WNBA Expansion Draft: Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire's International Picks

The league's growing global reach is on display as new teams tap diverse talent pool.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:53am by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, crimson, and yellow, conveying the dynamic and international nature of the league's expansion.The WNBA's expansion draft highlights the league's growing global reach, as new teams assemble rosters with diverse international talent.Portland Today

The WNBA expansion draft has set the stage for an exciting new chapter in women's basketball, with the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo making strategic picks that showcase the league's growing international appeal. The selection of Canadian player Bridget Carleton by the Fire, as well as the international talent chosen by both teams, highlights the WNBA's commitment to embracing global talent and expanding its reach.

Why it matters

The WNBA's expansion and increased international focus signals a new era for the league, one that aims to enhance the quality of play, foster a more diverse fan base, and solidify the WNBA's position as a premier global basketball organization.

The details

The draft saw the selection of several international players, including Belgian point guard Julie Allemand, French player Carla Leite, and German players Nyara Sabally and Luisa Geiselsöder. The Toronto Tempo, led by general manager Monica Wright Rogers, has prioritized versatility, toughness, and winning experience in their roster-building strategy. Meanwhile, the Portland Fire's general manager Vanja Černivec has reunited with former player Carla Leite, leveraging their existing relationship to potentially gain a strategic advantage.

  • The WNBA expansion draft took place on April 11, 2026.

The players

Bridget Carleton

A Canadian national and a starter for the Minnesota Lynx, Carleton was selected first by the Portland Fire, marking the first time a Canadian player has been chosen first in a WNBA expansion draft.

Julie Allemand

A Belgian point guard selected by one of the expansion teams.

Carla Leite

A French player selected by one of the expansion teams, who has previously played for the Golden State Valkyries under Portland Fire's general manager Vanja Černivec.

Nyara Sabally

A German player selected by one of the expansion teams, who has previously won a title with Toronto Tempo's head coach Sandy Brondello.

Luisa Geiselsöder

A German player selected by one of the expansion teams.

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What’s next

The expansion teams will continue to build their rosters and prepare for their inaugural WNBA seasons, with the league's regular season set to begin in the coming months.

The takeaway

The WNBA expansion draft showcases the league's commitment to embracing global talent and expanding its reach, which could lead to enhanced competition, a more diverse fan base, and the continued growth of women's basketball on an international scale.