The 2026 WNBA season is set to usher in a historic new chapter for women’s basketball as the league celebrates its 30th anniversary with expansion teams, blockbuster stars, and growing global attention.
The regular season officially tips off on May 8, with all 15 teams beginning their campaigns in what is expected to be one of the most competitive seasons in league history.
This season marks a major expansion for the league with the introduction of two new franchises — the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. Their arrival follows the successful debut of the Golden State Valkyries in 2025, increasing the WNBA to 15 teams for the first time.
Defending champions Las Vegas Aces once again enter the season among the favourites as they chase a fourth title in five years. Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson remains the face of the franchise alongside stars Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd.
Meanwhile, the New York Liberty are widely viewed as Las Vegas’ biggest challengers after retaining their superstar core featuring Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. The Liberty also begin a new era under head coach Chris DeMarco.
One of the biggest storylines this season surrounds Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. After an injury-disrupted 2025 season, Clark is expected to take on a slightly adjusted role while continuing to lead one of the league’s most popular teams.
Young stars such as Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, and Kiki Rice are also expected to shape the next generation of WNBA basketball. Top draft pick Azzi Fudd joins the Dallas Wings, adding further excitement to the league’s rising talent pool.
The 2026 season also marks the beginning of a transformative new collective bargaining agreement that has dramatically increased player salaries and financial investment across the league. Several stars are now reportedly earning contracts exceeding $1 million annually, reflecting the WNBA’s growing commercial success.
Media coverage has also expanded significantly. The league’s new broadcasting agreements will see games aired across ESPN/ABC, NBC platforms, CBS, Prime Video, Ion, and NBA TV, giving the WNBA unprecedented visibility worldwide.
The regular season will run until September 24, with the WNBA All-Star Game scheduled for July 25 in Chicago.
With expansion franchises, record-breaking contracts, and a new generation of superstars emerging, the WNBA enters its 30th season in arguably the strongest position in league history.
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