WNBA Teams Unveil 2026 Season Schedules Amid CBA Negotiations

The WNBA has released its regular-season schedule for 2026 [2]. Despite the absence of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), the league is moving forward with preparations for its 30th season [5].

Schedule Highlights

The 2026 WNBA season will commence on Friday, May 8, featuring all 15 teams [5]. The Indiana Fever are set to begin their season at home on May 9, hosting the Dallas Wings [6]. The Dallas Wings themselves have also unveiled their 2026 schedule [3]. The Atlanta Dream, coming off a strong 2025 season with a 30-14 record and their first playoff appearance since 2018, have also released their schedule [4]. The Dream's .681 winning percentage in 2025 was the highest in franchise history, securing them the No. 3 seed in the WNBA playoffs [4]. WNBA teams took to social media to share their 2026 schedule releases [2].

Broader Context

The release of the 2026 schedule comes 103 days after the conclusion of the previous WNBA season [2]. Alexa Philippou and Chiney Ogwumike discussed the future of the WNBA and its CBA negotiations following the release of the 2026 schedule [2]. Beyond team schedules, prominent figures like Atlanta Dream center Brittany Griner continue to be a focal point. Her career earnings and brand endorsements contribute to her net worth [1].

TL;DR

  • The WNBA released the 2026 regular season schedule, set to begin on May 8 with all 15 teams participating [5].
  • Several teams, including the Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, and Indiana Fever, have announced their schedules [3, 4, 6].
  • The schedule release occurs amidst ongoing CBA negotiations between the WNBA and WNBPA [5].
  • The Atlanta Dream had a historic 2025 season, finishing with their highest winning percentage and a playoff berth [4].