WNBA Announces 2026 National TV Schedule for Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, More

The WNBA announced its national TV broadcast schedule for the 2026 season, with 216 of the league's 330 games airing on a major media partner.

"The WNBA is coming off a landmark season in 2025, one that was defined by incredible basketball and countless memorable performances," commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. "With an incredible 2026 draft and so many notable free agency signings and trades now giving way to the start of the season, the WNBA's unprecedented lineup of linear and streaming partners will shine a light on must-see matchups, and the remarkable skills the WNBA's stars provide each time they step on the court."

ESPN confirmed its coverage will begin with two games on ABC during opening weekend on May 9:

• Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings (1 p.m. ET)
• Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury (3:30 p.m. ET)

Here are some other notable dates to circle on the schedule:

• June 9: Chicago Fever vs. Atlanta Dream; 8 p.m. (ESPN) — Angel Reese's first game in Chicago
• June 13: Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx; 8 p.m. (CBS) — Potential battle between MVP A'ja Wilson and runner-up Napheesa Collier
• July 3: New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx; 7:30 p.m. (ION) — 2024 WNBA Finals rematch
• July 5: Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever; 7 p.m. (ESPN) — WNBA semifinals rematch

All 44 of the Indiana Fever's games will be broadcast nationally. The Dallas Wings have the second-most national TV matchups (36), followed by the New York Liberty (35) and Las Vegas Aces (33).

The 2026 season will mark a few firsts for the WNBA.

NBC will have seven Sunday games, which include two prime-time tip-offs, with NBCUniversal returning as a media partner for the league. USA Network will carry 48 games and stake out a weekly slot on Wednesdays. ESPN is also debuting "Women's Sports Sunday's" this summer, a new concept that will showcase both the WNBA and NWSL in prime time.

ION will continue its "WNBA Friday Night Spotlight" as part of the WNBA's new media rights deal, and the network's 50 games are the most of any TV partner.