The Canadian star leads Portland's roster construction as the WNBA welcomes its newest franchise to the league.
The Portland Fire wasted no time making their mark on the WNBA landscape, selecting unrestricted free agent Bridget Carleton with the first overall pick in Friday's 2026 expansion draft. The Canadian forward becomes the cornerstone piece as Portland builds toward their inaugural season in the world's premier women's basketball league.
Carleton brings a wealth of international experience to the Pacific Northwest, having represented Canada on multiple global stages while establishing herself as one of the most versatile players in professional women's basketball. Her ability to stretch the floor and create matchup problems will be crucial as the Fire aim to establish an identity that can compete immediately in an increasingly competitive WNBA.
The expansion draft marks another significant milestone in the WNBA's continued growth, with Portland joining a league that has become increasingly global in its reach and talent pool. As African nations continue investing heavily in basketball development and producing world-class talent, the league's expansion creates more opportunities for players from the continent and diaspora to showcase their skills on basketball's biggest stage.
With Carleton as their foundation, the Fire now turn their attention to the upcoming college draft and free agency period, where they'll look to surround their new star with complementary pieces. The franchise's debut season promises to bring fresh energy to a league that continues breaking new ground both domestically and internationally.
