Aces Prepare to Protect Top Talent from WNBA Expansion Draft

Las Vegas must submit list of 5 protected players by Sunday ahead of April 3 expansion draft

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:04am

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The Las Vegas Aces, the reigning WNBA champions, face difficult decisions as they prepare to protect five players from the upcoming WNBA expansion draft. With the league's new collective bargaining agreement now in place, the Aces must strategize to keep their core roster intact despite the risk of losing up to two players to the incoming Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo expansion teams.

Why it matters

The expansion draft is a crucial moment for the Aces, who have built a championship-caliber roster over the past four seasons. Losing key players could significantly impact the team's chances of defending their title and continuing their dynasty in the league.

The details

The expansion draft will take place on April 3, with the Fire and Tempo each making 12 selections over two rounds. The Aces, like all existing WNBA teams, can protect five players from their roster, including those on active contracts and players they hold rights to. Any unprotected players with five or more years of service who don't have a 2026 contract will be considered 'Potential Unrestricted Free Agents,' and the expansion teams can only select one such player each.

  • The Aces must submit their list of protected players by Sunday, March 31.
  • The WNBA expansion draft will take place on April 3 at 3:30 p.m.

The players

A'ja Wilson

The Aces' four-time WNBA MVP is expected to re-sign with the team on a supermax contract after years of team-friendly deals.

Chelsea Gray

The veteran point guard has been the anchor of the Aces' offense, helping the team win three WNBA championships in the last four years.

Jackie Young

The versatile guard has developed into one of the league's best two-way players and is a key part of the Aces' championship core.

Jewell Loyd

The Aces acquired Loyd in a blockbuster trade and she adapted to a crucial hybrid role off the bench during their most recent title run.

NaLyssa Smith

The Aces traded a future first-round pick to acquire Smith, who has found stability and success in Las Vegas.

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What they’re saying

“Knowing I'd found stability with the Aces took a weight off my shoulders.”

— NaLyssa Smith, Aces Player

What’s next

In the five days between the submission of protected players and the expansion draft, the Aces could explore potential trades with the incoming Fire and Tempo teams, though their limited draft capital may make that difficult.

The takeaway

The Aces face a challenging task in protecting their championship core, as the expansion draft threatens to disrupt the roster that has led them to sustained success. Their decisions on who to shield will be crucial in determining their ability to defend their WNBA title in the coming season.