WNBA Expansion Draft Sparks Excitement For New Teams In 2026

The WNBA Expansion Draft is underway today, marking a pivotal moment for the league as it prepares to welcome two new teams in 2026. The draft, which began at noon ET, allows the incoming franchises to select unprotected players from existing teams, reshaping rosters across the league.

This event is trending nationwide as fans eagerly track which players might join the expansion teams, rumored to be based in San Francisco and Toronto. The WNBA announced the expansion last year, responding to growing demand for women’s basketball after record-breaking viewership in 2025.

Current WNBA teams were allowed to protect up to six players, leaving others eligible for selection. Star players like Dearica Hamby (Las Vegas Aces) and Diamond DeShields (Chicago Sky) were left unprotected, fueling speculation about potential moves. The expansion teams will each pick 12 players today, though not all will make final rosters.

The draft is a key step in building competitive teams ahead of the 2026 season. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called it a "historic moment" for the league’s growth. Fans on social media are debating potential picks, with #WNBAExpansion trending on Twitter.

Expansion teams will also participate in the 2026 WNBA Draft, where they’ll receive top picks. The league’s move to 14 teams reflects its rising popularity, with attendance and TV ratings hitting all-time highs last season. The full results of today’s draft will be announced by 8 PM ET.