WNBA Expansion Draft 2026: Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo Pick Up Black International Players

The WNBA's growing global reach is on full display as new teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select diverse talent in the 2026 expansion draft.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' figures deconstructed and abstracted into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The WNBA's expansion draft showcases the league's growing global reach, as new teams select a diverse array of international talent to inspire a new generation of basketball fans worldwide.Atlanta Today

The WNBA's 2026 expansion draft has showcased the league's increasing international presence, with the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire teams selecting a number of Black players from abroad. This strategic move not only brings fresh talent to the league but also underscores the WNBA's commitment to diversity and inclusion, as it seeks to inspire a new generation of fans and athletes worldwide.

Why it matters

The WNBA's focus on international players and unconventional talents reflects the league's efforts to challenge the NBA's global dominance and create a more inclusive basketball landscape. By drafting players like Adja Kane from Paris and Nyara Sabally from Germany, the WNBA is positioning itself as a truly global league, one that celebrates the unique skills and backgrounds of its athletes.

The details

The Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's first Canadian team, has made a statement by selecting players like Adja Kane, a Parisian native, and Nyara Sabally, a German center. Meanwhile, the Portland Fire's return to the Moda Center evokes a sense of history, but also a chance for redemption after the original team's short-lived stint. These strategic moves not only bring a unique blend of skills to the teams but also underscore the WNBA's expanding global reach.

  • The WNBA expansion draft took place on April 11, 2026.
  • The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin in May 2026.

The players

Adja Kane

A Parisian native selected by the Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft.

Nyara Sabally

A German center selected by the Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft.

Aaliyah Nye

A player who contributed to the Las Vegas Aces' championship run and was highlighted as an example of the WNBA's ability to unearth hidden gems.

Nyadiew Puoch

A South Sudanese-Australian forward who demonstrates the WNBA's commitment to identifying talent that might be overlooked in traditional scouting.

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What’s next

The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin in May 2026, with the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire teams making their debut and showcasing the league's growing international talent.

The takeaway

The WNBA's 2026 expansion draft highlights the league's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and global expansion. By selecting a diverse range of international players, the WNBA is positioning itself as a truly global basketball league that celebrates the unique skills and backgrounds of its athletes, challenging the NBA's dominance and inspiring a new generation of fans and players worldwide.