As the WNBA season nears, teams are gearing up for the upcoming expansion draft, slated for early this year. This draft will enable the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire franchises to build their inaugural rosters for their debut seasons in the W-League.
In the upcoming 2025 expansion draft, which will introduce the Golden State Valkyries, existing teams will be allowed to protect five players each, a reduction from six last year. The New York Liberty face tough decisions on who to safeguard among their talented roster, especially amid ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) talks between the WNBA and the Players Association (WNBPA).
The Liberty are expected to protect their key players ranked one through four, but the fifth protected player remains uncertain. The CBA negotiations have caused delays in the expansion draft and could cause further disruption if not resolved by the January 9 deadline. The current CBA, which expired October 31, has been temporarily extended to allow more time for negotiations. If no agreement is reached, the league may enter a “status quo” phase, although the players have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if necessary.
WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike emphasized that the strike authorization symbolizes player unity and leverage in negotiations, though it does not indicate an immediate work stoppage. All parties are eager for a swift resolution of the CBA to ensure a smooth 2026 season and the subsequent expansion draft, allowing teams to announce their protected players.
Under the current CBA rules, expansion teams cannot select unrestricted free agents who have exhausted their core eligibility—this includes Liberty stars Brianna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, who are thus effectively protected. The Liberty are expected to secure Sabrina Ionescu, a critical contributor to their first championship in 2024, noted for her impressive shooting, offense, and improving defense. Recently added guard Natasha Cloud, who seamlessly integrated into the team and excelled during key moments, is also likely to be protected.
Bethonia Rainey Hamilton, who missed the 2025 season due to a knee injury, remains on the Liberty’s protected list since the team holds exclusive negotiating rights. Forward Leoni Fievich, vital to the championship run and known for her high basketball IQ, is another key player Liberty plans to safeguard.
The fifth protection spot is hotly debated among players like Emma Meesman, Marine Johannes, and Nyara Sabally. Meesman, who joined mid-season and delivered strong stats, proved instrumental, particularly when Stewart was sidelined. Johannes has been a consistent offensive contributor since 2019, while Sabally showed playoff promise but has struggled with injuries. Given Meesman’s impact and reliability, she seems the most logical choice to fill the fifth protected slot.
WNBA fans can look forward to the anticipated resolution of the CBA talks by January 9, which will clear the way for the expansion draft and the start of the 2026 season. The decisions made in this draft will significantly shape the future competitiveness of teams like the Liberty.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for WNBA fans because it highlights the ongoing challenges and negotiations that impact player movement and team building. The outcome of the expansion draft and CBA talks could redefine the league’s landscape and growth trajectory, signaling a new era for women’s professional basketball.
