The WNBA plans to start the 2026 season on Might 8 regardless of the very fact the league and gamers’ union stay at an deadlock on agreeing to a brand new collective bargaining settlement.
There’s presently a moratorium in place pertaining to league enterprise like free company. The league additionally hasn’t been in a position to maintain an enlargement draft for the brand new franchises in Portland and Toronto.
Nonetheless, season No. 30 will open with three video games on Friday, Might 8, the league introduced Wednesday. At some point later, four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces will open their season in opposition to the visiting Phoenix Mercury. Las Vegas has gained three of the final 4 WNBA crowns, together with the 2025 title.
The Toronto Tempo are slated to play their first sport at dwelling on Might 8 in opposition to the Washington Mystics. One night time later, the Portland Fireplace will host the Chicago Sky.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever host Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings of their respective openers on Might 9.
The playoffs are set to start on Sept. 27.
“As we put together to tip off the WNBA’s historic thirtieth season, this schedule displays each how far the league has come and the momentum that continues to drive us ahead,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated. “From welcoming two new organizations in Toronto and Portland, to honoring our historical past with marquee matchups that join the league’s first sport to at this time’s stars, the 2026 season will rejoice the WNBA’s previous, current, and future. With a report variety of video games, rising world attain, and unprecedented momentum, this milestone season will assist outline the subsequent chapter of the WNBA.”
On June 21, the Los Angeles Sparks host the New York Liberty in a matchup of the 2 groups that performed within the inaugural WNBA sport.
The WNBA All-Star Sport is ready for July 25 in Chicago. A 3-point contest and expertise problem will likely be held sooner or later earlier.
The Commissioner’s Cup title sport is slated for June 30.
The WNBA will go on hiatus for the basketball World Cup from Aug. 31-Sept. 16.
Coaching camp is scheduled to open April 19, simply six days after the WNBA Draft.
–Discipline Stage Media
