WNBA Expansion Draft Impacts Indiana Fever

New teams Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo to select players from existing franchises

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with the vibrant colors of the Indiana Fever and new expansion teams overlapping in a dynamic, abstract composition.The WNBA expansion draft will force the Indiana Fever to strategically protect their core players as they aim to maintain their competitive edge.Chicago Today

The WNBA's two newest teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, will hold an expansion draft on April 3 to build their inaugural rosters by selecting players from the league's 13 existing franchises, including the Indiana Fever. The Fever will be allowed to protect up to five players, likely including Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Sophie Cunningham, and Aliyah Boston, as they aim to make a championship push this season.

Why it matters

The expansion draft rules will have a significant impact on the Fever's roster as they look to build a contending team for the 2026 season. Losing key players could hinder their championship aspirations, while protecting their core could help them maintain their competitive edge.

The details

The expansion draft will be two rounds using a 'snake format,' with Portland and Toronto alternating selections. Each new team can make up to six picks per round, and the Fever, along with the other 12 existing franchises, can lose no more than one player per round and no more than two total. The Chicago Sky will be exempt from losing a player due to trades with the Fire and Tempo.

  • The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft is scheduled for April 3, 2026.
  • The official coin toss to determine draft order was held on March 27, 2026, with the Fire winning the right to select first.

The players

Caitlin Clark

A guard for the Indiana Fever who is expected to be protected in the expansion draft.

Kelsey Mitchell

An unrestricted free agent guard for the Indiana Fever who is expected to be protected in the expansion draft.

Lexie Hull

A restricted free agent guard for the Indiana Fever who is expected to be protected in the expansion draft.

Sophie Cunningham

An unrestricted free agent guard for the Indiana Fever who is expected to be protected in the expansion draft.

Aliyah Boston

A center for the Indiana Fever who is expected to be protected in the expansion draft.

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What they’re saying

“The expansion draft rules will have a significant impact on the Fever's roster as they look to build a contending team for the 2026 season.”

— Scout Springgate, Author

What’s next

The 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm CT on April 3 and will be broadcast on ESPN.

The takeaway

The Indiana Fever will need to strategically protect their key players in the expansion draft to maintain their competitiveness and championship aspirations for the 2026 WNBA season.