WNBA Releases 2026 Schedule: Season to Start in May, Contingent on New CBA
The WNBA unveiled its 44-game 2026 schedule, beginning May 8, with expansion teams, All-Star in Chicago and a FIBA break—pending a new collective bargaining agreement.
Overview
Season slated to start May 8 (opening weekend) with expansion debuts: Toronto vs. Washington and Portland vs. Chicago, plus Indiana's Caitlin Clark facing Paige Bueckers.
Teams will play 44 regular-season games over five months, including a 17-day FIBA World Cup break in early September; playoffs begin Sept. 27 with multi-round formats.
Chicago Sky open a West Coast trip May 9; home opener May 20 against Dallas; United Center will host the All-Star Game July 25 and other marquee matchups.
All scheduling and ticket sales hinge on a new CBA; parties are negotiating in 'status quo' while a moratorium paused free agency until an agreement is reached.
Commissioner's Cup runs June 1-17 with championship June 30; expansion draft pending; average back-to-backs reduced to 1.6 games per team for better rest.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this schedule update straightforwardly, focusing on dates, opponents, and logistics while noting the contingency of a new CBA. They rely on factual details and a brief coach statement, avoiding evaluative language or selective perspective, giving readers practical information without editorializing the league-union negotiations.
FAQ
The 2026 WNBA season is scheduled to start on May 8 with opening weekend games across all 15 teams.
The new expansion teams are the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, bringing the league to 15 teams.[1]
Each team will play 44 regular-season games, the same as the previous season.[1]
The schedule is released amid ongoing CBA negotiations; it's pending a new agreement, with operations under 'status quo' and free agency paused until resolved.[1]
Key events include a 17-day FIBA World Cup break in early September, playoffs starting September 27, All-Star Game on July 25 in Chicago, and Commissioner's Cup from June 1-17.
