WNBA 2026 | Page 2 | The Boneyard

WNBA 2026

cancontent said:
Thought I had bookmarked a post on Twitter, but can't find it. Below is what Google Gemini provided for an answer. Believe they're still tentative as I believe the agreement has to be officially ratified.


EventDate(s)
Expansion DraftApril 1 – April 6 (Toronto Tempo & Portland Fire)
Free Agency: Qualifying OffersApril 7 – April 8
Free Agency: Negotiation PeriodApril 9 – April 11
Free Agency: Signing PeriodApril 12 – April 18
2026 WNBA DraftApril 13 (7:30 PM ET on ESPN)
Training Camp OpensApril 19
Preseason Games BeginApril 25
Regular Season Tip-OffMay 8
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Thanks. As Samuel L. Jackson said in Jurassic Park I...Hold on to your butts! The next 5 weeks are going to be intense!
 
Stagnant said:
I am thinking Kaitlyn Chen might be a good expansion pick for Toronto.

I don’t know who golden state will protect. Probably not her and I would assume both Portland and Toronto will be enthusiastic about selecting Valkyrie players.
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My money is that assuming we don't protect Laeticia Amihere, the Tempo will absolutely take her (and they should). I just don't see us protecting her over VB, Rupert, Salaun, Juste, and Leite. Remember that because LA was waived she's a free agent, which means even if we protect her, she can sign and go elsewhere. (The same, of course, is true of Chen.) The five I'd pick are all restricted free agents, reserved players, or on rookie contracts.
 
TheFarmFan said:
My money is that assuming we don't protect Laeticia Amihere, the Tempo will absolutely take her (and they should). I just don't see us protecting her over VB, Rupert, Salaun, Juste, and Leite. Remember that because LA was waived she's a free agent, which means even if we protect her, she can sign and go elsewhere. (The same, of course, is true of Chen.) The five I'd pick are all restricted free agents, reserved players, or on rookie contracts.
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That would probably be a good strategy to get butts in seats too. It would be cool for the Tempo to have some Canadians on the roster.
 
TheFarmFan said:
My money is that assuming we don't protect Laeticia Amihere, the Tempo will absolutely take her (and they should). I just don't see us protecting her over VB, Rupert, Salaun, Juste, and Leite. Remember that because LA was waived she's a free agent, which means even if we protect her, she can sign and go elsewhere. (The same, of course, is true of Chen.) The five I'd pick are all restricted free agents, reserved players, or on rookie contracts.
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GamecockFam said:
That would probably be a good strategy to get butts in seats too. It would be cool for the Tempo to have some Canadians on the roster.
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On one hand I'd agree. Amihere needs a fresh start to build on what she did with the Valkyries. A coach like Brondello could do wonders.

On the other hand, I'm leery about her returning to Toronto because it could also be a distraction. There are a lot of hanger ons in the 6 who would love a chance to leverage her status to enhance their own. It happened to her in high school and sometimes I think it inflated her ego in a bad way.
 
Stagnant said:
I think Dallas needs to get creative with the number one overall pick. There might be some teams that really covet one of the top players this year.

If I can do a pick swap and acquire an all star caliber player… I would do it.
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Why?? There a so many free agents. They can get the best player in the draft and sign an all star caliber player.
 
cancontent said:
Thought I had bookmarked a post on Twitter, but can't find it. Below is what Google Gemini provided for an answer. Believe they're still tentative as I believe the agreement has to be officially ratified.


EventDate(s)
Expansion DraftApril 1 – April 6 (Toronto Tempo & Portland Fire)
Free Agency: Qualifying OffersApril 7 – April 8
Free Agency: Negotiation PeriodApril 9 – April 11
Free Agency: Signing PeriodApril 12 – April 18
2026 WNBA DraftApril 13 (7:30 PM ET on ESPN)
Training Camp OpensApril 19
Preseason Games BeginApril 25
Regular Season Tip-OffMay 8
Expand ...
So the draft is happening the second day of free agency, when the vast majority of the players are free agents, so teams are kind of drafting blind, although I'm sure all have plans for free agents. I can get my head around that.

IIRC free agents aren't part of the expansion draft. And teams can protect five players, which is 65 players. Does anyone know how many players are even available for the expansion draft, or have a reasonably educated guess? How many each team gets to draft (in theory)?
 
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Bigboote said:
So the draft is happening the second day of free agency, when the vast majority of the players are free agents, so teams are kind of drafting blind, although I'm sure all have plans for free agents. I can get my head around that.

IIRC free agents aren't part of the expansion draft. And teams can protect five players, which is 65 players. Does anyone know how many players are even available for the expansion draft, or have a reasonably educated guess? How many each team gets to draft (in theory)?
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2026 WNBA expansion draft: Protected player predictions - ESPN (12/11/2025):
  • Contains list of Unprotected Players. These lists contain &1 UFAs, which has a catch (below).
  • Assumes new CBA reduced the number of protected players to five, instead of six.
Per Valkyries’ expansion draft rules, One UFA can be chosen by an expansion team.
  • The chosen UFA is required to be cored.
  • Because of the coring rules (allegedly no changes prior to 2027), there is an arbitrage opportunity to poach, say, Jackie Young/ Chelsea Gray, or Satou Sabally. A list is here.
&1 I don’t agree with having UFAs in the protected lists.
  • Only 1 UFA can be cored per team at any one time which is de-facto protection.
  • Expansion teams can only select 1 UFA total in the expansion draft, and they must core them.
  • So teams need only core their best elite UFA.
  • So protected lists will have the better non-UFAs and the non-UFAs in non-protected lists are the slim pickings (with 100+ UFAs).
 
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NycUcWbbFan said:
2026 WNBA expansion draft: Protected player predictions - ESPN (12/11/2025):
  • Contains list of Unprotected Players. These lists contain &1 UFAs, which has a catch (below).
  • Assumes new CBA reduced the number of protected players to five, instead of six.
Per Valkyries’ expansion draft rules, One UFA can be chosen by an expansion team.
  • The chosen UFA is required to be cored.
  • Because of the coring rules (allegedly no changes prior to 2027), there is an arbitrage opportunity to poach, say, Jackie Young/ Chelsea Gray, or Satou Sabally. A list is here.
&1 I don’t agree with having UFAs in the protected lists.
  • Only 1 UFA can be cored per team at any one time which is de-facto protection.
  • Expansion teams can only select 1 UFA total in the expansion draft, and they must core them.
  • So teams need only core their best elite UFA.
  • So protected lists will have the better non-UFAs and the non-UFAs in non-protected lists are the slim pickings (with 100+ UFAs).
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Thank you. I've now remember seeing this before and being befuddled by it. I still am, but seeing the list you linked to answers the important question.
 
Expansion Draft Rules Announced: WNBA Expansion Draft 2026 Set For Friday, April 3 on ESPN

IMG_1057.jpeg
 
With much of Iowa St losing their players to transfers, Audi is actually eligible for this year’s draft based on her age. Do the time constraints still apply? For example, I think the final four players have a day or two to declare after their final game. Does anyone know the date this year? I don’t want this to start a college debate, just a general question about the draft.
 
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hoopsdiva said:
The Mohegan tribe rescued the Orlando franchise when the WNBA wasn't worth crap. I hope they didn't get screwed with this deal, but they probably did. 😡
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Based on this report, I don't think so however this is a crazy number at the same time. The Aces were sold for $2M when Davis bought the team in 2021.
 
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I am back to thinking Betts should be the number one overall pick. It’s going to look really bad if Dallas passes on her and she becomes an all star level center.
 
Stagnant said:
I am back to thinking Betts should be the number one overall pick. It’s going to look really bad if Dallas passes on her and she becomes an all star level center.
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This draft is really intriguing to me. There are a bunch of players that have all star potential but I could also see none of them panning out as expected.


Fudd-great shooter but bad injury history. I see her as more of a 3 and D type of player rather than a first or second option in the pros.
Betts-great collegiate big, not sure if her game will translate to the pros athletically.
Flau'jae Johnson-great athlete and collegiate player, had an underwhelming senior year which is a red flag for pro outlook.
Awa Fam-young, talented but raw. A pick based on potential and probably wont be a big contributor for a couple of years.

I'm actually most convinced that Olivia Miles will be an elite pro but Dallas doesn't need her with Paige already there.
 
Richard Cohen of HerHoopsStats does his usual thorough and "now-about-this" explanations to the expansion draft. How it works, who is slotted under what rules and what makes sense for each team. It's long, but if you want to get an idea of where each team stands for not only roster retention, but the draft, this is must-reading for WNBA fans. He's really good and has a sly, almost underhanded, wit.

herhoopstats.substack.com

WNBA Expansion Draft 2026: Projecting the protected lists, and breaking down the details

Before the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select their initial rosters on Friday, we explain all the rules and look at who might be available to select
herhoopstats.substack.com herhoopstats.substack.com
 
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bballnut90 said:
This draft is really intriguing to me. There are a bunch of players that have all star potential but I could also see none of them panning out as expected.
Awa Fam-young, talented but raw. A pick based on potential and probably wont be a big contributor for a couple of years.
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I watched the FIBA qualifier on TNT and got to see Awa Fam.
I get the hype.
Very skilled for her size. Oozing with potential. She is "bouncy."
And she is skilled in the paint but appears to have shooting range.
She displayed lots of effort; I did not see her taking off plays.

That being said, Dallas drafted Awak Kuier with the second pick of the 2021 WNBA Draft She was a raw prospect with tantalizing athleticism and potential. And it never materialized, as she averaged 2.6 points in 86 games across three seasons.
This set back the franchise, coupled with the fact the #1 pick (also to Dallas) was Charli Collier, who averaged 2.9 points in 45 games across two seasons.

Now, Awa Fam is coming to the W as a more polished interior prosect than Awak Kuier. But Dallas might be hesitant to use such a high draft pick on an international player whose value has a lot in the "potential" category.

And if you look at Dallas' first round picks from 2020-2024, many of these players never panned out or improved once they were on other teams. The one star, Satou Sabally, bolted for Phoenix. By my count, only Maddy Siegrist was on a Dallas roster last year.

2024 Draft
1st Round (5th pick overall): Jacy Sheldon
1st Round (9th pick overall): Carla Leite

2023 Draft
1st Round (3rd pick overall): Maddy Siegrist
1st Round (5th pick overall): Lou Lopez Sénéchal
1st Round (11th pick overall): Abby Meyers

2022 Draft
1st Round (7th pick overall): Veronica Burton

2021 Draft
1st Round (1st pick overall): Charli Collier
1st Round (2nd pick overall): Awak Kuier
1st Round (5th pick overall): Chelsea Dungee

2020 Draft
1st Round (2nd pick overall): Satou Sabally
1st Round (5th pick overall): Bella Alarie
 
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CamrnCrz1974 said:
I watched the FIBA qualifier on TNT and got to see Awa Fam.
I get the hype.
Very skilled for her size. Oozing with potential. She is "bouncy."
And she is skilled in the paint but appears to have shooting range.
She displayed lots of effort; I did not see her taking off plays.

That being said, Dallas drafted Awak Kuier with the second pick of the 2021 WNBA Draft She was a raw prospect with tantalizing athleticism and potential. And it never materialized, as she averaged 2.6 points in 86 games across three seasons.
This set back the franchise, coupled with the fact the #1 pick (also to Dallas) was Charli Collier, who averaged 2.9 points in 45 games across two seasons.

Now, Awa Fam is coming to the W as a more polished interior prosect than Awak Kuier. But Dallas might be hesitant to use such a high draft pick on an international player whose value has a lot in the "potential" category.

And if you look at Dallas' first round picks from 2020-2024, many of these players never panned out or improved once they were on other teams. The one star, Satou Sabally, bolted for Phoenix. By my count, only Maddy Siegrist was on a Dallas roster last year.

2024 Draft
1st Round (5th pick overall): Jacy Sheldon
1st Round (9th pick overall): Carla Leite

2023 Draft
1st Round (3rd pick overall): Maddy Siegrist
1st Round (5th pick overall): Lou Lopez Sénéchal
1st Round (11th pick overall): Abby Meyers

2022 Draft
1st Round (7th pick overall): Veronica Burton

2021 Draft
1st Round (1st pick overall): Charli Collier
1st Round (2nd pick overall): Awak Kuier
1st Round (5th pick overall): Chelsea Dungee

2020 Draft
1st Round (2nd pick overall): Satou Sabally
1st Round (5th pick overall): Bella Alarie
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So. based on this, any suggestions? Go with Betts, a proven quality at center? Or Fudd, the shooter?
 
Dillon77 said:
So. based on this, any suggestions? Go with Betts, a proven quality at center? Or Fudd, the shooter?
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For Dallas, the team was near the bottom of three-point shooting. Some of that will change with a new coaching staff and offensive schemes, but that is an area of need.
Dallas also needs major help in the frontcourt.

I honestly do not know which player Dallas should select.
Fudd has demonstrated on the court at UConn this year. Her ability to stretch defenses will be of great value in the WNBA, and she is also a reliable defensive player. She has built-in chemistry with Paige Bueckers. But can she create her own shot off the dribble against WNBA defenders?

Betts should have a fine WNBA career. She made noticeable strides this year and has excellent offensive processing with great passing ability for a center (she actually averaged more assists this year than Fudd). But what can she do in a high screen-and-roll? And can she improve her on-ball defense in space?

What I do know is that Paige is a draw. Players, especially post players, will want to come to Dallas to be with a proven winner and an elite passer. It will be curious to see what Dallas does in free agency, which will dictate the player the Wings draft.
 
I think Dallas should take Betts or Fam. I also think they have to protect Kuier, Luisa, Paige, Maddy, and Aziaha.
 
Dillon77 said:
So. based on this, any suggestions? Go with Betts, a proven quality at center? Or Fudd, the shooter?
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If you watched South Carolina the last half of the season, you have to believe Madina Okot's name has at least been mentioned in their front office.

You're trading an inch of height for 3 point range, better athleticism, and more untapped potential. I think she could potentially wilt with the wrong style of coaching, but with a staff that can help her further develop, she has the highest ceiling of any collegian in this class.
 
I mean, fans can think what they want, but Dallas has been pretty clear about who they are choosing #1 in the draft, so it's pretty moot at this point.
 


This a big hire from a USports (NCAA of Canada) and Canada Basketball perspective. Clarke had been pretty successful leading Toronto Metropolitan University and a couple medal winning FIBA U19 squads for Canada Basketball.
 
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