The WNBA is preparing to launch its landmark 30th season on Friday, May 8, 2026, following a thrilling 2025 season that featured the introduction of the Golden State Valkyries, A’ja Wilson’s impressive MVP achievement, and the Las Vegas Aces claiming their third league title in just four years. As anticipation builds, the league gears up for a season filled with excitement, fresh faces, and new storylines.
The season will kick off with WNBA Tip-Off 2026, presented by CarMax, featuring an opening weekend packed with games. The action begins with three matches on May 8, followed by three more on May 9 and culminating with five games on May 10. Notable matchups include the Connecticut Sun facing off against the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces squaring off against the Phoenix Mercury in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals.
In addition to the exciting matchups, this season marks the debut of two expansion teams: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. Both teams are set to play their first home games during the opening weekend, with the Tempo hosting the Washington Mystics and the Fire taking on the Chicago Sky.
The Las Vegas Aces, fresh off their championship victory, aim for back-to-back titles as they begin their title defense. Their rivalry with the Phoenix Mercury will be a focal point this season, with four regular-season meetings scheduled.
Fans should also be on the lookout for the highly promising rookie duos in the league. Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 picks from the previous two drafts, are set to team up with Paige Bueckers, the 2025 No. 1 pick, as they match up in a thrilling contest soon after the season kicks off.
The 2026 WNBA season will also feature the sixth annual Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase, running from June 1 to June 17, where teams will compete for in-season glory. Additionally, the Chicago Sky will host the AT&T WNBA All-Star event on July 24 and July 25, promising an exhilarating celebration of the league’s top talent.
As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, this 30th season represents a testament to the league’s enduring legacy and the exciting future ahead. With a packed schedule and fresh rivalries, fans can look forward to a season filled with remarkable athleticism and competitive spirit.