The WNBA's 30th season starts with increased visibility and excitement, featuring young stars and heated rivalries. Fans can watch a record 216 nationally televised and streamed games this season across various networks.
Key points
WNBA's 30th season begins with heightened attention.
Record 216 nationally televised and streamed games in 2026.
Indiana Fever have the most national games with 44.
Young stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are featured.
League visibility is significantly increased compared to previous years.
Mentioned in this story
Caitlin ClarkAngel ReesePaige BueckersAzzi FuddOlivia Miles
Indiana FeverDallas WingsNew York LibertyLas Vegas Aces
WNBA: APR 30 Preseason Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 30: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) is guarded by Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) during a preseason game on April 30 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The WNBAâs 30th season tips off amid a surge of attention that has pushed the league deeper into the mainstream than ever before. Fueled by the arrival of young stars including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and now Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles, heated rivalries, sold-out arenas, and nonstop online debate, the league enters the new season with a level of visibility that feels fundamentally different from years past.
Furthermore, the league is more accessible to fans than ever before. The WNBA will have a record 216 nationally televised and streamed games during the 2026 regular season across ABC/ESPN, CBS, NBC, ION, USA Network, Prime Video, Peacock, and NBA TV. The Indiana Fever have the most national games with 44, followed by the youth filled Dallas Wings with 36, and the two veteran heavy rosters of the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces with 35 and 33 games respectively.
Where to Watch WNBA Opening Weekend
Q&A
What is the WNBA opening weekend schedule for 2026?
The WNBA opening weekend schedule includes multiple games, with specific matchups and times available on the league's official website.
Where can I watch WNBA games in 2026?
WNBA games can be watched on ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, ION, USA Network, Prime Video, Peacock, and NBA TV.
Which teams have the most nationally televised games in the WNBA 2026 season?
The Indiana Fever lead with 44 national games, followed by the Dallas Wings with 36, and the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces with 35 and 33 games respectively.
Who are the young stars to watch in the WNBA 2026 season?
Key young stars include Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Olivia Miles.
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Connecticut Sun v New York Liberty
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - MAY 03: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty shoots over Kennedy Burke #22 of the Connecticut Sun in the second quarter at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
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Friday, May 8 Games
The first night of games will see the No. 2 preseason ranked New York Liberty take on the Connecticut Sun at home in Barclays Center on Friday, May 8 at 7:30 pm EST on ION and WNBA League Pass.
In the same time slot, the Toronto Tempo, lead by former Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello play their first game in league history at home in Coca-Cola Coliseum against the Washington Mystics on ION And WNBA League Pass.
In the last game on Friday night, a battle on the west coast ensues between the Golden State Valkyries and the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge arena. The game is on ION and WNBA League Pass, starting at 10 pm EST.
Saturday, May 9 Games
Nigeria National Team v Indiana Fever
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MAY 02: Head coach Stephanie White of the Indiana Fever talks with guard Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever against the Nigeria National Team during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 02, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bobby Goddin/Getty Images)
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Perhaps the most anticipated match-up of opening weekend will be a showdown between the last several seasons No. 1 overall draft picks as the Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers, and Azzi Fudd look to steal a win from Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston at home in Gainbridge Arena. The primetime game starts at 1 pm EST on ABC, as well as is available on Disney+.
Indiana was ranked No. 3 in the pre-season WNBA polls, and with Clark back and healthy, as well as securing Boston and guard Kelsey Mitchell to seven figure deals, the Fever are looking to begin a championship run.
2025 WNBA Finals - Game Three - Las Vegas Aces v Phoenix Mercury
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 08: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces makes the go ahead basket against the Phoenix Mercury with less than one second left in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 08, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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At 3:30 pm EST on ABC the 2025 Finals rematch is set between pre-season No. 1 Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury. The Aces are fueled again by their veteran heavy roster including the leagueâs best player in Aâja Wilson.
The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Finals MVP signed on April 15 to one of the largest deal in league history. Wilson, inked a contract worth $5 million over three years.
The Aces also secured the talent around Wilson that has made them an especially deadly team including, Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd and floor general in Chelsea Gray.
Atlanta Dream v Chicago Sky
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 29: Rickea Jackson #5 of the Chicago Sky defends against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter of the preseason game at Wintrust Arena on April 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images)
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The Saturday evening games will see Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and the No. 4 pre-season ranked Atlanta Dream face off against the Minnesota Lynx, who have completely rebuilt their roster. The game being played at Target Center in Minneapolis is only available on WNBA League Pass, starting at 8 pm EST.
Finally, capping off Saturday games, the Chicago Sky featuring former Liberty point guard Natasha Cloud, and former Storm guard Skylar Diggins will play the other expansion team in the Portland Fire. The Fireâs first game in the league is at home in Moda Center in Portland at 9 pm EST on NBA TV.
Sunday, May 10 Games
Connecticut Sun v New York Liberty
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT - MAY 3: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty looks for a teammate as Saniya Rivers #22 of the Connecticut Sun defends in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
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Rounding out opening weekend, the Storm will take on the Connecticut Sun in Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncaseville, CT at 1 pm EST on WNBA League Pass. This is the last year the Sun will play in their home arena, as the league announced the team would be relocating to Houston in 2027.
At 3 pm EST, the Mystics will host the Liberty in CareFirst Arena, only available on WNBA League Pass.
Los Angeles Sparks v Portland Fire
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 03: Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks drives to the basket against Carla Leite #0 of the Portland Fire during the first half of a preseason game at Moda Center on May 03, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
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In the only game available on national broadcast on Sunday, the Aces will travel to Crypto.com Arena to take on the Los Angeles Sparks and former teammate Kelsey Plum at 6pm EST on USA.
In the last game of opening weekend, the Mercury and Valkyries head to the loudest arena in the league at Chase Center in San Francisco at 8:30 pm EST, available to watch with WNBA League Pass.
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This article was originally published on Forbes.com