The Expansion Conundrum: Why the WNBA’s New Teams Are Struggling—And What It Means for the League
If you’ve been following the WNBA this season, you’ve likely noticed a recurring theme: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire, the league’s two expansion franchises, are having a rough go of it. Personally, I think this isn’t just a story about losing streaks—it’s a window into the challenges of building a competitive team from scratch in a league that’s both growing and fiercely competitive.
The Numbers Don’t Lie—But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Let’s start with the stats. The Tempo have dropped seven straight games, while the Fire are on a five-game skid. On paper, it looks bleak. But what makes this particularly fascinating is the context behind these losses. Expansion teams always face an uphill battle—new rosters, new coaching dynamics, and the pressure to perform in a league that doesn’t wait for anyone.
Take the Tempo, for example. Their 0-2 start on a five-game road trip, coupled with an average loss margin of 18.4 points during their seven-game skid, screams growing pains. But here’s what many people don’t realize: they’re not just losing—they’re learning. Coach Sandy Brondello’s post-game comments about turnovers and offensive rebounds aren’t just excuses; they’re a roadmap. The Tempo’s struggles highlight the importance of fundamentals, something every young team must master.
Portland’s Paradox: Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Woes
Now, let’s talk about the Fire. Bridget Carleton’s recent performances—26 points against the Indiana Fever and 24 against the Sparks—are nothing short of impressive. Her career-best averages this season are a bright spot for Portland. But here’s the kicker: the Fire’s defense has been abysmal, allowing 100 or more points in four of their last five games.
From my perspective, this is a classic case of imbalance. Carleton’s scoring is a highlight reel, but it’s not enough to offset the team’s defensive lapses. Coach Alex Sarama’s comments about Carleton’s need to be more deceptive are spot-on. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about Carleton—it’s about the team’s inability to gel on both ends of the court. This raises a deeper question: Can the Fire find a way to turn their offensive firepower into a two-way threat?
The Human Factor: Injuries and New Faces
One detail that I find especially interesting is the impact of injuries and roster changes. Marina Mabrey, the Tempo’s leading scorer, missed a game with a neck injury and struggled in her return. Meanwhile, Aneesah Morrow, a recent addition to the Tempo, made her debut with eight points and five rebounds in just 16 minutes.
What this really suggests is that chemistry takes time. Morrow’s potential is clear, but she’s still finding her footing. Mabrey’s absence and subsequent struggles highlight how reliant the Tempo are on their star players. In a league as competitive as the WNBA, one injury can derail a team’s momentum.
The Bigger Picture: Expansion Blues or Growing Pains?
If you ask me, the struggles of the Tempo and Fire aren’t just about wins and losses—they’re about the growing pains of expansion. The WNBA is expanding at a rapid pace, and while that’s exciting, it’s not without challenges. New teams bring new fans, new markets, and new opportunities, but they also bring a learning curve.
What many people don’t realize is that expansion teams often take years to find their rhythm. Look at the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets or the NHL’s Seattle Kraken—it’s not an overnight process. The Tempo and Fire are laying the groundwork for something bigger, even if the results aren’t immediate.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Tempo and Fire?
Here’s my take: both teams need to focus on the fundamentals. The Tempo’s turnover issues and the Fire’s defensive struggles are fixable—but they require patience and persistence. I’d also argue that both franchises need to lean into their young talent. Carleton, Mabrey, and Morrow are the future, and their development should be the priority.
If you take a step back and think about it, this season isn’t about making the playoffs—it’s about building a foundation. The Tempo and Fire are writing the first chapter of their stories, and while it’s not a bestseller yet, it’s a page-turner.
Final Thoughts: The WNBA’s Bright Future
In my opinion, the struggles of the Tempo and Fire are a small price to pay for the WNBA’s growth. Expansion is messy, but it’s necessary. These teams are more than their records—they’re symbols of a league that’s evolving, expanding, and refusing to stand still.
So, the next time you watch the Tempo or Fire play, don’t just see the losses. See the potential. See the effort. See the future. Because personally, I think the best is yet to come.
