Just a few weeks ago, the 2026 season seemed like a distant sight with the state of the CBA negotiations. Now, the WNBA has dropped some reassuring news for fans!

As per ESPN, "The WNBA is set to begin its season on May 8, assuming the league and the players' union can come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement."

The opening weekend features several high-profile games. All 15 teams will be playing, headlined by a WNBA Finals rematch between Las Vegas and Phoenix. Additionally, Paige Bueckers' Dallas will face Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever, pitting two No. 1 draft picks against each other.

“As we prepare to tip off the WNBA’s historic 30th season, this schedule reflects both how far the league has come and the momentum that continues to drive us forward,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.

The league had proposed moving the start of training camp to mid-March in the CBA negotiations. But as per the official statement, training camps will begin six days after the college draft, on April 19th.

The Commissioner’s Cup will also return in June, with the championship game set for June 30. Chicago will host the All-Star Game on July 25, and the playoffs are scheduled to begin on Sept. 27 followed by another break for the World Cup from Aug. 31 to Sept. 16.

Despite No CBA Settlement, WNBA Teams Have Released Their Season Dates

Teams like Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx, and more have started revealing individual schedules. Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have confirmed their 2026 opener against Paige Bueckers' Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Fever will also host the expansion teams in late May and early June.

While the schedule is an optimistic step, uncertainty about the labor negotiations remains. The detailed schedule touches on everything except the main issue of the labor negotiations.

As free agency is on a pause, Liberty star Breanna Stewart still seems hopeful, “I feel like…I’m just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

What are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar