WNBA Expands to Portland and Toronto for 2026 Season

New CBA signed, 2 expansion teams added, and key offseason dates announced for the upcoming WNBA season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:18pm by Ben Kaplan

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The WNBA is set to kick off its 2026 season with several major changes, including the addition of two new expansion teams in Portland and Toronto. A new CBA has been signed, and key offseason dates like the expansion draft, free agency, and the WNBA Draft have been announced leading up to the season opener on May 8.

Why it matters

The WNBA's expansion to Portland and Toronto marks an exciting new chapter for the league, bringing professional women's basketball to two new major markets. The new CBA is also expected to bring improved player salaries and benefits. These changes could help drive increased interest and viewership for the WNBA in 2026 and beyond.

The details

The WNBA's 2026 season will feature 14 teams after the addition of expansion franchises in Portland and Toronto. An expansion draft will be held on April 3 to stock the new rosters. Free agency will take place sometime between April 4-18, followed by the WNBA Draft on April 13 and the start of training camps on April 19. The preseason will run from April 25 to May 3 before the regular season tips off on May 8.

  • The WNBA expansion draft will be held on April 3, 2026.
  • Free agency will take place between April 4-18, 2026.
  • The WNBA Draft will be held on April 13, 2026.
  • WNBA training camps will open on April 19, 2026.
  • The WNBA preseason will run from April 25 to May 3, 2026.
  • The 2026 WNBA regular season will begin on May 8, 2026.

The players

Allisha Gray

A bonafide superstar who will look to lead her team to a deep playoff push in 2026.

Arike Ogunbowale

The star player for the Dallas Wings, who had a tumultuous front office situation last season but will look to bounce back.

Rhyne Howard

A promising young player for the Atlanta Dream, who will look to continue her development under a new coach.

Breanna Stewart

One of the league's best players, who will look to lead the Seattle Storm back to contention after an up-and-down 2025 season.

A'ja Wilson

The reigning MVP, who will look to guide the Las Vegas Aces to another championship run in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be expanding the WNBA to Portland and Toronto, two incredible basketball markets that will only help grow the game.”

— Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

“The new CBA is a game-changer for players, and I can't wait to see how it impacts the level of play across the league in 2026.”

— Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm Forward

What’s next

The WNBA will hold its expansion draft on April 3, 2026 to stock the rosters of the new Portland and Toronto franchises. Free agency will then open sometime between April 4-18, followed by the WNBA Draft on April 13 and the start of training camps on April 19.

The takeaway

The WNBA's expansion to Portland and Toronto, combined with a new CBA, sets the stage for an exciting 2026 season that could drive increased interest and viewership for the league. With star players like Allisha Gray, Breanna Stewart, and A'ja Wilson leading the way, the WNBA is poised for continued growth and success.