WNBA Schedules Record 216 Nationally Televised Games for 30th Season
The league tips off its 30th season on May 8, 2026, featuring matchups across ABC, ION and other networks. The Indiana Fever lead with 44 national broadcasts, while expansion teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire make their debuts. A’ja Wilson signed a three-year, $5 million contract in April after winning 2025 MVP honors.
ForbesThe WNBA opens its 30th season Friday with a record 216 nationally televised and streamed games scheduled across the 2026 regular season. Forbes reported the contests will air on ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, ION, USA Network, Prime Video, Peacock, and NBA TV. The Indiana Fever lead the league with 44 national games.
The Dallas Wings follow with 36, the New York Liberty have 35 and the Las Vegas Aces are scheduled for 33. Action begins Friday evening with three games on ION and WNBA League Pass. m.
EST at Barclays Center. m. EST at Coca-Cola Coliseum. m.
EST at Climate Pledge Arena. Saturday’s slate opens with a matchup between recent top draft picks. m. EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on ABC and Disney+.
M. EST on ABC. m. EST at Target Center, available only on WNBA League Pass.
M. EST at Moda Center on NBA TV. The Portland Fire are playing their first game in league history. m.
This is the last year the Connecticut Sun will play home games at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Connecticut Sun will relocate to Houston in 2027.
M. EST at CareFirst Arena, also only on WNBA League Pass. m. com Arena on USA.
M. EST at Chase Center in San Francisco on WNBA League Pass. A’ja Wilson signed a contract worth $5 million over three years on April 15, 2026.
Wilson was named the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Finals MVP. The 2026 WNBA regular season ends on September 24, 2026. The 2026 WNBA Playoffs begin on September 27, 2026.
The playoffs first round is best-of-three, semifinals are best-of-five, and Finals are best-of-seven.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
7 events- 2026-04-15
A’ja Wilson signs three-year, $5 million contract
1 sourceForbes - 2026-05-08
WNBA 30th season opens with New York Liberty vs Connecticut Sun, Toronto Tempo debut, and Golden State Valkyries vs Seattle Storm
1 sourceForbes - 2026-05-09
Dallas Wings vs Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury, Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Sky vs Portland Fire debut
1 sourceForbes - 2026-05-10
Seattle Storm vs Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena for final time, Washington Mystics vs New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces vs Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury vs Golden State Valkyries
1 sourceForbes - 2026-09-24
2026 regular season concludes
1 sourceForbes - 2026-09-27
2026 WNBA Playoffs begin
1 sourceForbes - 2027-01-01
Connecticut Sun relocate to Houston
1 sourceForbes
Potential Impact
- 01
Connecticut Sun relocation to Houston in 2027 will shift the team's geographic footprint and local support base.
- 02
Debuts of Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire add two new markets and fan bases to the league.
- 03
Increased national exposure across ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC and others is expected to broaden the league's audience and commercial value.
- 04
A’ja Wilson's high-value contract sets a new compensation benchmark that may influence future star player negotiations.
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