The 2026 WNBA Regular Season tips off on Friday, May 8, 2026, with an expanded 44-game schedule for each of the league’s 15 teams. This season marks the debut of the Toronto Tempo, Portland Fire, and Golden State Valkyries. The regular season concludes on September 24, leading into the 2026 WNBA Playoffs starting on September 27.
What is the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup?
The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is an in-season tournament. It is a little different than the one run by the NBA, in that there are 10 games per term that count toward Cup play. The team in each conference that has the top record in designated cup games competes for the Commissioner’s Cup Title to go with an extra prize pool. The Cup games are the first home and road game the teams play against their conference rivals.
2026 WNBA Team Schedules & Tickets
. Select a team below to view their full 44-game 2026 schedule, printable PDF, and broadcast details.
WNBA Postseason Schedule
The 2026 WNBA Playoffs see the top eight teams independent of conference compete in an eight-team bracket. We have the notional schedule and bracket posted for you based on the end of the regular season and the 2025 WNBA Playoff schedule. We’ll keep you updated on any changes that we see from the league as details get solidified. Since we have 15 teams in the league this year and the 2026 WNBA Draft just occurred in April 2026, we’ll likely see more details before the season openers.
2026 WNBA Season Key Dates
- Season Tip-Off: Friday, May 8, 2026 (WNBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax)
- WNBA All-Star Game: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Commissioner’s Cup Championship: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Regular Season Ends: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- 2026 WNBA Playoffs Begin: Sunday, September 27, 2026
WNBA 2026 Season
Question: How many games are in the 2026 WNBA season? Answer: Each team plays 44 regular-season games in 2026, an increase from the 40-game schedule used in previous years.
Question: When is the first WNBA game in 2026? Answer: The season officially begins on May 8, 2026, featuring a three-game slate as part of WNBA Tip-Off 2026.
Question: How many teams make the WNBA playoffs in 2026? Answer: The top 8 teams based on the overall 44-game regular-season standings qualify for the postseason.
Question: Which teams are new to the WNBA in 2026? Answer: The 2026 season includes the first-ever games for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, along with the second season for the Golden State Valkyries.
