Understanding the Expansion Draft Landscape
The Core Principles
The WNBA is on the cusp of exciting change. With the league’s relentless growth, expansion is no longer a question of “if” but “when.” A new wave of talented players entering the league and rising interest from fans globally has made this a perfect time. As the league gears up for the arrival of new franchises, the expansion draft looms large, promising a shake-up of rosters and a re-evaluation of team dynamics. This article dives deep into the anticipated expansion draft for the 2025 season, providing a detailed analysis of the protected player strategies of each existing team. We’ll also speculate on which players will be most sought after by the new teams, and how this draft will reshape the future of the WNBA.
The expansion draft is a critical event in professional sports, designed to allow new teams to build a competitive roster in a fair and balanced manner. It’s a complex process, bound by strict rules. The WNBA utilizes a structured format that allows new teams to select players from the existing teams, but with limitations to maintain competitive balance.
The core principle revolves around “protected players.” Each team is afforded a certain number of players they can shield from selection. The specific number has varied over previous expansion drafts, but it typically hovers around the seven-to-ten player range. These protected players are essentially deemed too valuable to lose, either because of their star power, their essential role in the team’s system, or their long-term contract stability. Any player *not* protected is eligible to be drafted by one of the new expansion teams.
Eligibility and Rules
The eligibility criteria for players also play a vital role. Usually, all players under contract with an existing WNBA team are eligible unless they’ve been previously protected in a prior expansion draft or have specific contract clauses prohibiting their selection. The WNBA also considers things such as free agency status or injuries when making decisions.
The expansion teams are not given free reign to pick anyone they want. There is often a minimum number of players from each existing team that must be drafted. This promotes diversity across the league. This helps new teams build a balanced roster from the start. Also, there are often rules on how many of the higher-paid players can be selected. This will prevent a team from being gutted by expansion.
Strategic Mindset
Teams must approach the expansion draft with a strategic mindset. They must evaluate player value, contract situations, and the potential impact on team chemistry. These decisions can have significant consequences, altering a franchise’s competitive trajectory for years to come. The expansion draft presents both risks and opportunities. Losing a star player can be devastating, but it also opens up chances for developing young talent.
Team-by-Team Breakdown and Player Protection Forecasts
Let’s explore how the existing teams are likely to approach the upcoming expansion draft. This analysis will break down each team’s roster, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, identify key players, and provide predictions on who they’ll protect. We’ll also consider the likely targets for the expansion teams.
Las Vegas Aces
The Aces have established themselves as a dynasty in the making, boasting a roster filled with elite talent and championship pedigree. Their core of A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray forms a formidable foundation.
This team’s primary needs are minimal. They are an elite unit that excels in scoring, defense, and playmaking. Their offense is among the league’s best. Their defense is both tough and adaptive.
When predicting who will be protected, A’ja Wilson, a perennial MVP candidate, and Kelsey Plum, a gifted scorer, are automatic selections. Chelsea Gray, the steady veteran point guard, will likely be protected. Jackie Young’s versatility and scoring abilities make her another key player to protect. Dearica Hamby’s rebounding and inside presence provides another layer of protection.
Decisions, though, are tough. The Aces have depth, meaning the expansion teams could try to steal important role players. Those that are expendable could be selected by expansion teams.
Possible targets for the expansion teams would include players who are good for a rotation, but not key for the Aces’ championship run.
Predicted Protected Players: A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Dearica Hamby, and two other rotation pieces.
New York Liberty
The Liberty is another team on the rise. Their high-profile offseason acquisitions have elevated them to contender status. Their mix of established stars and young talent positions them well for both short-term success and long-term growth.
Their needs could include additional depth in certain areas. The offense is capable of explosive scoring but defense could improve.
Key players to protect include Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, all essential to their success.
Difficult choices might involve role players with valuable skill sets. The expansion teams could target players who provide specific skills.
Likely expansion draft targets could include several role players with significant upside.
Predicted Protected Players: Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and the team’s other top players.
Chicago Sky
The Sky is a team in transition. The team has a history of competitiveness and championship experience.
The Sky’s needs involve finding a new identity. They have a veteran core.
Expect to see Kahleah Copper, Elizabeth Williams, and Marina Mabrey protected.
Debatable protections could be players in the last years of their contracts.
Expansion teams might target players looking for more minutes or more opportunities.
Predicted Protected Players: Kahleah Copper, Elizabeth Williams, Marina Mabrey, and some of the team’s younger pieces.
Seattle Storm
The Storm, a franchise rich in WNBA history, is in a period of retooling. They have a dedicated fan base and the potential to contend in the years to come.
The Storm needs could involve overall depth. They still have a good core of talented players.
Key players to protect are likely to include the team’s cornerstones.
Tough choices involve young players.
Potential targets for expansion teams would be players looking for new opportunities.
Predicted Protected Players: Key players.
Connecticut Sun
The Sun, known for their consistency and strong team defense, is a perennial playoff contender. They have a proven system and a culture of winning.
The team’s main need could be to improve its scoring options.
Key players to protect are those integral to the team’s success.
Difficult protection decisions would come with certain contracts.
Expansion teams might target role players or undervalued pieces.
Predicted Protected Players: Key core players.
Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream is a team with a growing young core. They are working to return to playoff contention.
They’ll need to build depth. They have shown improvements in several areas.
Key players to protect will most likely include the team’s young stars.
The tough decisions are around role players.
The expansion teams may look at younger players or role players.
Predicted Protected Players: Key core players.
Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx, a franchise with championship aspirations, has been rebuilding in recent years. They have a rich history.
Their needs center around improving its overall talent level.
Key players to protect will probably include those on the rise.
Tough choices revolve around depth pieces.
The expansion teams may look at players who are looking for more minutes.
Predicted Protected Players: Top players
Washington Mystics
The Mystics, with their elite core, are contenders.
The team will need more consistency.
Key players to protect will be the team’s high-impact players.
Difficult choices could surround certain contracts.
The expansion teams could look at players looking for more chances.
Predicted Protected Players: Top players.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks, a team looking to rebuild and return to playoff contention, are facing challenges but have potential.
Their needs are for improvement throughout the roster.
Key players to protect will be centered on their building blocks.
Difficult decisions might involve young players.
The expansion teams could target role players or up-and-coming players.
Predicted Protected Players: Core players.
Dallas Wings
The Wings are a team on the rise, with a collection of talented young players.
Their needs would include more improvement.
Key players to protect are likely to be the team’s core.
Difficult choices could come with players with expiring deals.
Expansion teams might be interested in young players or those looking for a bigger role.
Predicted Protected Players: Core players.
Strategic Implications and Analysis
The expansion draft forces difficult choices. Teams must make strategic decisions. There will be players available that are very good.
The teams most impacted will be those with significant contracts or depth.
Impact on the Expansion Teams
The new teams will gain players that can contribute immediately. They’ll likely target players looking to improve their chances. They will also get a chance to rebuild.
Conclusion
The expansion draft of will reshape the WNBA. It will lead to teams changing drastically. The expansion teams will add new talent to the league. The choices will impact the league for years.
The draft should add excitement.
