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Image Credit<\/p>\n
Ethan Miller \/ Staff via Getty Images.<\/p>\n
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A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts after hitting a shot against the Atlanta Dream in the fourth quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 19, 2025.<\/p>\n
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Key Takeaways<\/p>\n
The WNBA released its 2026 schedule without a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place.
\n Players have voiced concern over unresolved issues, including revenue sharing and salary caps.
\n The 30th anniversary season is set to begin May 8, but labor tensions could affect its momentum.<\/p>\n
The WNBA<\/a> is ready to define a new chapter of women\u2019s basketball, but without a finalized Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on the table, fans are unsure how the 2026 season will play out. Schedules for all 15 franchises were released on Wednesday (Jan. 21), revealing a May 8 opener and big-ticket rematches like the showdown between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury.<\/p>\n Each team will play 44 games, with an equal split of home and away games. The season ends on Sept. 24. A June 21 matchup between the Los Angeles Sparks and the New York Liberty will commemorate the league\u2019s inaugural game in 1997, marking the 30th anniversary. Also on the books are 17 days for the annual in-season tournament, the WNBA Commissioner\u2019s Cup, beginning on June 1. The championship game<\/a> takes place on June 30, followed by the All-Star Game on July 25.<\/p>\n \u201cThis schedule reflects both how far the league has come and the momentum that continues to drive us forward. From welcoming two new organizations in Toronto and Portland to honoring our history with marquee matchups that connect the league\u2019s first game to today\u2019s stars,\u201d said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a statement.<\/p>\n But fans want an answer to a big question: \u201cHow [are] we releasing the WNBA schedule, but the CBA still isn\u2019t done yet?\u201d The WNBA and WNBPA, the players\u2019 association, have been deadlocked in negotiations since the 2020 CBA expired in late October. Unresolved requests like increasing the players\u2019 salary cap and their share of the league\u2019s gross revenue remain key issues. As a result, social media users have been speaking out. As one person stated<\/a>, the \u201cWNBA [is] worried about the wrong s**t releasing the schedule but holding the CBA hostage.\u201d<\/p>\n Players and fans respond to stalled CBA negotiations<\/p>\n