3/23/26
By: Jennifer Portee
Anticipation is sky‑high as the 2026 WNBA season pulls up, ready to tip off with new teams, fresh energy, and serious top-tier hoopers leading the way. Fans aren’t just watching this year they’re locked in like it’s must‑see TV.
The league’s glow‑up to 14 squads is the big headline, with the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire stepping onto the scene and bringing two hoop‑crazy cities with them. Toronto hosting the Washington Mystics on May 8 and Portland matching up with the Chicago Sky the next night gives the season an instant “you gotta be there” vibe.
Opening night is stacked, too. The Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty are set to run it back in a high‑energy showdown between two squads built for deep playoff runs. Out west, the Seattle Storm linking up with the Valkyries feels like the start of a new era with plenty of future classic games on deck.
On the player side, the star power is unreal. Caitlin Clark is looking to bounce back and remind Indiana why the Fever runs through her, while A’ja Wilson is still anchoring the Las Vegas Aces and chasing more championships like it’s routine. With expansion, superstars, and opening games that already feel special, the 2026 W is lining up to be one of those seasons people talk about for years.