Two years after the seismic arrivals of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the league’s landscape has shifted again. Reese’s blockbuster trade to the Atlanta Dream this past April has turned the "A" into a title contender overnight. Meanwhile, Clark continues to be the most dangerous offensive engine in the league for the Indiana Fever.
The reigning champion Las Vegas Aces enter 2026 with a target on their backs. After winning their third title in four years (2022, 2023, 2025), A’ja Wilson is hunting for a "three-peat" (interrupted by the Liberty in 2024), but the path is harder than ever. Not only is the competition stiffer, but the arrival of two new expansion franchises—the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire—brings the league to 15 teams and adds fresh chaos to the schedule.
When does the WNBA season start?
Getty ImagesThe 2026 WNBA regular season tips off tomorrow, Friday, May 8, 2026.
WNBA 2026 key dates to know
- WNBA Tip-Off Weekend: May 8–10, 2026.
- WNBA Draft: April 13, 2026 (7:30 PM ET on ESPN).
- Commissioner's Cup Play: June 1–17, 2026.
- Commissioner's Cup Championship: June 30, 2026.
- WNBA All-Star Game: July 25, 2026 (United Center, Chicago).
- FIBA World Cup Break: August 31 – September 16, 2026.
- Regular Season Finale: September 24, 2026.
- WNBA Playoffs Tip-Off: September 27, 2026.
How to watch WNBA games in 2026
WNBA games are shown on multiple channels and networks throughout the United States, including ABC, ESPN, CBS, ION, Prime Video, and NBA TV. Most of these channels are also available as streaming offerings through providers such as Fubo, Sling TV, and DirecTV.
| Service | Price | WNBA Coverage | Best For |
| WNBA League Pass | $34.99/yr | 130+ Out-of-Market Games | Volume, Replays |
| ESPN Unlimited | $29.99/mo | All ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 Games | Playoff/Draft access |
| Peacock | $7.99/mo | All NBC/USA Network Games | Budget NBCU access |
| Amazon Prime | $14.99/mo | 30 Games + Comm. Cup Final | Global members |
| YouTube TV | $83.00/mo | All National Linear Channels | Full replacement |
| Sling Orange | $40.00/mo | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 | Budget ESPN access |
Team News & Storylines to Watch
- The Reese Move: In the biggest trade of the year, the Atlanta Dream acquired superstar Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky. Her pairing with Rhyne Howard makes Atlanta an instant title contender.
- UConn Reunion in Dallas: The Dallas Wings used their No. 1 overall pick to draft Azzi Fudd, reuniting her with 2025 No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers. The Wings are now arguably the most exciting young team in the league.
- Expansion Era: The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire enter the league this year, bringing the total to 15 teams. Toronto’s roster is headlined by Marina Mabrey, while Portland is built around Bridget Carleton and Haley Jones.
Are you planning to catch the Toronto Tempo’s historic home opener, or are you keeping your eyes on the Aces’ quest for a 2026 three-peat?
Base subscriptions to these providers will not cover all games, particularly those on Prime Video, and some may require customers to opt for an add-on package to complete their collection and ensure they have the selection they want. Below, GOAL breaks down everything you need to know about each streaming service:

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