With the expansion draft, new contract and veteran players entering free agency, WNBA teams — including the Minnesota Lynx — may look much different this season.
The Portland Fire selected Minnesota Lynx forward Bridget Carleton first overall in Friday’s WNBA expansion draft, while the Toronto Tempo picked Julie Allemand and also acquired Maria Kliundikova from the Lynx.
The league’s expansion draft on Friday will determine part of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo’s make-ups and who will be leaving the rosters of existing teams. Two teams will make their debut in the 2026 season as the WNBA expands to 15 teams.
Last week, the WNBA and its players reached a landmark labor deal. Catharine Richert and her guests talk about what it means for the athletes, the game and the future of the league.
The WNBA and its players’ union reached an agreement in principle on a transformational new collective bargaining agreement early Wednesday morning. The deal is expected to greatly increase player salaries with a good chance for million dollar players—a first for the league entering its 30th season that will start on time.
Wolves and Lynx co-owner Alex Rodriguez said he wants to build a new arena in Minneapolis to bring in new revenue and properly compete against other all-star teams.
The moratorium will halt the initial stages of free agency in which teams would seek to deliver qualifying offers and franchise tag designations to players.
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