The WNBA is projecting confidence in the face of uncertainty. On Wednesday, the league officially released its schedule for the 2026 regular season, signaling a “business as usual” approach despite the fact that a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is currently not in place.
The release sets the stage for a historic 30th anniversary season, which is slated to tip off on May 8. The 2026 campaign will feature the highly anticipated debuts of two new expansion franchises: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. The schedule is packed with marquee television matchups, highlighted by an opening weekend showdown on May 9 between Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever and Paige Bueckers’ Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
However, the celebratory announcement stands in stark contrast to the tension behind the scenes. The previous CBA expired on January 9, leaving the league and its players in a “status quo” period. While there is currently no lockout, the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has already voted to authorize a strike if a new deal—one that reflects the league’s recent revenue explosion—cannot be reached.
Just hours before the schedule dropped, the WNBPA made its frustration public on social media, posting: “WNBA: Stop Playing Games. WNBA players deserve a higher salary and better working conditions”.
League officials maintain that the schedule release is necessary for logistical planning. “Releasing the 2026 schedule is a key step… and allows teams, partners, broadcasters, and fans to begin the essential planning,” a spokesperson stated.
Key dates on the calendar include an All-Star Game in Chicago on July 25 and a two-week hiatus in early September for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany. Whether the season tips off as planned, however, remains entirely dependent on the negotiations at the bargaining table.
