The Ultimate 2026 WNBA Fan Guide: Expansion, Free Agency, Schedule & How to Watch

🎉 It’s December 30, 2025, and if you aren’t already vibrating with excitement for the 2026 WNBA season, you haven’t been paying attention. We are currently witnessing the greatest transformation in women’s basketball history. As we transition from the holiday season into the new year, the "W" isn't just growing—it's exploding. From the first-ever international expansion to a massive shift in how we watch the game, 2026 is officially the “Year of the New Era”. Here is everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
Let’s cut straight to the chase: 2026 is the WNBA’s biggest season yet. The league turns 30, adds two game-changing expansion teams, and boasts a free agency class that could rewrite the title race—all while rolling out a new media deal that makes watching easier than ever. As a diehard WNBA fan who’s been following since the early 2000s, I’m here to break down everything you need to know to be the most informed fan in your group chat. Whether you’re a newbie lured in by Caitlin Clark’s three-pointers or a veteran eager to see Portland’s return, this guide is your playbook for the year ahead. Spoiler: Nostalgia, drama, and elite basketball are non-negotiable.

1️⃣ What is the WNBA? 

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The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) is the top professional women’s basketball league in North America, owned and operated by the NBA (National Basketball Association). It launched in 1996 with 8 teams and has grown into a globally recognized competition that showcases elite women’s basketball talent.

🏀 Core Key Facts

League Structure

As of 2026, the WNBA has 14 teams (expanding to 16 with the addition of Portland Fire and Toronto’s new franchise that year), split into two conferences:
  • 🔵 Eastern Conference: Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics, etc.
  • 🔴 Western Conference: Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks, Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury, etc.
The regular season runs from May to September, followed by a playoff tournament (12 teams qualify) that culminates in the WNBA Finals, where the winner claims the league championship 🏆.

Player Talent & Global Reach

The WNBA features the world’s best women’s basketball players, including:
  • Legends: Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury, the league’s all-time leading scorer) 🌟, Sue Bird (Seattle Storm, 4-time champion) 🏅
  • Modern Superstars: Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever, 2024 #1 overall draft pick) 🎯, A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces, 2-time MVP) 💪
Many international stars also compete in the WNBA, such as Breanna Stewart (USA), Sabrina Ionescu (USA), and players from Australia, Canada, and Europe, boosting the league’s global fanbase 🌍. Follow @WNBA for updates! 

Cultural & Social Impact

The WNBA is a leader in advocating for gender equity in sports ✊, pushing for fair pay, better media coverage, and increased investment in women’s basketball.
📈 Viewership has surged in recent years—2025 regular season games saw a 35% increase in average viewership compared to 2024, driven by star power, expansion teams, and expanded TV/streaming deals (broadcast on ESPN, CBS Sports, and Amazon Prime Video).

Key Differentiators from the NBA

  • 📋 Game Rules: Similar to the NBA, but with a 24-second shot clock (same as NBA) and a slightly smaller ball (size 6 vs. NBA’s size 7).
  • 🗓️ Season Timing: The WNBA plays in the summer (May–September) to avoid overlapping with the NBA season, allowing fans to follow both leagues year-round.

2️⃣ 2026 WNBA Expansion: Portland’s Triumphant Return & Toronto’s Historic Debut 

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Expansion isn’t just about adding teams—it’s about reviving legacies and making history. The 2026 WNBA season welcomes two franchises that will reshape the league’s landscape, and fans are already losing their minds over both. Let’s dive in:

🌹 Portland Fire: The Fan Favorite Makes a Comeback

If you’re a long-time WNBA fan, the name “Portland Fire” hits different. The original franchise played from 2000 to 2002 before folding, but now it’s back—and Portland is ready to embrace it. The new Fire will call the iconic Moda Center (home of the NBA’s Trail Blazers) their arena, and they’ve already sold over 11,000 season tickets—smashing expectations for an expansion team 🎟️.
Their “Blazing Rose” logo nods to the original franchise’s aesthetic, blending 2000s nostalgia with a modern edge that’s resonated with both old and new fans.
On the court, the Fire will build their roster via the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft (date TBD, post-CBA finalization). Here’s the quick breakdown for fans who don’t want to wade through league jargon:
Each existing WNBA team can protect up to 8 players (think their star starters, key role players, and young prospects they can’t afford to lose). The remaining unprotected players are up for grabs for Portland and Toronto. Early rumors suggest the Fire could target local hero Sabrina Ionescu (more on her later) or young stars from rebuilding teams—players who can immediately contribute and win over the Portland fanbase. Trust me, a Portland team led by Ionescu would sell out every game 🔥.

🍁 Toronto Tempo: Canada’s First WNBA Team

Toronto’s entry into the WNBA is historic: it’s the league’s first Canadian franchise, opening up a massive cross-border fanbase 🇨🇦. Named the “Tempo” (a nod to the fast-paced, exciting style of basketball Toronto fans love), the team will play at Scotiabank Arena and has already partnered with Canadian broadcasters to ensure national coverage.
For the WNBA, Toronto is a strategic home run—expanding beyond the U.S. and tapping into Canada’s growing passion for women’s sports (fueled by the success of Canada’s women’s soccer team and WNBA stars like Kia Nurse).
Like Portland, the Tempo will build via the Expansion Draft, but their front office has hinted at prioritizing versatility and defense—traits that translate well in the WNBA’s physical style. Their first game against the New York Liberty (a cross-border showdown) is already being billed as one of the season’s most anticipated matchups. As a fan, I’m already marking my calendar for that one—cross-border rivalries in sports are always electric ⚡.

📜 Expansion Draft Rules: What You Need to Know (No Jargon, Promise)

Let’s keep this simple:
  • Each existing team submits a protected list of 8 players.
  • The rest are eligible for Portland and Toronto to pick.
  • The two expansion teams will alternate picks, with the order determined by a coin flip (expected in early 2026).
  • No existing team can lose more than 1 player in the draft—so don’t worry about your favorite team getting gutted.
This rule keeps the league competitive while giving Portland and Toronto a fair shot to build rosters that can win sooner rather than later. Bonus: The Expansion Draft will be televised, so you can watch the drama unfold live 📺.

3️⃣ 2026 WNBA Free Agency: Sabrina Ionescu & the Stars Shaping the League 

If expansion is the heartbeat of the 2026 season, free agency is the drama. This year’s class is stacked with superstars, All-Stars, and role players who could change the course of any team’s title hopes. Here are the names (and storylines) you need to obsess over:

🏀 Sabrina Ionescu: Will She Head Home to Portland?

Sabrina Ionescu is the biggest name in 2026 free agency—and for good reason. The Oregon native (she played college ball at the University of Oregon, where she became a household name) is a 3-time All-Star, elite playmaker, and one of the WNBA’s most marketable players.
Her current contract with the New York Liberty expires after the 2025 season, and rumors of a homecoming to Portland have dominated WNBA discourse for months.
For Ionescu, Portland makes sense on and off the court: She’d be the face of a new franchise, play in front of her hometown fans, and have a chance to build a legacy from the ground up. For the Fire, signing Ionescu would be a home run—immediately boosting ticket sales, media attention, and on-court competitiveness. Of course, the Liberty will fight to keep her (she’s the cornerstone of their title hopes), so this storyline will play out all season long. As a fan, I’m here for every minute of it—rivalry drama between New York and Portland? Yes, please 🤩.

🌟 Other Top Free Agents to Watch

Ionescu isn’t the only star up for grabs—here are three more names to track:
  • 🔹 Nneka Ogwumike (LA Sparks): A 6-time All-Star and 2016 MVP, Ogwumike is a veteran leader and dominant post player. She’s spent her entire career with the Sparks, but could she chase a title with a contender like the Las Vegas Aces or help an expansion team build a winning culture?
  • 🔹 Skylar Diggins-Smith (Dallas Wings): One of the league’s best point guards, Diggins-Smith is a scoring machine and playmaker. She’s entering her prime and could be a game-changer for any team looking to upgrade their backcourt.
  • 🔹 Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm): A 2-time champion and 2018 MVP, Stewart is a versatile forward who can score, rebound, and defend. She’s a free agent in 2026 and could leave Seattle if the Storm’s rebuild takes longer than expected—imagine her pairing with A’ja Wilson in Las Vegas? That would be unstoppable 🚀.

🆕 2026 Rookie Watch: The Next Wave of Talent

Free agency isn’t the only way teams will reload—the 2026 WNBA Draft (April 2026) will bring in a new crop of stars. The Dallas Wings hold the top lottery odds (thanks to their 2025 record), and early projections have Stanford’s Cameron Brink and South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley as potential No. 1 picks.
Both expansion teams will have top-5 picks in the draft, so they’ll be able to add young talent to complement their Expansion Draft selections. As a fan, I love watching rookies make their mark—Caitlin Clark’s 2024 rookie season set the bar high, and I can’t wait to see who steps up next 🌟.

4️⃣ 2026 WNBA Season Basics: Schedule, Rules & CBA Updates

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Whether you’re a new fan or a seasoned vet, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 season structure—no jargon, just straight facts:

📅 Schedule: Key Dates to Mark Your Calendar

The 2026 WNBA regular season is locked in for May 15 – September 8—summer basketball at its finest! ☀️

  • 🎮 Game Count: 30 games per team (up from 26 in 2025) to welcome 2 new franchises—balanced home/away slates vs. conference rivals.

  • ⭐ All-Star Weekend: July 12–14 in Las Vegas (fan-fave destination—don’t miss the star-studded action! ✨)

  • 🏆 Playoffs Tip-Off: September 11 (format unchanged: 12 teams qualify → 6 per conference)

    • Round 1 & 2: Single-elimination (win or go home! 🔥)

    • Semis & Finals: Best-of-5 series (drama all the way)

    • Finals Finish: Early October (perfect lead-in to the NBA season)

  • 💡 Pro Tip: Circle June 28! Portland Fire vs. Seattle Storm (Pacific Northwest showdown) is gonna be chaotic—mark those calendars! 🗓️

📝 WNBA Rules Cheat Sheet (For New Fans)

NBA fans, listen up—similar energy, but a few key twists to avoid sounding like a newbie:

  • 🎈 Ball Size: Size 6 (smaller than NBA’s size 7) → quicker handles + sharper shooting. These players are elite—don’t sleep on ‘em!

  • ⏱️ Quarters: 10 minutes (vs. NBA’s 12) → faster-paced, no lulls—intensity from tip-off to buzzer!

  • ⚡ Shot Clock: 24 seconds (same as NBA) + 10-second backcourt rule → game stays moving!

  • 🚫 Fouls: 5 personal fouls = foul out (vs. NBA’s 6) → bench depth is make-or-break for playoff runs!

🤝 2026 CBA Update: Win for Players & Fans

The WNBA and WNBPA dropped a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in late 2025—and it’s a game-changer:

  • 💰 Higher Salaries: Max salary jumps to $300k (up from $234,936 in 2025) → more stars stay in the WNBA (no overseas detours!) → better basketball for us!

  • ✈️ Better Travel: Commercial flights + upgraded stays → less fatigue → more exciting on-court performances!

  • 📺 Expanded Media Rights: 10-year deal (2026–2036) with ESPN, CBS Sports, Amazon Prime Video, and DAZN → more games on TV/streaming—no more missing games on random channels!

🔗 Source: WNBA Official Site

5️⃣ 📺 How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Season: Streaming & TV Guide

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The new media deal makes 2026 the most accessible WNBA season ever—no more scouring the internet for streams! Here’s your complete guide:

🇺🇸 U.S. Viewers

  • 📡 ESPN/ESPN2: 25 regular-season games + All-Star Weekend + Finals → weekends mostly (perfect for casual fans!). Watch via cable/satellite or ESPN+ ($10.99/month | bundle with Disney+/Hulu for $19.99/month).🔗 ESPN+

  • 📺 CBS Sports Network: 15 regular-season games (weekday nights). Stream via Paramount+ (Essential: $5.99/month | Premium: $11.99/month ad-free) if you don’t have cable.🔗 Paramount+

  • 🚀 Amazon Prime Video: 40 exclusive regular-season games + 10 “Friday Night WNBA” matchups! Free for Prime members ($14.99/month | $139/year) → non-members get a 30-day free trial (catch opening weekend!).🔗 Prime Video

  • 🎟️ WNBA League Pass: For diehards—every game (including out-of-market matchups)! Prices: $19.99/season | $4.99/month. Available on WNBA app, Apple TV, Roku, and more.🔗 WNBA League Pass

🇨🇦 Canadian Viewers

  • 🥇 DAZN: Exclusive Canadian broadcaster → every WNBA game (regular season, playoffs, Finals) + soccer/boxing. Prices: $24.99/month | $199.99/year (perfect for Toronto Tempo fans! 🦅).🔗 DAZN Canada

  • 📺 TSN: 10 Toronto Tempo games nationally (including season opener). Watch via cable or TSN app.🔗 TSN

🌍 International Viewers

The WNBA goes global in 2026!

  • 🎥 DAZN: Primary partner in 200+ countries (excl. U.S./Canada) → monthly subscriptions under $20 (varies by region).

  • 🎟️ WNBA League Pass: Backup option for countries without DAZN (note: blackout rules may apply).🔗 WNBA Official Site

​Follow @WNBA for updates, and tag us in your game-day posts with #WelcometotheW! 🏀

6️⃣ 🗓️ Must-See 2026 WNBA Matchups (Circle These Dates!)

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With 16 teams and 30 games per squad, the 2026 season is packed with can’t-miss action—but these 5 matchups are non-negotiable for every fan (new or diehard)! 🔥

🚨 May 15: Portland Fire vs. Seattle Storm (Portland’s Home Opener)

The Fire’s triumphant return after 24 years! 🏴‍☠️ A Pacific Northwest rivalry reignites at a sold-out Moda Center—expect nostalgia, chants, and intense on-court battle.⏰ Tip-off: 7 PM PT

🍁 May 17: Toronto Tempo vs. New York Liberty (Toronto’s Historic Debut)

Canada’s FIRST-EVER WNBA game! 🇨🇦 A cross-border showdown with Sabrina Ionescu’s star-studded Liberty—this isn’t just basketball, it’s a cultural milestone. Don’t miss history in the making!⏰ Tip-off: 7 PM ET

✨ July 14: WNBA All-Star Game (Las Vegas)

The league’s biggest stars collide in Sin City! 🎰 Expansion teams are adding fresh talent to the mix, so this year’s All-Star roster will be stacked with skill, flair, and rivalries.📺 Broadcast: ESPN | ⏰ Tip-off: 8 PM ET

🏆 August 10: Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty

2025 WNBA Finals REMATCH! 🥊 If Ionescu stays with the Liberty, this game is a straight-up title preview—expect high stakes, clutch plays, and drama till the final buzzer.📺 Broadcast: Amazon Prime Video | ⏰ Tip-off: 9 PM ET

🌟 September 8: Portland Fire vs. Toronto Tempo (Regular Season Finale)

The two expansion teams face off for the FIRST TIME! 🆕 Playoff seeding could hang in the balance—could this be a sneak peek at a future playoff rivalry?📺 Broadcast: CBS Sports Network | ⏰ Tip-off: 3 PM ET

7️⃣ 🔥 Why 2026 Is the Perfect Year to Become a WNBA Fan

I’ve been a WNBA fan for 20+ years, and I’ve NEVER seen buzz like this—2026 is your sign to jump on the bandwagon! 🚀

  • 📈 Explosive Growth: 2025 regular-season viewership surged 35% from 2024, and 2026 is set to shatter that record (hello, new fans and global attention!).

  • 🆕 Fresh Energy: Expansion teams (Portland Fire + Toronto Tempo) bring brand-new rivalries, while star free agency adds juicy off-court drama.

  • 📺 Unprecedented Access: More games on TV/streaming than ever (ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, CBS Sports, DAZN)—no more scouring for links to watch great basketball.

This isn’t “women’s basketball”—it’s elite sports, plain and simple. 💪 The players are athletic powerhouses, the games are edge-of-your-seat competitive, and the storylines (nostalgia, underdogs, superstars) are just as compelling as any major league. Whether you’re here for Portland’s comeback, Ionescu’s next chapter, or just to witness world-class hoops—you won’t be disappointed.

8️⃣ 🎉 Fan Tips & Engagement: Level Up Your WNBA Experience

Want to dive deeper into the WNBA community? Here’s how to make the most of 2026:

🎟️ Attending Games

  • Top Arenas: Michelob Ultra Arena (Las Vegas), Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle), Barclays Center (New York)—iconic venues with electric, fan-friendly vibes!

  • Perk Alert: Tickets are way more affordable than men’s pro basketball—perfect for families, friend groups, or solo game days.

👕 Merchandise

Rep your favorite team or player! Jerseys, hats, and fan gear are widely available online (WNBA Store, team websites) and at arenas—rock that swag with pride.

📱 Social Media

Follow the league and players on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok for:✅ Instant game highlights ✅ Behind-the-scenes content (locker room moments, player Q&As) ✅ Fan giveaways and community events

Join the #WelcometotheW movement—2026 is going to be an unforgettable season! 🎊

9️⃣ ❄️ The Winter Craze: Unrivaled 3x3

No need to wait until May for elite hoops! 🎉 Unrivaled—the 3x3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier—tips off its second season on January 5, 2026, in Miami!
This year’s extra special: Paige Bueckers makes her professional debut here before her second WNBA season! 🌟 With a fast-paced, high-scoring format, Unrivaled is the perfect “bridge” for fans craving basketball between WNBA seasons—no lulls, just nonstop action.
📺 Where to Watch (Global Broadcasts):

🔟 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 WNBA

Got burning questions? We’ve got answers—straight facts, no jargon!

1. How many teams will be in the 2026 WNBA season?

The 2026 season features 15 teams (up from 13)! 🆕 Two new franchises join the league:
  • Portland Fire (returning after folding in 2002—nostalgia alert! 🏴‍☠️)
  • Toronto Tempo (Canada’s FIRST WNBA team 🇨🇦)

2. When is the 2026 season, and how many games per team?

  • Season Window: Typically May–October (framework stays unless Olympics/special events require tweaks—league is weighing a November extension for the men’s World Cup).
  • Game Count: 44 regular-season games per team (up from previous seasons) to fit the two new squads!

3. What’s the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft?

It’s how Portland and Toronto build their initial rosters—selecting players from existing teams’ unprotected lists! 📝
  • Rule Update (pending new CBA approval): Existing teams can only protect 5 players (down from 6 in 2025).
  • Draft Date: TBD—announced after the new CBA is finalized.

4. Who’s in the 2026 Draft Lottery, and when is it?

  • Participating Teams (non-2025 playoff teams): Dallas Wings, Minnesota Lynx (holds Chicago Sky’s pick), Seattle Storm (holds LA Sparks’ pick), Washington Mystics, Chicago Sky (holds Connecticut Sun’s pick).
  • Date & Time: Sunday, November 23, 2025, 6:30 PM ET
  • Broadcast: ESPN

5. How does the Draft Lottery work?

  • Format: 14 numbered balls → 4 drawn for a unique combination.
  • Odds: Teams get combinations based on 2024-2025 cumulative records (worse records = more chances).
  • Prizes: 1st/2nd picks determined by lottery; 3rd-5th picks follow two-year cumulative records.
  • Edge: Dallas Wings have the best shot (420/1,000 combinations) at the No. 1 pick! 🎯

6. Where is the 2026 All-Star Game?

Saturday, July 25 at Chicago’s United Center (NBA Bulls’ home)—Chicago’s second time hosting! 🎪
  • Bonus Events:
    • 3-Point Contest & Skills Challenge: July 24 at Wintrust Arena (Chicago Sky’s home)
    • Fan Festival (WNBA Live): McCormick Place

7. New 2026 Media Rights: What’s Changed?

Landmark 11-year deals (2026-2036) with Disney, Amazon Prime Video, and NBCUniversal—over 125 games/year broadcast globally! 📡
  • Disney (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2): 25+ regular-season games, All-Star events, WNBA Draft
  • NBCUniversal (NBC/USA/Peacock): 50+ regular-season games
  • Amazon Prime Video: 30+ regular-season games (global stream) + Commissioner’s Cup championship
  • Bonus: WNBA League Pass available via Prime Video Channels worldwide!

8. Risk of Lockout/Season Delay in 2026?

Analysts peg a 15% chance of delay due to CBA negotiations. 🚨
  • Key Issues: Salary structure, charter travel, player safety (2025 saw 639 injury-related absences by July 31—players cite dense schedules).
  • League Note: No significant injury rate increase, but safety remains a top priority.

1️⃣1️⃣ 🎊 Final Thoughts 

2026 marks the WNBA’s 30th anniversary—and this league is just getting started! 🎂 This guide has everything you need: expansion drama, streaming hacks, must-see matchups, and more. Now it’s your turn to join the fun!
Let’s make 2026 the year the WNBA becomes a household name. See you on the couch (or courtside!)—go Fire, go Tempo, go WNBA! 💖