Ahead of the 2026 WNBA Season, no team has a complete roster. The massive free-agent market forces teams to rebuild their rosters. But ahead of the free agency signings, there would be an expansion team, allowing the expansion teams to pick players from active teams.
As per the rules, teams can protect five players, submitting them to the protected players list.
The Toronto Tempo will pick second in the expansion draft and the sixth overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft after winning the coin toss. Here are five players every franchise needs to protect ahead of the expansion team.
Players Each Team Can Protect Ahead Of 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft
The WNBA teams prioritize franchise cornerstones, young upside talent, and players on favorable contracts in the prioritization list. Here are five likely protections per team, balancing performance, age, and long-term value.
Atlanta Dream
The Dream side crashed out in the first round of the 2025 WNBA playoffs with many star players contributing to the team’s success. The side would lock in Rhyne Howard as their franchise centrepiece, alongside versatile guard Allisha Grey. Te-Hina Paopao is a young player who could see a bright future with the Dream team.
In the forward lineup, the team could rely on Brionna Jones and Naz Hillmon, who will provide strong backing to the team, adding frontcourt stability and defensive steel. This core blends proven production with growth potential.
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Chicago Sky
Chicago would prioritize emerging big Angel Reese and Kamila Cardoso. The duo had been among the league’s top performers, with control over the board and defensive stability. Also, the side could choose playmaker Courtney Williams for veteran support and experience on the floor.
Aerial Atkins proved to be another impactful player for the Sky team with her scoring ability and link-up plays. From the wins, Ajsa Sivka would get the nod from the front office following her impressive outing with the side. This mix secures scoring, rebounding, and veteran stability.
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun will have new owners for the 2026 season, with the Houston Rockets’ owners taking over the franchise. Despite this, the side will sort out top performers from the 2025 season who could be major help in the upcoming season.
Saniya Rivers and Aneesah Morrow had been excellent for the side, with room for improvement. They will be core players for the team’s future. The addition of Aaliya Edwards also provided firepower to the Sun attack, which will be in focus once again.
Although Marina Mabrey asked for a trade in the 2025 season, she would be happy with the current roster and will be on the protected players list. Leïla Lacan was one of the most impactful players in the WNBA last year, not just among rookies. This group reflects Connecticut’s identity: toughness, experience, and cohesion.
Dallas Wings
Despite finishing last in the season, the Wings remain one of the intriguing franchises in the league due to the showing of Paige Bueckers and the 2026 top pick prospect. While PB would be one of the top-protected players from the side, the side would also look to secure Arike Ogunbowale, considering her previous performances with the franchise.
Apart from the back-court pairing the side has, the side will secure the services of Ty Harris, who is the best point guard complement for them. Maddy Siegrist still has the potential to be an ‘X’ factor in the team, while Aziah James also had moments last season. The blend ensures both immediate competitiveness and future growth.
Golden State Valkyries
After being on the other side of the Expansion draft, the Valkyries would be looking to secure their top performers from the impressive 2025 season. The side remains competitive with two award winners on the roster. Coach Natalie Nakase will have Veronica Burton back in the lineup and will improve on an already-improved season.
Alongside those two, other top performers include the forward lineup of Monique Billings, Tiffany Hayes, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Carla Leite. Nakase prioritized pressure defense and fastbreak points, and players already living up to the expectations would be part of the 2026 roster.
Indiana Fever
The toughest selection among the franchises would be for the Indiana Fever. The semifinal run was incredible, and all 16 players were key to it. While the team’s core of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell remain top priority for the side, they would go for Mikayla Timpson and Lexie Hull to complete the list.
Importantly, the side has the 10th overall pick in the WNBA Season, and they could even go for protecting Sophie Cunningham instead of Timpson, but commercially it would be a costly decision for the franchise, making it less likely an alternative.
Las Vegas Aces
The defending champion has its eye set on its core. Even though a few player are on the wrong side of their 30s, the franchise would look to utilize their experience and prime for longevity.
The Aces would protect A’ja Wilson as their franchise MVP, alongside Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young for playmaking and perimeter firepower. Jewell Loyd’s addition gave them a strong backup player on the roster, while keeping Aaliyah Nye on the team for her shooting ability is the way to go here. Importantly, the focus is on sustaining a championship core.
Los Angeles Sparks
Their final push for the playoffs fell just short, and many doubted their ability to compete against top teams in the league. Yet the franchise has a chance to form a competitive team with the available pieces, as many star performers from 2025 could be key to their success.
The trio of Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, and Rickea Jackson had been consistent for the side and a no-brainer for the protection list. Many would even argue that Plum deserves a Supermax contract following her performances in the 2025 season and Unrivaled league.
Fit again, Cameron Brink will give them defensive stability. Azurá Stevens adds floor spacing and could be useful for the string forward lineup. This balances youth and experience.
Minnesota Lynx
Missing out on the championship for two seasons in a row, the Lynx would be looking to trim the noise and fine-tune the roster to compete for the championship again. Apart from the top-quality players, the coach will also have a second overall pick, which could play a crucial role in the decision on expansion draft protections, too.
Minnesota would secure Napheesa Collier as its centerpiece. Kayla McBride provides shooting, while Alanna Smith strengthens the frontcourt. Also, Courtney Williams adds playmaking, and Bridget Carleton provides strong offensive backup. The Lynx prioritize a balanced, competitive core.
New York Liberty
Following the 2024 championship, the 2025 season was a massive letdown. But the front office has a clear vision, as the GM mentioned in the offseason, and could prioritize keeping the core intact for the future. New York would protect Breanna Stewart as their superstar, alongside Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton adds two-way value, while Leonie Fiebich ensures strong backup in the season. While the expansion draft is not a major issue for the Liberty team, handing out the supermax contract would be a difficult task.
Phoenix Mercury
The finalists for the 2025 season already played with eight to nine players throughout the 2025 season, and their thin roster clearly indicates the versatility of their players. Even though the 2025 side was a whole new roster for the three-time champions, they would look to continue the same format and same players in the upcoming season.
You saw us in the Finals – and that was only the beginning.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) January 22, 2026
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Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally, and Alyssa Thomas form the core of the franchise, while Natasha Mack and Monique Akoa Makani remain key contributors for the side.
Seattle Storm
Following the first round exit, the Storm franchise got plenty of time to rethink its roster management. The side has Dominique Malonga as a generational talent leading from the front, but also needs veteran stars around her to be more impactful.
Interestingly, a change in the coaching staff might see multiple contenders for the protection draft, and will have Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, and Ezi Magbegor back for the 2026 season. While the final roster might look much different from the protected player list, the idea has the highest number of free agents.
Washington Mystics
Right from the start, the team looked for a younger core, which makes the choice for the protection player list easier. Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Shakira Austin were key contributors for the side, while Georgia Amoore could get the taste of a competitive game in the 2026 season.
Emily Engstler would round off the five protected players list, hinting at a brighter future and huge developmental potential in the side.