The WNBA held its expansion draft, allowing two new teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, to select players to build their rosters. Portland, returning to the league after 24 years, selected veteran forward Bridget Carleton with the first pick. Carleton, who played for the Minnesota Lynx last season, averaged 6.5 points per game. Toronto's first pick was guard Julie Allemand, formerly of the Los Angeles Sparks, who averaged 5.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5 assists in 34 games last season. The Tempo won a coin flip giving them a strategic choice in the college draft, opting for the sixth pick rather than the top expansion draft pick, which gave Portland the first overall selection. Both teams were allowed to select up to six players in two rounds, with restrictions to protect certain players and limit losses for existing teams. Trades were also made to safeguard Chicago Sky players from being selected. Other notable picks included Nyara Sabally, Marina Mabrey, Aaliya Nye, and Maria Conde for Toronto, and Carla Leite, Luisa Geiselsoder, Emily Engstler, and Chloe Bibby for Portland. Each team could select only one unrestricted free agent. The draft reflects both teams’ strategies to balance experience with potential as they enter the league.

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The PWHL's two newest franchises in Seattle and Vancouver will begin stocking their rosters early next month through an exclusive free agency period followed by an expansion draft.