Bridget Carleton Leads the Way in WNBA Expansion Draft
The WNBA’s expansion draft has generated considerable excitement as the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo prepare for their inaugural seasons. The standout moment came when Bridget Carleton, a star from the Canadian national team, was selected as the first overall pick. Interestingly, despite being a Canadian talent, Carleton will not be joining the Tempo but will instead suit up for the Fire, marking a significant moment in her career.
A Surprising Start with International Flair
The draft kicked off with a sense of surprise, as the Fire opted for Carleton over other notable candidates. Carleton’s impressive track record includes being a key player for the Minnesota Lynx, where she helped lead the team to the WNBA Finals in 2024 and contributed to their best record in 2025. Her selection underscores Portland’s ambition to build a competitive roster right out of the gate.
As the draft progressed, it became clear that an international theme was emerging. Following Carleton, the Tempo made their mark by selecting Belgian point guard Julie Allemand. The Fire continued to bolster their roster with French player Carla Leite, while the Tempo also made significant picks, including German talents Nyara Sabally and Luisa Geiselsöder. The first American player to be chosen was Marina Mabrey, who landed with the Tempo, highlighting the diverse nature of this year’s draft.
Building New Foundations
With both teams having the opportunity to select up to 12 players, they ultimately settled on 11 each, mirroring the approach taken by the Golden State Valkyries in the previous expansion draft. All existing WNBA teams, except for the Chicago Sky, lost at least one player, showcasing the impact of the expansion on the league’s landscape. The Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm each saw one player depart, while the remaining teams lost two players.
The Tempo, now under the guidance of head coach Sandy Brondello, has reassembled some familiar faces. Brondello’s history with Nyara Sabally, a player she led to a championship with New York in 2024, adds an intriguing layer to the team’s dynamic. Additionally, the presence of Kristy Wallace, who won a bronze medal under Brondello at the Paris Olympics, enhances the team’s competitive edge.
The Fire also made strategic selections, with general manager Vanja Černivec bringing in Carla Leite, a player he previously drafted while in the Golden State front office. The synergy between teammates has not been overlooked, as several former colleagues have found themselves on the same teams during the draft process. This includes Lexi Held and Kitija Laksa heading to Toronto, while Emily Engstler and Sug Sutton reunite at Portland.
Strategic Vision for the Future
Monica Wright Rogers, general manager of the Toronto Tempo, articulated a clear vision for the franchise’s future. She emphasized the importance of cultivating a roster that embodies a competitive spirit while maintaining flexibility for long-term success. The goal is to create a culture that not only competes from the outset but also embraces the opportunity to establish a new legacy in Canada as the country’s first WNBA team.
In total, five players under contract switched teams during the draft, with the rest being reserved or restricted free agents. This transition grants the new teams negotiating rights, particularly for players like Carleton and Mabrey, who are unrestricted free agents. If either player is cored, it would grant their respective teams exclusive negotiating rights during the upcoming free agency period.
As the WNBA gears up for an exciting new chapter with the addition of the Fire and Tempo, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these teams shape their identities and compete in the league. The expansion draft has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season ahead.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research