The WNBA delay is a growing concern for many players, fans and teams. Expansion teams, in particular, have no player to work with or build around, and now have limited time to act on it. Toronto Tempo Head Coach Sandy Brondello expressed concern about the delayed WNBA 2026 schedule, as the Portland Fire is also sailing in the same boat.
While the Tempo welcomes its first season, the Portland expansion side certainly has some experience in the WNBA. And its former coach opened up about how difficult it was to build the early Portland side.
Portland Fire Could Face Early Struggles In WNBA
Though it ultimately depends on the team’s performance to determine their league fate, teams aim for a stronger roster and performers to give them a slight edge in the season. Expansion teams can choose from experienced league stars in the expansion draft, and then there are free-agent signings and the WNBA draft to add players.
But according to former coach Linda Hargrove, it’s difficult for the expansion team to build from the ground up. In a recent interview, she shared her experience in an exclusive interview with the Oregonian/OregonLive and said, “It’s tough being an expansion team. You’re getting, basically, players that aren’t being protected. You know, like you’re getting their 8, 9 or 10 player off of another team,” Hargrove said. “You can get good players, but not premier players.”
A Rivalry Reignited 🔥
— Portland Fire (@theportlandfire) February 11, 2026
On April 29th we’ll be headed to Seattle to take on the @seattlestorm for our first preseason game! pic.twitter.com/zjMPypMDD0
In WNBA drafts, expansion teams don’t have top picks because they are never part of the lottery draft. Leaving them dependent on available free agents to strengthen their roster.
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Luckily for the Portland Fire, free agency has over 100 players available due to the CBA situation, and they will also be part of the deepest WNBA draft in recent history. Though Toronto Tempo has a slight advantage with Sandy Brondello as its head coach, the Rose City could also attract top talent from free agency by correctly using the CBA terms.
Yet former Portland players are excited to see a franchise back in the city and want them to do their best in the opening season.
Jackie Stiles Excited To See Portland Fire Back In The League
The 2001 WNBA rookie of the year winner and Portland’s high-performing star was one of the happiest faces watching the franchise back in the city. Though injury cut short her WNBA career, she was an integral part of the Portland side during its existence.
The 47-year-old told the media, “It was just crushing when you know, I finished my second season and all of a sudden, I’m at home in the offseason and I get a phone call that the Portland Fire is no longer going to exist. And it was really difficult not having that closure. I feel like I’ve gotten that closure now when now we’re promoting this brand new team.”
Jackie Stiles gets her closurehttps://t.co/nH5L8SXPRu
— Debmallya Chakraborty (@DebmallyaC93340) January 30, 2026
The Portland Fire will have Alex Sarama as head coach, with Sylvia Fowles and Brittini Donaldson as his assistant coaches.