The WNBA plans to start the 2026 season on Could 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 at present a moratorium in place pertaining to league enterprise like free company. The league additionally hasn’t been capable of 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, Could 8, the league introduced Wednesday. At some point later, four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces will open their season towards the visiting Phoenix Mercury. Las Vegas has received three of the final 4 WNBA crowns, together with the 2025 title.
The Toronto Tempo are slated to play their first recreation at house on Could 8 towards the Washington Mystics. One evening later, the Portland Hearth will host the Chicago Sky.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever host Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings of their respective openers on Could 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 mentioned. “From welcoming two new organizations in Toronto and Portland, to honoring our historical past with marquee matchups that join the league’s first recreation to at the moment’s stars, the 2026 season will rejoice the WNBA’s previous, current, and future. With a document variety of video games, rising international attain, and unprecedented momentum, this milestone season will assist outline the following 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 recreation.
The WNBA All-Star Recreation is ready for July 25 in Chicago. A 3-point contest and expertise problem will probably be held at some point earlier.
The Commissioner’s Cup title recreation 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.
–Area Degree Media
