Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select players in WNBA expansion draft
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Bridget Carleton was the first pick in the WNBA expansion draft, selected by the Portland Fire, not the Canadian team Toronto Tempo.
- The top picks in the draft showcased international talent, including players from Belgium, France, and Germany, with the first American player selected at No. 6.
- Both the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo selected 11 players each for their inaugural rosters, with most returning WNBA teams losing one or two players.
- Toronto’s head coach Sandy Brondello reunites with former teammates, while Portland’s GM Vanja Černivec adds familiar talent, including young point guard Carla Leite.
- Several players switched teams, with some under contract and others as free agents, giving the new teams negotiating rights but not guaranteed player commitments.
