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WNBA Publishes 2026 Schedule With May 8 Tipoff as CBA Talks Leave Start Contingent

The league set dates early to let stakeholders plan logistics despite unresolved bargaining.

Overview

  • Each team is slated for 44 regular-season games with a pause for the FIBA Women’s World Cup from Aug. 31 to Sept. 16 and playoffs scheduled to begin Sept. 27.
  • Toronto Tempo host the Washington Mystics on May 8 and Portland Fire debut May 9 against the Chicago Sky, with a Finals rematch of AcesMercury and a Caitlin ClarkPaige Bueckers matchup on opening weekend.
  • Key dates include training camp on April 19, the Commissioner’s Cup group stage June 1–17 with the title game June 30, and the All-Star Game in Chicago on July 25.
  • League and union remain in a status quo period with a moratorium on free agency and expansion drafts for Toronto and Portland still pending.
  • Officials say the schedule enables ticketing, travel and arena bookings, though negotiations could still delay offseason steps or disrupt the season.