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The WNBA will expand its regular season schedule to 50 games beginning in 2027, the league announced on Wednesday, marking another significant step in its ongoing growth.
The move increases the number of regular season games by six compared to the previous maximum of 44 games that existed under the league's former collective bargaining agreement. The change was made possible through the new seven-year collective bargaining agreement, which was finalized in May.
Under the terms of the new deal, teams will play up to 50 regular season games in both 2027 and 2028. The schedule will then expand further to 52 games per team from 2029 through 2032.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the decision reflects the league's rising popularity and continued commitment to expanding opportunities for players and fans.
"Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league," Engelbert said in a statement. "This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world and experience the extraordinary talent and competition that define the WNBA."
The increase in games comes at a time when the league is also undergoing rapid expansion. Over the last two seasons, the WNBA has welcomed three new franchises: the Golden State Valkyries, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.
The league's growth is set to continue over the coming years, with additional expansion teams scheduled to join in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia by 2030. As the number of teams rises, the larger schedule is expected to create more matchups, strengthen rivalries and offer fans additional opportunities to follow the league throughout the season.
The announcement highlights the WNBA's continued upward trajectory, fueled by growing attendance, increased television viewership and heightened interest in women's basketball.
The 2026 season is already providing a glimpse of the league's competitive depth. Roughly 15 games into the campaign, several teams have established themselves as early contenders.
The Minnesota Lynx currently hold the league's best record at 11-3. Close behind are the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, who each sit at 10-4 and remain among the favorites to compete for the championship.
With expansion franchises entering the league and the regular season growing longer, the WNBA is positioning itself for an even larger stage in the years ahead.
