History of WNBA expansion draft in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 1, 2025

The WNBA expansion draft is an event where new WNBA teams select players from existing teams to form their initial rosters. Each existing team can protect six players, making the remaining players eligible for selection by the expansion team. This process allows new teams to acquire established talent and become competitive more quickly upon entering the league.

1996: Introduction of the Detroit Shock and Washington Mystics

In 1996, the WNBA began hosting expansion drafts following the league's creation, introducing teams like the Detroit Shock and Washington Mystics.

1998: Introduction of the Detroit Shock and Washington Mystics

In 1998, the Detroit Shock and Washington Mystics were introduced to the WNBA.

1999: Introduction of the Minnesota Lynx and Orlando Miracle

In 1999, the Minnesota Lynx and Orlando Miracle were introduced to the WNBA.

2000: WNBA allocated players to expansion teams

In 2000, prior to the expansion draft, the WNBA allocated players from outside the league to new expansion teams before and after both the WNBA draft and the expansion drafts.

2000: Introduction of the Indiana Fever, Miami Sol, Portland Fire, and Seattle Storm

In 2000, the Indiana Fever, Miami Sol, Portland Fire, and Seattle Storm were introduced to the WNBA.

2006: Introduction of the Chicago Sky

In 2006, the Chicago Sky was introduced to the WNBA.

February 6, 2008: Atlanta Dream Expansion Draft

On February 6, 2008, an expansion draft was held to help populate the roster for the Atlanta Dream. The team also participated in the 2008 WNBA draft before their inaugural season.

2008: Introduction of the Atlanta Dream

In 2008, the Atlanta Dream was introduced to the WNBA.

September 30, 2024: WNBA Announces Expansion Draft Details

On September 30, 2024, the WNBA announced that the expansion draft would be held on December 6 and broadcast on ESPN. They also revealed the draft rules, including player eligibility and team selection guidelines. Existing teams had to submit a list of players under contract and designate up to six protected players. The Valkyries could select one player from each of the 12 existing teams, with restrictions on unrestricted free agents and "core player" contracts. Trades were permitted before the draft.

October 2024: WNBA Aims for 16th Team by 2028

During a press conference in October 2024, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the league's goal to establish a 16th team by the 2028 WNBA season.

December 6, 2024: Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft

On December 6, 2024, an expansion draft took place to help the Golden State Valkyries build their roster. The team also participated in the 2025 WNBA draft before their first season.

2024: Introduction of the Golden State Valkyries

In 2024, the Golden State Valkyries were introduced to the WNBA.

2025: Golden State Valkyries Participate in WNBA Draft

In 2025, the Golden State Valkyries participated in the WNBA draft prior to the team's first season.

2025: Future Expansion Draft for Toronto and Portland

Sometime following the 2025 season, an expansion draft will occur to help fill the roster for the Toronto Tempo and the currently unnamed expansion Portland WNBA team, both of which are scheduled to begin play in the 2026 season.