The 30th WNBA season tips off tonight, and the league is making history with a record 216 nationally televised games. For the 2026 season, the league will be more accessible than ever with games streaming on ESPN, Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, ION, and WNBA League Pass.
To give fans a taste of the upcoming high-level basketball, the league made all 18 preseason games available for free, and four games aired nationally on ION. Plus, the league has expanded to 15 teams with two new teams: Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire.
“The WNBA is coming off a landmark season in 2025, one that was defined by incredible basketball and countless memorable performances,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “With an incredible 2026 draft and so many notable free agency signings and trades now giving way to the start of the season, the WNBA’s unprecedented lineup of linear and streaming partners will shine a light on must-see matchups, and the remarkable skills the WNBA’s stars provide each time they step on the court.”
What to Know About the 2026 WNBA Season
As part of the league’s 30th‑anniversary celebration, ESPN is set to broadcast the New York Liberty at Los Angeles Sparks on June 21, a tribute to the WNBA’s inaugural 1997 game. Additionally, Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever take center stage as all 44 of their games will be showcased nationally. Opening night tips off on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 PM ET when the New York Liberty hosts the Connecticut Sun.
Opening weekend starts with a bang on May 9, when the Dallas Wings visit the Indiana Fever on ABC and Disney+. That game is loaded with star power and draft pedigree, featuring the last four No. 1 overall picks: Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Azzi Fudd. Clark will be playing in her first game since July 15, making it one of the most anticipated tip-off games of the season.
Other highlights:
- 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
- Cup Tournament: June 1 – June 17, 2026
- Championship Game: June 30, 2026
- 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend
- Location: Chicago
- Dates:
- Friday, July 24 – Skills Competitions, 3 Point Contest, and more
- Sunday, July 25 – All-Star Game
WNBA National Broadcast Breakdown
- ESPN / ABC family: 30 games
- Includes marquee matchups, Opening Weekend, and All-Star coverage
- NBC / NBCSN + Peacock: 22 games
- Sunday and Monday matchups + the 2026 WNBA Finals, including primetime weekend windows
- CBS / Paramount+: 20 games
- Strong mix of weekend showcase games
- Prime Video: 30 games
- Regular season Thursday night destination, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game, and WNBA League Pass distributor.
- ION Media: 50 games
- Free, over-the-air Friday night doubleheaders
- USA Network: 48 games
- Wednesday and Monday night games are spotlighted throughout the season.
- NBA TV: 15 games
- Supplemental national coverage throughout the season
- WNBA League Pass: TBD
Don’t miss any of the action during the WNBA season by streaming live games on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or any compatible device by subscribing to a live TV streaming service. ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, NBC, USA Network, ION, and Amazon Prime Video will air games throughout the season.
Cord cutters have more choices than ever to watch their favorite WNBA teams:
Also, if you have an antenna, you can find out which ABC, NBC, CBS, and ION affiliates are near you by using a tool like AntennaWeb.