WNBA reveals 2026 schedule — even as labor battle looms over start of season

January 21, 2026

The wait is over.

The WNBA on Wednesday unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 regular-season schedule, which begins May 8.

But this announcement doesn’t necessarily mean the WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association are any closer to finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement.

Those contentious negotiations remain ongoing.

So why did the WNBA decide to announce the schedule now? Or perhaps the better question is: How can it, considering the length of the season and number of games are outlined in the CBA and the previous deal, signed in January 2020, expired earlier this month?

In a statement, a WNBA spokesperson said, “Releasing the 2026 schedule is a key step as we prepare for the WNBA’s 30th season and allows teams, partners, broadcasters and fans to begin the essential planning for the year ahead.”

Also, teams needed to lock in dates at their respective arenas.

A schedule being formalized also allows teams to begin the full range of logistical planning, including coordinating major announcements, selling ticket packages, booking charter flights, arranging hotels and other travel accommodations for the 22 road games. NY Post