Story perspectives

2026 WNBA season starts; Aces defend, Toronto, Portland join.

5/7/2026

Summary

Aces Defend Title

The 2026 WNBA season begins Friday, May 6, with the Las Vegas Aces defending their title.
The league expands to 15 teams, adding the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire.
Pre-season odds list New York Liberty at +215 and Las Vegas Aces at +425, MVP odds favor A’ja Wilson at +175 and Caitlin Clark at +300, and both teams retain most championship players, making them season favorites.

Summary

Sun Relocates

The Connecticut Sun will play its 2026 season before moving to Houston to revive the Comets, under a new collective bargaining agreement that creates two salary-cap-exempt developmental spots.
ESPN adds Hannah Storm as a studio host for WNBA Countdown and will televise 30 games in 2026.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announces a State of the Game Council reviewing officiating, physicality, a “Legacy Trail” merchandise line, and a “Court Origins” jersey debut on May 21.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA began in 1997 with eight NBA-backed teams, a NBC TV deal, and stars like Cynthia Cooper and the Houston Comets. Expansions in 1998, 1999 and 2000 grew the league to 16 clubs. The 2026 addition of the Toronto Tempo and a revived Portland Fire lifts the roster to 15 franchises, echoing the league’s early market-driven growth.

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Aces Defend Title

The 2026 WNBA season begins Friday, May 6, with the Las Vegas Aces defending their title.
The league expands to 15 teams, adding the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire.
Pre-season odds list New York Liberty at +215 and Las Vegas Aces at +425, MVP odds favor A’ja Wilson at +175 and Caitlin Clark at +300, and both teams retain most championship players, making them season favorites.

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