When does the 2026 WNBA season start?

The 2026 WNBA season is scheduled to start on May 8 with opening weekend games across all 15 teams.

What are the new expansion teams for 2026?

The new expansion teams are the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, bringing the league to 15 teams.[1]

How many games will each team play in the 2026 regular season?

Each team will play 44 regular-season games, the same as the previous season.[1]

Why is the schedule release contingent on a new CBA?

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]

What key events are featured in the 2026 schedule?

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.

3 sources

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1M ago

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

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

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.

Written using shared reports from

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Analysis

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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.

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Sky will face Fever, Aces at the United Center

Chicago Sun-Times•1M ago

WNBA season would begin May 8 if new CBA is reached, league will take 17-day FIBA World Cup break

Associated Press•1M ago

WNBA opens 2026 season in May with Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers

USA TODAY•1M ago

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

: The 2026 WNBA season is scheduled to start on May 8 with opening weekend games across all 15 teams.
Sources:
CBS Sports
: The new expansion teams are the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, bringing the league to 15 teams.[1]
Sources:
CBS Sports
: Each team will play 44 regular-season games, the same as the previous season.[1]
Sources:
CBS Sports
: 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]
Sources:
Front Office Sports
: 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.
Sources:
CBS Sports

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