Key 2026 WNBA Dates: Expansion Draft, Season Tipoff, Free Agency & More
The 2026 WNBA season promises to be an exciting time for players and fans alike, with numerous key dates approaching. Significant changes are anticipated due to a new collective bargaining agreement, impacting player salaries and the overall structure of the league.
Key Dates for the 2026 WNBA Season
- April 3: Expansion Draft
- April 7–18: Free Agency
- April 12-19: Player Signings
- April 13: WNBA Draft at 7 PM ET
- April 19: Training Camp Begins
- April 25-May 3: Preseason Games
- May 8: Regular Season Opening Tipoff
2026 Expansion Draft Details
The Expansion Draft is scheduled for April 3, introducing two new teams: the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. Current teams must finalize their player protection strategies by March 29, ensuring that key players remain on existing rosters.
Start of Free Agency
Free Agency kicks off on April 7, with team offers made from April 7-8. Negotiations will begin on April 9, leading to formal signings starting April 12. This period is anticipated to be historic. Many high-profile players, including A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, will be available, alongside Kalani Brown and Lexie Brown, who are the only exceptions not on rookie contracts.
The new collective bargaining agreement has also significantly increased the salary cap for 2026, now set at $7 million, up from $1.5 million in 2025. The average player salary is projected to rise to around $583,000.
2026 WNBA Draft
Set for April 13 at 7 PM ET in New York, the WNBA Draft will see the Dallas Wings holding the first pick. UConn’s Azzi Fudd is currently favored to be the first overall selection across various mock drafts. The No. 1 pick is expected to earn $500,000 under the new CBA.
Season Kickoff
The official tipoff for the 2026 WNBA season will be on May 8, featuring three games: Sun vs. Liberty, Mystics vs. Tempo, and Valkyries vs. Storm. Prior to the regular season, teams will participate in preseason games from April 25 through May 3.
With all these exciting developments, the upcoming 2026 WNBA season is shaping up to be a historic one for players and fans alike. Mark these dates, as they signal a new chapter for the league.
