How to Watch the WNBA in 2026: Full TV Schedule, Streaming Options & Broadcast Guide

The WNBA’s 30th season tips off on Friday, May 8, 2026, and fans have more ways than ever to watch. A record 216 games will air nationally across linear TV and streaming platforms thanks to the league’s new 11-year media rights deal.With two expansion teams (Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire), star power from Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Sabrina Ionescu, and more, here’s your complete guide to watching every game in 2026.

How to Watch the WNBA in 2026

Cable / Live TV: ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, USA Network, ION

Streaming Services: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+

WNBA League Pass: Best for out-of-market games (blackouts apply for local and national broadcasts). Next-day replays available for all games.

Preseason: All games stream free on WNBA League Pass (April 25 – May 3); select games on ION.

WNBA Games by Day (National Broadcasts)

Mondays: USA Network + Peacock

Tuesdays: ESPN

Wednesdays: USA Network

Thursdays: Amazon Prime Video

Fridays: ION (frequent doubleheaders)

Saturdays: ESPN + CBS (including primetime)

Sundays: ABC, NBC + ESPN

National TV Broadcast Breakdown for 2026

ION: Most games with 50 broadcasts, including Friday night doubleheaders (“State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight”).

USA Network: 48 games, mainly Mondays and Wednesdays.

ABC/ESPN (Disney): 30 games total (13 on ABC, 17 on ESPN), including the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on ABC and opening weekend doubleheader on May 9.

CBS / Paramount+: Record 20 games, with 8 primetime Saturday nights on CBS.

Amazon Prime Video: 30+ games, including exclusive rights to the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship.

NBC / Peacock: 7 games on NBC (including primetime matchups) + multiple games on Peacock.

NBA TV: Additional select games throughout the season.

The WNBA Finals will air on NBC or USA Network and stream on Peacock this year (the rotation continues across Disney, Amazon, and NBC in future seasons).

Must-Watch Marquee Matchups in 2026

Here are some of the biggest nationally televised games to circle on your calendar:

Friday, May 8 (Opening Night – ION): Tripleheader including Connecticut Sun at New York Liberty, Washington Mystics at Toronto Tempo (expansion debut), and Golden State Valkyries at Seattle Storm.

Saturday, May 9 (ABC): Dallas Wings at Indiana Fever (Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers) + Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces (2025 Finals rematch).

Saturday, May 23 (CBS Primetime): Los Angeles Sparks at Las Vegas Aces.

Saturday, June 6 (CBS Primetime): Indiana Fever at New York Liberty (Commissioner’s Cup).

Sunday, July 5 (ESPN): Indiana Fever at Las Vegas Aces (Clark vs. Wilson showdown).

Saturday, July 25 (ABC): 2026 WNBA All-Star Game.

Sunday, August 9 (ABC): Las Vegas Aces at New York Liberty (recent champions clash).

Thursday, September 24 (Regular Season Finale – USA Network): Doubleheader including Indiana Fever at Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces at Phoenix Mercury.

The 44-game regular season runs through September 24, followed by playoffs. The season includes a break for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Pro Tip: Pair a live TV streaming service (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo) that carries ABC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, USA, and ION with WNBA League Pass for the most complete coverage. Many national games will also be available on-demand the next day.

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