The WNBA continues to grow, and the 2026 season features the longest regular season in league history. If you’re wondering how many games are in the WNBA season, here’s a complete breakdown of the current schedule and what it means for teams and fans.
How Many Games Are in the 2026 WNBA Season?
Each WNBA team plays 44 regular-season games during the 2026 campaign. The league expanded the schedule from 40 games in 2025 to 44 games in 2026, giving fans more opportunities to watch their favorite teams and players compete throughout the summer.
The 44-game schedule also provides a larger sample size for determining playoff seeding while helping accommodate the league’s continued expansion.
When Does the WNBA Season Take Place?
The WNBA regular season typically begins in early May and runs through late September.
Following the conclusion of the regular season, the playoffs begin, culminating with the WNBA Finals in the fall.
How Many Teams Are in the WNBA?
The WNBA features 15 teams during the 2026 season following league expansion.
With more franchises joining the league, the expanded schedule helps ensure a balanced and competitive regular season.
How Do the WNBA Playoffs Work?
At the end of the regular season:
- The top eight teams in the league qualify for the playoffs.
- Teams are seeded based on their regular-season records.
- Higher-seeded teams receive home-court advantage in their playoff series.
Every regular-season game is important, as teams battle for playoff positioning throughout the summer.
Will the WNBA Season Get Longer?
Yes. The WNBA has already announced another schedule expansion.
Beginning with the 2027 season, each team will play 50 regular-season games, marking another significant milestone in the league’s continued growth and popularity.
WNBA Regular Season FAQ
How many games does each WNBA team play in 2026?
Each team plays 44 regular-season games.
How many WNBA teams make the playoffs?
The top eight teams qualify for the postseason.
How long is the WNBA season?
The regular season runs from May through late September, followed by the playoffs and WNBA Finals.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 WNBA season marks another step forward for the league with an expanded 44-game regular season, more teams, and increased opportunities for fans to enjoy professional women’s basketball. With another expansion already planned for 2027, the WNBA continues to experience unprecedented growth both on and off the court.