026 | New Teams Make WNBA Debuts |
For the full 2026 season schedule, check WNBA.com.
Potential Players Left Unprotected (Speculation Alert!)
| Team | Player at Risk | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Aces | Kiah Stokes | Cap flexibility |
| Indiana Fever | Kristy Wallace | Guard-heavy rotation |
| Chicago Sky | Marina Mabrey | High salary, guard depth |
| Seattle Storm | Mercedes Russell | Injury concerns |
| LA Sparks | Rae Burrell | Young, inconsistent |
Of course, this is all speculative — but teams will be forced to make very tough calls.
Who Might Be Protected?
Franchise stars are almost always protected. Expect these names to be safe:
- Caitlin Clark (Indiana)
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas)
- Breanna Stewart (Seattle)
- Aliyah Boston (Indiana)
- Angel Reese (Chicago)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas)
These players are cornerstones — they won’t be going anywhere.
How Expansion Will Change the WNBA Landscape
Adding two new teams brings more than fresh jerseys. Here’s what expansion means:
- More roster spots = fewer elite players cut during training camp
- Increased league parity = fewer “superteams”
- New rivalries = expect fireworks from Day 1
- International growth = especially if Toronto joins
It also increases the visibility of women’s basketball in 2025 and beyond, giving fans across the continent new reasons to tune in.
Social Media Reaction to WNBA Expansion Draft News
Fans have thoughts — and they’re sharing them loudly on Twitter/X and Reddit:
- “Caitlin Clark playing in Toronto twice a year? I’m booking my ticket now.”
- “I swear if Chicago loses Marina Mabrey, I’m flipping tables.”
- “We need a Netflix doc on the expansion draft drama. This is like WNBA Survivor.”
The excitement is real — and growing by the day.
Expansion Teams to Watch: SF and Toronto (Tentative)
San Francisco (Bay Area)
- Backed by Golden State Warriors ownership
- Will play at Chase Center
- Likely to be a high-budget, championship-focused franchise from the start
Toronto (Still Pending)
- Preseason game in 2024 sold out in under 24 hours
- Would be the first non-U.S. WNBA team
- Massive Canadian fan base and corporate backing
“Toronto and the Bay Area aren’t just basketball cities — they’re business markets too,” said Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Final Thoughts: The WNBA Is Growing — Don’t Miss It
The WNBA Expansion Draft 2026 is more than a league event — it’s a turning point. With talent levels surging, fan bases exploding, and markets hungry for more women’s basketball, expansion is the next logical — and overdue — step.
So who do you think your team will protect? Who should they leave unprotected? Drop your predictions in the comments, share this with your WNBA crew, and let’s get the draft-day debate started early.
Also Read: Latest Trending News
FAQs
1. When is the WNBA Expansion Draft 2026?
It’s expected in early 2026, likely February, before training camps begin.
2. How many teams are being added?
Two new teams — San Francisco is confirmed, and Toronto is heavily rumored.
3. Can star players like Caitlin Clark be drafted by new teams?
No, most stars will be protected by their current teams.
4. What does “protected” mean in the WNBA expansion draft?
Each team can lock in a set number of players who are off-limits from being picked.
5. Will the expansion draft be televised?
Yes, it’s expected to air on ESPN or Amazon Prime, given the growing viewership.
