5 Major Takeaways From The 2026 WNBA Schedule Release: Key Dates, New Format, And Expansion Hype
The anticipation for the 2026 WNBA season is already at a fever pitch, and as of December 2025, the league has released the most critical dates and structural changes for what promises to be a landmark year. Fans should prepare for a longer, more action-packed season, with a record number of games and a significant increase in national television coverage across major networks. This schedule is a must-see for anyone following the sport's explosive growth.
The 2026 season is set to be the biggest in league history, featuring an expanded 44-game regular season schedule and the exciting addition of new teams, signaling a new era of competition. From the opening tip-off in May to the final possible game of the WNBA Finals in October, here is the complete breakdown of the key dates, format changes, and must-watch events for the upcoming season.
The 2026 WNBA Season: Key Dates and Structural Changes
The WNBA has officially confirmed the timeline for the 2026 season, which will see the league expand its footprint and increase its regular season game count. The focus remains on maximizing player rest and travel efficiency while delivering more high-stakes basketball to fans.
- Regular Season Start: Expected to begin in mid-May 2026. The 2025 season tipped off on May 16, and the 2026 season is projected to follow a similar timeline, launching the 44-game schedule.
- Commissioner's Cup Tournament: The in-season tournament will run through the month of June, with key games scheduled between June 1 and June 17, culminating in the championship game.
- AT&T WNBA All-Star Game: The league’s marquee mid-season event is set for Saturday, July 25, 2026.
- WNBA Playoffs Start: The postseason tournament is expected to begin in mid-September.
- Last Possible Finals Date: The 2026 WNBA Finals will conclude no later than October 17.
Expansion and the New 44-Game Format
A major headline for the 2026 season is the expansion of the league, which is expected to field 15 teams, up from the previous 12. This growth includes the anticipated arrival of new franchises, such as the potential Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, though official confirmation of all teams is still pending.
Crucially, each team will play an expanded 44-game regular season schedule, a significant increase from the previous 40-game slate. This means more opportunities to see stars like A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), and Caitlin Clark (expected to be a major draw) in action. The increased game count is designed to meet growing fan demand and provide more content for the league's national broadcast partners.
The Road to Chicago: All-Star Game Details
The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is heading back to the Windy City. The Chicago Sky will host the event for the second time in franchise history, with the main game taking place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the iconic United Center.
The All-Star weekend is a crucial break in the regular season schedule, bringing together the league's biggest names for a celebration of basketball. Supporting events, including the Three-Point Contest and Skills Challenge, will also take place, providing fans with three days of entertainment. This event is a critical entity in the WNBA calendar, often serving as a launchpad for the playoff push in the second half of the season.
National Broadcast Schedule and Streaming Partners
Access to WNBA games has never been easier, with the 2026 schedule featuring a record number of national broadcasts. The league’s multi-platform media rights deal ensures fans can watch games across a variety of channels and streaming services.
Key Broadcast Partners for the 2026 Season:
- ABC/ESPN/ESPN2: These Disney-owned networks remain primary broadcast partners, carrying a large number of the most anticipated matchups and the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.
- NBC/USA Network/Peacock: NBC's suite of platforms, particularly the streaming service Peacock, will continue to provide extensive coverage, including exclusive games and key doubleheaders.
- CBS Network: The CBS family of networks is also stepping up its WNBA coverage, with a slated record number of broadcast games, including the first-ever primetime regular-season WNBA games on the network.
- ION: The network is also expected to continue its Friday night coverage, establishing a consistent weekly presence for WNBA fans.
Fans should check local listings and streaming guides closer to the season start for the complete WNBA TV schedule, as specific game-by-game broadcast assignments are typically finalized in the early spring.
Playoff Format and Potential Finals Change
The WNBA Playoffs structure for 2026 will continue to feature the top eight teams, seeded by their regular season record regardless of conference. The current format is a single-bracket elimination tournament, with the first two rounds being best-of-three series and the Semifinals and Finals being best-of-five series.
Potential Game-Changing Proposal
A significant proposal currently under discussion is the potential switch of the WNBA Finals to a seven-game format. This change, if implemented, would extend the championship series, placing it on par with the NBA Finals and providing more opportunity for dramatic, high-stakes contests. The shift would further elevate the league's profile and challenge the endurance of the two final teams, such as the reigning champions Las Vegas Aces or the powerhouse New York Liberty.
The 2026 season will also feature the WNBA Draft, expected in April, where the Dallas Wings hold the top pick, adding another layer of excitement and talent to the league's roster of entities.
Topical Authority Entities for the 2026 WNBA Season
To fully understand the 2026 WNBA schedule, it is essential to be aware of the key teams, players, and events that will dominate the headlines. The following entities are central to the season's narrative:
- Teams: Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury, Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream, Minnesota Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks, Indiana Fever, Washington Mystics, Portland Fire (Expansion), Toronto Tempo (Expansion).
- Star Players: A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, Jewell Loyd, Kahleah Copper, Arike Ogunbowale, Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, Aliyah Boston.
- Key Events: Commissioner's Cup, AT&T WNBA All-Star Game, WNBA Finals, WNBA Draft, Unrivaled (3-on-3 League starting Jan. 5, 2026).
- Venues: United Center (Chicago), Michelob Ultra Arena (Las Vegas), Barclays Center (New York), Mohegan Sun Arena (Connecticut).
- Media Partners: ABC, ESPN, Peacock, CBS, ION, USA Network.
The 2026 WNBA season is poised to be a landmark year for the league, with a longer schedule, more national broadcasts, and the excitement of expansion. Fans should mark their calendars for the mid-May start and the July 25 All-Star Game in Chicago.
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