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Winsidr WNBA Show · Aryeh Schwartz

Winsidr Show - Expansion Draft with Brenden Potts

March 31, 2026·20 min·2 clips
Host Aryeh Schwartz and Brenden Potts dive into the WNBA expansion draft, where 80% of the league is a free agent.
The episode opens with host Aryeh Schwartz introducing the topic of the WNBA expansion draft and guest Brenden Potts. Schwartz notes the draft's increased frequency and unique context this year, including a new CBA and high free agency rates. Potts explains how the Golden State Valkyries' success last year provides lessons, particularly in finding undervalued players. He highlights how the new CBA benefits expansion teams through max contracts and cap space, giving them an edge in signing top talent. The discussion turns to specific player targets, with Potts analyzing Louisa Gosenstoder from the Dallas Wings as a key option, depending on teammate Enrique's status. He also mentions Ezzie McEvoy from the Seattle Storm as another potential pick, tied to roster changes there. Potts shares his personal bias toward Jade Melvin for Portland and jokes about Sandy Brondello assembling an Australian team. Schwartz poses a 'start, bench, cut' scenario for building an expansion team, and Potts chooses to cut free agency, favoring the expansion and college drafts. He interprets Toronto's draft order decisions as prioritizing the deep college class over expansion picks. The conversation concludes with a comparison of Portland and Toronto's front offices, where Potts leans toward Toronto due to Sandy Brondello's proven track record but acknowledges Portland's united vision under GM Vanya Chernovich and coach Alex Sarama. Schwartz thanks listeners for supporting independent WNBA coverage.

As heard by us

Roster rules and expansion pressure turn a WNBA draft discussion into front-office stakes.

The episode stays on the WNBA expansion draft and treats roster rules as the real story. R.A. Schwartz and Brendan Potts move from the broad setup to Portland and Toronto, then into the value of five protected players and why Dallas ends up carrying so much weight around Enrique…

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Why you'd press play

You want a clear read on the WNBA expansion draft before the names start flying.

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