The WNBA is moving forward with its plans for the upcoming season, even as discussions around a new collective bargaining agreement remain unresolved. On Wednesday, the league officially unveiled its regular-season schedule for 2026, signaling a sense of stability and preparation despite the uncertainty surrounding labor negotiations.
According to reports, the 2026 campaign will feature a 44-game regular season, continuing the league’s recent expansion in game count. Of the 330 total games scheduled, approximately 200 are slated for national television coverage, reflecting the WNBA’s growing visibility and fan engagement across the country.
The upcoming season will also introduce notable changes to the league’s landscape. The Toronto Tempo are set to make their WNBA debut, while the Portland Fire will return after more than two decades away. Portland last competed in the league from 2000 to 2002, making their comeback a significant moment for longtime fans.
Toronto is scheduled to open its inaugural season against the Washington Mystics on May 8, which will serve as the official tip-off date for the 2026 season. The following day, May 9, the Portland Fire will begin their return with a matchup against the Chicago Sky. That same day will also feature a marquee showdown between the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever, highlighted by a highly anticipated battle between A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark.
Another key date on the calendar comes on June 21, when the Los Angeles Sparks host the New York Liberty. The matchup is set to honor a historic milestone, marking the anniversary of the WNBA’s first-ever game on June 21, 1997, when the Sparks originally welcomed the Liberty at the Great Western Forum.
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