When does WNBA season start? Opening weekend schedule, dates
After the WNBA and players' union agreed in principle to a new CBA, the 2026 season is set to start on time. Here are key dates and schedules to know.
The 2026 WNBA season will start on time, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert said after the WNBA and players' union agreed in principle to a new collective bargaining agreement . There are still administrative steps left for the agreement to be finalized and become official, but the league's 30th season will not be delayed. Training camp begins on April 19, less than a week after the 2026 WNBA draft.
The league also needs conduct free agency — here are the top nine WNBA free agents — and expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. Here is when the 2026 season will start and what to know about the new CBA. When does WNBA season start 2026?
Engelbert said the season will start on time on May 8. Here are the games scheduled for that day, all times Eastern. 7:30 p.
m. : Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty 7:30 p.