WNBA Expansion Draft 2026: Toronto Tempo & Portland Fire Make Picks

Indiana Fever face tough decisions as they prepare for the 2026 season

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the court and players broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color in the style of Pablo Picasso. The painting captures the dynamic energy and movement of the sport.The WNBA's expansion draft has shaken up the league, creating new opportunities and challenges for teams like the Indiana Fever as they look to build a winning roster for the 2026 season.Indianapolis Today

The WNBA's first multiple-team expansion draft in two decades has shaken up the league, and the Indiana Fever are feeling the impact. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire have made their picks, leaving the Fever with some tough roster decisions to make as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The departure of key players like Kristy Wallace and Chloe Bibby could have a significant impact on the Fever's roster and their chances of success in the upcoming season. The Fever will need to focus on free agency and the collegiate draft to fill the gaps left by these players.

The details

Wallace, who sat out the 2025 season for personal reasons, and Bibby, who was a restricted free agent, both had limited playing time in 2024 and 2025, respectively. This means the Fever will have to be strategic in their roster moves to build a competitive team for 2026.

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

The players

Kristy Wallace

A former Fever player who sat out the 2025 season for personal reasons.

Chloe Bibby

A restricted free agent who had limited playing time with the Fever in 2024 and 2025.

Kelsey Mitchell

An unrestricted free agent and core eligible player who led the Fever to the WNBA playoff semifinals in 2025.

Caitlin Clark

A key player for the Fever who the team will look to build around.

Aliyah Boston

Another core player for the Fever who the team will need to consider in their roster decisions.

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What they’re saying

“The Fever's success in the 2026 season will depend on their ability to retain key players and fill any gaps in their roster.”

— Clemencia Bogisich Ret, Sports Writer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The WNBA expansion draft has created an exciting opportunity for the Indiana Fever to build a strong core around their best players. The team will need to make smart decisions in free agency and the collegiate draft, and they will also need to focus on developing young talent to compete in the 2026 season.