WNBA 2026 Season Preview: Exciting Changes and Milestones Ahead
The WNBA is gearing up for its upcoming season, scheduled to kick off on May 8, pending the finalization of a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players' union. The season will consist of 44 games played over five months, including a 17-day break for the FIBA World Cup in early September. Despite the addition of two new teams in Portland and Toronto, the league has decided to maintain the 44-game schedule for the upcoming season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement for the league's 30th season, highlighting the growth and progress the WNBA has made over the years. The 2026 season will feature marquee matchups that pay tribute to the league's history while celebrating its current stars and future prospects. With a record number of games and a growing global presence, the upcoming season is poised to define the next chapter of the WNBA.
The release of the 2026 schedule allows teams to begin preparations for the upcoming season, including selling ticket packages, arranging travel for away games, and securing arena dates. Most teams will have at least one back-to-back set of games, with an average of 1.6 games on consecutive nights per team, down from 2.4 in the previous season. The WNBA aims to increase the number of games teams play in the future, pending a new collective bargaining agreement.
Training camp is scheduled to commence on April 19, shortly after the college draft. The league will host its sixth annual Commissioner's Cup games in June, culminating in the championship game on June 30. The All-Star Game is slated for July 25 in Chicago, with regular-season games resuming shortly after. A break will occur from August 31 to September 16 for the FIBA World Cup, followed by a few games before the playoffs begin on September 27.
The league's plans for the upcoming season are contingent on reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union. The negotiation process is ongoing, with both parties working towards a resolution to ensure a smooth transition into the new season. The WNBA and the union are currently in a "status quo" period, operating under the terms of the previous CBA while negotiations continue in good faith.