The WNBA’s 30th Season Kickoff
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is gearing up to kick off its highly anticipated 30th season on May 8, contingent on the conclusion of negotiations between the league and the players’ union regarding a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The season will feature a total of 44 games played over five months, incorporating a 17-day hiatus for the FIBA World Cup scheduled for Berlin in early September. Despite the addition of new franchises in Portland and Toronto, the league opted to maintain the 44-game schedule, which was previously established last year.
Commissioner Engelbert’s Vision
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm about this season, stating that the schedule demonstrates the league’s progress and ongoing momentum. She highlighted how this year would not only welcome the new teams but also celebrate historic matchups that link the WNBA’s inaugural game to its current stars.
“With record-breaking games and a larger global audience, this season will significantly shape the future of the WNBA,”
Engelbert stated.
Planning and Logistics
The early release of the schedule allows teams to initiate ticket sales, coordinate travel arrangements—including charter flights for out-of-town games—and reserve venue dates. A spokesperson for the WNBA mentioned that this move is crucial as it facilitates planning for all stakeholders, including teams, partners, and fans.
Game Schedule and Future Aspirations
Notably, nearly all teams will encounter at least one back-to-back game set, and the overall average of consecutive games per team has decreased from 2.4 last season to 1.6 this year. Looking ahead, the WNBA aspires to increase the number of games played in future seasons, although any expansion would depend on the new CBA. Preseason training camps are set to open on April 19, shortly after the collegiate draft, with the sixth annual Commissioner’s Cup scheduled for June, culminating in the championship game on June 30. The All-Star Game is planned for Chicago on July 25, and games will resume three days later.
World Cup Break and Playoff Schedule
The league’s break for the World Cup will span from August 31 to September 16, after which a few games will take place before the playoffs commence on September 27. However, all of these arrangements are subject to finalizing a new CBA. The previous CBA was finalized in January 2020, and there is a possibility that it could take up to two months post-agreement to begin free agency. Currently, the two parties are in a “status quo” phase, where the old CBA remains in effect while negotiations are ongoing in good faith following a moratorium on free agency set by the WNBA and union.
Noteworthy Matchups
Furthermore, the league needs to facilitate an expansion draft to accommodate the two new teams entering the league. Noteworthy matchups on the schedule include:
- A rematch of the WNBA Finals featuring Las Vegas against Phoenix on opening weekend.
- Paige Bueckers’ Dallas facing off against Caitlin Clark’s Indiana, representing the most recent top draft picks.
- An anniversary matchup between Los Angeles and New York on June 21, recalling the first-ever game in WNBA history.
- Toronto competing in two games in Montreal and Vancouver, while Connecticut will play twice in Hartford and once in Boston.
