The WNBA’s next chapter is shaping up to be wild. Between looming CBA uncertainty, two new expansion teams, and a draft class packed with franchise-changers, the latest mock drafts are already shaking up expectations and revealing some major surprises about who might be on the move next.

Mock Expansion Draft Sends Two Connecticut Sun Players Packing

With two new expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, set to join the league in 2026, mock expansion drafts are giving fans a first glimpse at how rosters could shift. In The Athletic’s recent projection, the Connecticut Sun lose two depth pieces: Rayah Marshall to Portland and Haley Peters to Toronto.

Marshall, a 2025 second-rounder who barely saw the floor in Connecticut, is viewed as an upside project, the kind of athletic, defensive-minded forward an expansion team can afford to develop. Peters brings something different: a steady veteran presence who rebounds, defends, and adds leadership to a young locker room.

The Sun protected their core five, emphasizing a future built around Aaliyah Edwards, Saniya Rivers, and Leila Lacan, while using their post-selection protection slot to secure Marina Mabrey. Expansion is always chaotic, but for Connecticut, this mock version could’ve gone much worse.

Should Chicago and Seattle Pull Off a Draft-Week Swap?

Another storyline picking up steam is the idea of the Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm making a draft-day trade. Chicago owns the No. 5 pick, Seattle holds No. 3 plus a late first-rounder, and both teams are heading into 2026 with major roster questions.

The proposed deal? Chicago sends the No. 5 pick and a 2027 first-rounder to move up, giving Seattle flexibility to re-sign stars like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins. Chicago, meanwhile, would be betting big on one player who could accelerate its rebuild alongside Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

Nothing is imminent, but the logic is there. Both teams need clarity, and both have reasons to gamble.

Analyst Says Awa Fam Could Be the Perfect No. 1 Pick for Dallas

The Dallas Wings hold the top pick for the second straight year, and The Lead’s Dwayne Marcus believes the answer at No. 1 is clear, Awa Fam. At 19, Fam already looks like the type of modern center teams build around: tall, mobile, and full of untapped offensive potential.

Dallas desperately needs a foundational big to pair with Paige Bueckers. With other contenders stocked with elite frontcourt talent, the Wings can’t afford to miss again. If the mock projections are right, Fam may be the franchise’s long-term answer.

Deep Dive Mock Draft Shows How Toronto and Portland Could Build Fast

The Athletic’s 12-round mock expansion draft offered a detailed look at how both new franchises might lay the groundwork. Toronto went for length, youth, and shooting, headlined by Li Yueru, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Aaliyah Nye. Portland leaned into upside swings, selecting players like Carla Leite, Emily Engstler, Chloe Bibby, and former Finals hero Nyara Sabally.

The big takeaway? Even without access to the league’s biggest stars, both teams can assemble competitive, intriguing cores right out of the gate.

Written by

Kalzang

Edited by

Joyita Das