Portland Fire Signs WNBA Veteran Megan Gustafson To Strengthen Roster For Expansion Return

The Portland Fire chose first in the expansion draft, with the franchise showing trust in Bridget Carleton. While the team added 10 other players in the expansion draft, most of their choices were young stars who had minimal chances in the league and yet could be effective with their talent. To complement the young roster, the side chose seven-year veteran Megan Gustafson in free agency.

The WNBA free agency showed many changes in the rosters, with every franchise looking to add from the available talent and also trying to keep their core intact.

Megan Gustafson Joins Portland Fire

While the Portland side looked to take control of the court with strong back-court and also a few perimeter stars. While they were short at the center position, the team made a strategic move, adding the Aces’ backup star to the roster.

As per the report, Fire signed Megan Gustafson to a two-year deal. The 2019 rookie will earn $500,000 in the first year of the deal, which is protected, and $525,000 in her second year.

Breaking: Free agent center Megan Gustafson is signing a two-year deal with the Portland Fire, per her agent @TichaPenicheiro at @PrioritySports.

The deal is protected, $500k in Year 1 and $525k in Year 2.

A new start for the 2025 champ with the Aces pic.twitter.com/rv2wKwW8Z8

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 12, 2026

In 11.3 minutes per game in the last season, she averaged three points and 1.8 rebounds. She is also a strong shooter, making 35.6% of 3-pointers in her career. During her college career at the Iowa Hawkeyes, the player led the league in scoring for two seasons and also won the Naismith College Player of the Year accolade, highlighting her impactful gameplay.

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While joining the Fire team, probably as a starter, the player could revive her career, but the franchise made a shrewd addition to the roster that provides them with a whole new system.

Megan Gustafson Provides Portland Fire New Dimension

The 29-year-old star offers the Portland Fire a unique blend of veteran leadership and tactical versatility essential for a new franchise. As a seasoned professional with a championship pedigree, she provides the “locker room glue” necessary to establish a professional culture from day one.

Her ability to score efficiently from both the low post and the perimeter forces opposing defenses to stretch, creating vital spacing for her younger teammates to operate. This multi-dimensional offensive threat, combined with her high basketball IQ, allows her to serve as an on-court coach.

These 4 players have the highest efficiency rating per minute as we head into the final day of the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament:

1. Ziyu Zhang — 1.000 EFF per minute
2. Megan Gustafson — .935 EFF per minute
3. Ezi Magbegor — .903 EFF per minute
4. Angel Reese — .846 EFF… pic.twitter.com/qzidoT7HTF

— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) March 16, 2026

Beyond her scoring, Gustafson’s experience in high-pressure international and playoff environments brings a level of composure that is rare for expansion rosters. By anchoring the interior and mentoring the incoming draft class, she accelerates the team’s competitive timeline. While their immediate competitors, Toronto Tempo, went for the veteran line-up, the Fire side is also balancing its roster.