While there are no set rules for expansion under a new CBA yet, previous expansion experiences suggest that the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire won’t get lottery picks in their first-ever draft. Instead, they will likely pick at six and seven, just outside the lottery. Both teams’ draft strategy should be clear: pick the best talent available and see where you can go from there. Amassing young talent as early as possible could be the key to successful futures for both teams.
The 2026 WNBA Draft is the perfect occasion for such a strategy, even without a lottery pick. Next year’s draft class is stacked, meaning that the Tempo and Fire can get high-level young talent outside the lottery.
The 2026 WNBA Draft promises a lot of future stars
The college season just started on Monday, so a lot can still change until the draft, especially since we don’t know when it will take place yet. As of now, the top of the draft is expected to feature Lauren Betts, Awa Fam, Olivia Miles, Flau’Jae Johnson, and Azzi Fudd in any order.
There is also plenty of other talent if all five are gone by the time Toronto and Portland get to draft, though. Ta’Niya Latson, for example, may not be selected in the lottery in 2026, barring some big changes at the top of the draft. In any other draft, she would receive a lot more attention than she does in this star-studded class. If she plays her way up the draft board, that only means that another talented player will be available when the Tempo or Fire make their pick just outside the lottery.
Latson just led the NCAA in scoring last season, averaging 25.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.2 steals at Florida State University. Ahead of this season, Latson transferred to South Carolina, a program that regularly produces top WNBA talent. Any expansion team would be lucky to get a young scorer of her caliber.
Latson isn’t the only interesting talent just outside the lottery either. Kiki Rice, for example, is an explosive on-ball guard and physical defender that an expansion team could develop. They could also get a big, versatile wing by drafting Yarden Garzon or Gianna Kneepkens, one of the best spot-up shooters in college basketball. Jeniah Barker and Serah Williams are other college players to watch for the first round.
The Tempo and Fire don’t need lottery picks to land exciting and promising young talent that can contribute instantly because the draft is so stacked.
Toronto and Portland are in for exciting first seasons
While the Tempo’s and Fire’s entrance into the WNBA is clouded by uncertainty due to the ongoing CBA negotiations, their first seasons in the W will still be exciting debuts.
The Tempo will be the first WNBA team outside the U.S. and they already secured a top coach in Sandy Brondello, who just led the New York Liberty to a title in 2024 and also won a title at her previous stop.
The Fire, meanwhile, will start their first season with a rookie head coach known for his player development and innovative coaching style.