The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft Verdict
As the season fades, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo reveal which expansion picks built their futures and which faded into the margins.
The hardwood dust settles as the 2026 WNBA season draws to a close. Neither the Portland Fire nor the Toronto Tempo are chasing playoff berths, yet their rosters carry the weight of early choices. The Fire opened with a 5-3 start, proving resilient despite finishing ninth. The Tempo began 7-5, a promising surge derailed by a wave of injuries that pushed them to 11-30.
Expansion drafts are often seen as lottery tickets, but here they became the blueprint. While both teams added depth later, the initial selections defined their identity. As reported by Yahoo Sports, the season offers a clear lens on these decisions. Who emerged as pillars? Who vanished? The stats tell a story of striking contrast and unexpected value.
Carleton Leads Fire Offense
Bridget Carleton, the No. 1 pick, delivered on star potential. Averaging 14.3 points per game, she shot 36.8 percent from deep with 106 makes, ranking fifth in the league. Her defensive presence is equally sharp, with 1.6 steals per game, placing her tenth in the WNBA. This solid foundation set the tone for Portland's offensive rhythm.
Carla Leite, selected third, became the Fire’s most impactful player. After a modest debut season in Golden State, she exploded for 15.8 points and 6.3 assists per game. Her 39.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc signals a dangerous evolution. If she increases her volume while maintaining that efficiency, she becomes a focal point for any contender.
Inconsistent Draft Class Results
Not all selections flourished. Luisa Geiselsöder, the No. 5 pick, struggled to find a role. After averaging six points in her first nine games, her minutes dropped significantly. Her contract was suspended ahead of the FIBA World Cup, leaving her future in Portland uncertain. The gamble did not pay off as expected.
Emily Engstler, picked seventh, found her stride. She raised her career scoring average to 10.3 points per game, shooting 37.1 percent from three. Her defensive versatility shines with 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, ranking eighth in the league for blocks. She transformed from a journeyman into a reliable contributor.
Trades and Departures
Several picks never suited up for their drafting teams. Maya Caldwell was traded to the Lynx for a 2028 third-round pick, where she averages 13.9 minutes and four points. Chloe Bibby was moved before the season started, playing for Chicago and then Minnesota. These early exits highlight the fluid nature of roster construction.
Haley Jones was waived after five games, averaging 5.2 points in limited minutes. She returned to Dallas with a reduced role. Nyadiew Puoch, the No. 16 pick, saw significant court time but struggled with efficiency, shooting 36.5 percent from the field. Her high usage without matching output raises questions about fit.
