Building from Scratch: How a Settled CBA Will Shape the WNBA Expansion Draft
The anticipation surrounding the WNBA's two newest franchises, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, is reaching a fever pitch as the deadline for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement quickly approaches. A successful resolution to the CBA negotiations is paramount, as it provides the necessary stability and defined rules for the two expansion teams to construct their inaugural rosters effectively. Without a clear framework, team building would descend into chaos, but with the CBA settled, a well-defined expansion draft will allow Portland and Toronto to begin their WNBA journeys with confidence and strategic direction. The WNBA's history of expansion drafts suggests a clear process will emerge, enabling the Fire and the Tempo to select a blend of veteran experience and untapped potential from the existing league.
The most crucial element a settled CBA provides is clarity on player protection, a rule expected to closely mirror past expansions, likely allowing existing teams to protect up to six players from their current roster list. This fixed number dictates the size of the unprotected pool, which general managers from Portland and Toronto are meticulously scouting to find their foundational players. The final CBA will also confirm the mechanism for selecting these players, likely allowing each expansion team to choose one player from each existing franchise before those teams can adjust their rosters. This structured process ensures a measured distribution of talent across the league, preventing any one team from being disproportionately gutted of its roster depth. Furthermore, the CBA will outline the critical rules surrounding unrestricted free agents, a significant group of players in the current WNBA landscape. The expansion teams will need the ability to select and secure these high-value unrestricted free agents, potentially using a "coring" mechanism, to establish immediate star power and accelerate their path to competitiveness.
With the rules in place, the focus immediately shifts to which players are in the highest contention to be drafted by the Fire and the Tempo. Both teams will be targeting a strategic mix of talent that addresses both immediate competitiveness and long-term growth. Veteran guards who can provide leadership and steady ball handling, but who may be on the outside of a deep team’s six protected players, will be highly sought after. Similarly, younger players on cost-controlled rookie contracts who have yet to fully break out will be premium targets, as they offer substantial upside and cap flexibility for the expansion franchises. The Toronto Tempo, in particular, is expected to prioritize Canadian players or those with a strong connection to the market to cultivate an immediate and passionate fan base. The final protected lists, once submitted, will reveal a trove of intriguing players, ranging from solid rotation pieces to established names who could become the unexpected first face of a new franchise.
The Portland Fire has already begun assembling its leadership team with a distinct vision, demonstrating a commitment to innovation that will be fully realized under a settled CBA. The Fire recently named Alex Sarama as its inaugural head coach, signaling a progressive approach to team building. Sarama, an internationally respected coach, is known for his work in player development and his strong advocacy for the constraints-led approach to training, a modern methodology that prioritizes adaptable, evidence-based performance. His appointment suggests the Fire will focus on a smart, system-oriented style of basketball, developing talent from the ground up rather than relying solely on immediately acquiring established superstars. This development-focused approach perfectly complements the opportunities presented by an expansion draft, allowing Sarama to shape the roster from day one with players who fit his innovative coaching philosophy.
Further solidifying Portland’s forward-thinking front office is the hiring of WNBA veteran Ashley Battle as the Vice President of Basketball Operations, Strategy and Innovation. Battle's multifaceted title is a testament to the Fire's comprehensive strategy, integrating her experience as a former player with her background in scouting and front-office work, including time with the Boston Celtics organization. In this high-level executive role, Battle will work closely with General Manager Vanja Černivec to ensure all basketball decisions, from scouting in the expansion draft to player wellness and analytics, are aligned with the franchise’s cutting-edge vision. Battle’s insight as a former player will be invaluable in shaping the team’s culture, ensuring that the new Fire franchise is built with a deep understanding of the player experience. Together, these strategic hires and the expected clarity of a new CBA put the Portland Fire, and similarly the Toronto Tempo, in a strong position to move beyond mere speculation and officially begin the exciting process of building a competitive WNBA future.
