WNBA Expansion Draft Set for April 15

Full order of picks and how to watch the 2026 expansion draft

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The WNBA expansion draft will reshape the league's landscape as new teams build their rosters.Los Angeles Today

The WNBA will hold its 2026 expansion draft on April 15, with two new teams set to join the league. The draft will determine the initial rosters for the expansion franchises, with each existing team allowed to protect a limited number of players from being selected.

Why it matters

The WNBA expansion draft is a highly anticipated event that will shape the future of the league, as new teams look to build competitive rosters and existing franchises strategize to retain their top talent.

The details

The 2026 WNBA expansion draft will take place on April 15, with the draft order determined by a random draw. Each existing WNBA team will be allowed to protect up to 6 players, with the remaining unprotected players eligible to be selected by the expansion franchises. The draft will consist of 12 rounds, with each new team making 6 selections.

  • The WNBA expansion draft will be held on April 15, 2026.
  • The draft order will be determined by a random draw prior to the event.

The players

Jonquel Jones

Connecticut Sun forward who won the WNBA MVP award in 2021.

Nneka Ogwumike

Los Angeles Sparks forward who won the WNBA MVP award in 2016.

Tamika Catchings

Indiana Fever forward who won the WNBA MVP award in 2011.

Tina Charles

Connecticut Sun center who won the WNBA MVP award in 2012.

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What they’re saying

“The expansion draft is a critical moment for the WNBA, as it allows new teams to build competitive rosters and existing franchises to strategize on retaining their top talent.”

— Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

What’s next

Fans can tune in to the WNBA's official broadcast partners to watch the expansion draft live on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The 2026 WNBA expansion draft will be a pivotal moment for the league, as new teams look to build competitive rosters and existing franchises work to retain their star players.