2026 WNBA season is almost here — let’s talk about the big dates you need

TL;DR

The WNBA's 30th season will start on May 8 with three games. Key dates include the expansion draft and free agency, following a historic CBA deal.

Key points

WNBA's 30th season starts on May 8
Three games will be played on the opening day
Expansion draft includes Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire
Historic CBA deal finalized in early March
Condensed offseason led to rapid player movement

Toronto TempoPortland Fire

The WNBA's 30th season will tip off on May 8 with three games.

Eighteen months of marathon CBA negotiations culminated in a historic deal early March, and the condensed WNBA offseason was a sprint. The expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, free agency and the WNBA draft took place in a couple of weeks.

The results have us excited to see some million dollar players get after it.

As the league's 30th anniversary season approaches here are some key dates to buckle in for:

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.

Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.

Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.