Home / Sports / WNBA Expansion Draft: Global Stars Land in Portland & Toronto
WNBA Expansion Draft: Global Stars Land in Portland & Toronto
3 Apr
Summary
- Bridget Carleton, a top Canadian player, was the first overall pick.
- Both new teams, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, selected 11 players.
- The draft featured a significant international flair with top picks.
The WNBA expansion draft has officially populated the rosters of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, marking a significant step for both inaugural franchises. The draft commenced with a surprise as Canadian national Bridget Carleton, a recent two-season starter for the Minnesota Lynx, was selected first overall by the Portland Fire.
The selection of Carleton underscored a prominent international theme at the draft's outset. Following Carleton, the initial picks included Belgian point guard Julie Allemand and French player Carla Leite for Portland, and German players Nyara Sabally and Luisa Geiselsöder for Toronto. The first American player drafted was Marina Mabrey, chosen sixth overall by the Toronto Tempo.
Both the Fire and Tempo opted to select 11 players, mirroring the strategy of the Golden State Valkyries in their previous expansion draft. This process saw five players under contract change teams, with the remaining selections comprising reserved or restricted free agents, granting their new teams exclusive negotiating rights. Bridget Carleton and Marina Mabrey are unrestricted free agents, whose future with their new teams hinges on contract negotiations.
