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WNBA Announces Record 216 Games for 2026 Season

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced its 2026 broadcast schedule, featuring a record 216 games.
The Indiana Fever will lead with all 44 games nationally broadcasted.
Dallas Wings will have 36 games, New York Liberty 35, and Las Vegas Aces 33.
ESPN and ABC will air 30 games, including the All-Star Game.
This season marks the WNBA’s first under a new media rights deal.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, enacted in 1972, prohibited gender discrimination in education and sports, significantly increasing opportunities for women in athletics. The WNBA, founded in 1996, has since expanded its reach, culminating in a record 216 games for the 2026 season. This growth reflects ongoing efforts for equality and recognition in professional sports, highlighted by a new $2.2 billion media rights deal.

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Story summary

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced its 2026 broadcast schedule, featuring a record 216 games.
The Indiana Fever will lead with all 44 games nationally broadcasted.
Dallas Wings will have 36 games, New York Liberty 35, and Las Vegas Aces 33.
ESPN and ABC will air 30 games, including the All-Star Game.
This season marks the WNBA’s first under a new media rights deal.

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