WNBA Schedule 2025-26

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is the top professional women's basketball league in the United States. The WNBA was founded on April 24, 1996, and opened for its first season in 1997 with eight teams. The league eventually gained popularity, driven by the Houston Comets' success. Led by Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, the Comets dominated the first four championships from 1997 to 2000, setting an early benchmark of excellence.

Since then, the league has expanded. By the 2025 season, it features 13 teams, with plans to grow to 15 by 2026. The regular season runs from May to September, followed by the playoffs and the WNBA Finals in October. In 2024, the New York Liberty won their first championship. The Houston Comets, Minnesota Lynx, and Seattle Storm each hold four titles, the most in league history. Cathy Engelbert is the WNBA Commissioner as of May 2025, as per the official website of the WNBA.

Introduction to the WNBA Schedule

The 2025 season introduces significant changes to the league's format, such as a longer regular season, the introduction of a new team, and a reconfigured playoff system. The season begins on May 16, 2025, with the Golden State Valkyries debuting at home against the Los Angeles Sparks, as per the official website of the WNBA. The league is divided into two conferences- Eastern and Western. The Golden State Valkyries are the league's first expansion team since 2008, according to the WNBA official website.

WNBA 2025-26 Season Overview

The 2025 WNBA season brings major updates as the league continues to grow and evolve. The regular season runs from May 16 to September 11. Each of the 13 teams will now play 44 games, up from 40 in previous years. This will include 22 home and 22 road games. The fifth annual WNBA Commissioner's Cup, presented by Coinbase, will also take place in 17 days in June, and it will consist only of Cup games..This expansion follows the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s first new team since 2008. The updated schedule ensures a balanced mix of in-conference and cross-conference matchups, according to the official website of the WNBA.

The playoff format has also changed. The top eight, regardless of conference, will qualify for the playoffs. The first round remains a best-of-three series but reverts to a 1-1-1 format so that both teams can host at least one game. Semifinals are still best-of-five. The WNBA Finals became a best-of-seven series, using a 2-2-1-1-1 home-court format, similar to other professional leagues, as per the WNBA official website.

The Commissioner's Cup again appears in condensed form. June 1- June 13 includes five in-conference games per team eligible for Cup standings. The top conference team automatically qualifies for the championship game on June 25 at home against the higher Cup mark team. The champion wins a share of a $500,000 purse. As in prior years, the tournament once again will sponsor player-driven social justice programs, as per the WNBA official website.

WNBA Regular Season Schedule

The 2025 WNBA regular season begins on May 16 and ends on September 11. Each of the 13 teams will play a record 44 games, up from 40 last year. The Valkyries host the Los Angeles Sparks, and the Dallas Wings host the Minnesota Lynx on opening night. Defending champion New York Liberty hosts the Las Vegas Aces the following day, according to the official schedule of the WNBA 2025.

The 2025 WNBA regular season will be available on several national broadcasters and streaming platforms. ABC and ESPN will broadcast 26 games, including the All-Star Game and additional marquee matchups. ION will have primetime coverage with 50 Friday night doubleheaders. CBS Sports will broadcast 20 games, including the league's first-ever primetime regular-season games on network television. Prime Video will stream 21 games, including exclusive coverage of the Commissioner's Cup Championship. 40 games will be seen on NBA TV. WNBA League Pass will offer access to over 200 live, out-of-market games, according to the official broadcasting schedule of WNBA 2025.

WNBA Commissioner's Cup

The 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup, which enters its fifth year, features a shorter season. From June 1 to June 17, all five teams play five conference rival games. Eastern Conference teams alternate home and away with either three home and two road, or vice versa. Western Conference teams alternate home and away with three each. Cup games count in regular season standings and Cup competition.

The best from each conference qualify for the championship, which takes place on July 1. The better Cup record team will host the championship, based on the official website of the WNBA.

The championship is worth $500,000. Sponsor Coinbase is also providing an additional $120,000 in crypto bonuses, in which all finalists receive $5,000 worth of crypto. The Cup also supports charitable endeavors, with funds going to causes aligned with players' social justice efforts, as per the official website of the WNBA.

WNBA Playoffs Schedule

The 2025 WNBA Playoffs will commence on September 14 and end on October 17. The league has renewed its postseason schedule. First round remains a best-of-three series but will also use a 1-1-1 format, giving both teams at least one home game.

The Semifinals will remain a best-of-five series with a 2-2-1 format. The most notable change is the WNBA Finals, now expanding to a best-of-seven series. The Finals will become a 2-2-1-1-1 format, consistent with other premier sports leagues (via the official website of the WNBA).

WNBA Schedule 2025-26 Key Dates and Events

February 1: Player Contracts may be signed

April 14: WNBA Draft

April 27: Training Camp Begins

May 16: Regular Season Begins

June 1-17: Commissioner’s Cup Tournament

July 1: Commissioner’s Cup Championship

July 17-21: WNBA All-Star Break

July 19: WNBA All-Star Game

September 11: Regular Season Ends

September 14: Playoffs Begin

October 17: Last Possible Finals Date