What are key dates for 2026 WNBA season? Insight into possible timeline
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed the 2026 season will start on time. Here's what we know about other key dates.
After the WNBA and players' union agreed, in principle, to a new CBA earlier this week, the questions have started mounting about the schedule leading up to the 2026 season. Will the season start on time? When are the expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo ?
What about free agency ? WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently provided some clarity. On Wednesday, the commissioner confirmed that the league's 30th season will start on time on Friday, May 8.
Engelbert also confirmed training camp, which is slated for April 19, will begin as scheduled. She said a term sheet for the new CBA needed to be completed first, and then, eventually, there will need to be a fully ratified CBA to continue moving forward. "We plan on opening training camp on time.
And obviously, we have to get a term sheet done. That leads into a long-form document. But we're hoping obviously…," the commissioner said.