Overview
- The league announced on Wednesday that each team will play 50 regular-season games starting in the 2027 season, the longest slate in WNBA history.
- The change is authorized by a recently ratified CBA that allows up to 50 games in 2027–28 and up to 52 games beginning in 2029, and that also raises player pay, increases the team salary cap and guarantees housing.
- Commissioner Cathy Engelbert framed the move as a response to booming attendance and new media partners that create more broadcast inventory and revenue for the league.
- Players and coaches welcomed the financial upside but warned about added wear-and-tear, roster strain and calendar conflicts with international events and NBA arena scheduling, and they want details on roster spots and off-days.
- League officials say a full 2027 calendar, exact dates and implementation rules will be released later, and expansion teams joining through 2030 will add further scheduling complexity.