WNBA Announces Record 216 Nationally Broadcast Games for 2026 Season

The Women's National Basketball Association announced on Wednesday that its 2026 season will feature 216 games nationally broadcast across TV and streaming, the highest number of nationally televised games to date. The schedule includes several tentpole events—such as the All-Star Game, the Commissioner's Cup championship, and the Finals—that will receive national coverage.

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The 2026 slate is the first under a refreshed media rights agreement that adds new partners while renewing existing ones. Disney (ABC and ESPN), Amazon Prime Video, CBS/Paramount+, Scripps, NBCUniversal, USA Sports, NBA TV, ION Television, and Peacock/NBCSN will all carry games. Disney will present 30 games (13 on ABC, 17 on ESPN), Prime Video 30, USA Network 48, CBS/Paramount+ 20, ION 50, NBA TV 15, Peacock/NBCSN 15, and NBC 7. ION will anchor the Friday night slate, and all Finals games will air on NBC or USA Network with simultaneous streaming on Peacock.

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The partnership network allocates the most national slots to four franchises: Indiana Fever (44 games), Dallas Wings (36), New York Liberty (35) and Las Vegas Aces (33). The remaining teams share the balance of the 216-game slate, ensuring each club receives multiple national appearances.

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Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league is building on a “landmark season in 2025” and that the expanded media lineup will increase the visibility of “must-see matchups” and showcase the “remarkable skills” of WNBA players.

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• “The WNBA is coming off a landmark season in 2025, one that was defined by incredible basketball and countless memorable performances,” — Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

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• “With an incredible 2026 draft and so many notable free agency signings and trades now giving way to the start of the season, the WNBA's unprecedented lineup of linear and streaming partners will shine a light on must-see matchups, and the remarkable skills the WNBA's stars provide each time they step on the court.” — Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

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The expanded national broadcast platform provides the league with broader audience reach and increased visibility for its players and marquee matchups.

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The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game will be televised on ABC, the Commissioner's Cup championship will stream on Prime Video, and the Finals will air on NBC or USA Network with simultaneous streaming on Peacock.

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All source material presents a consistent set of broadcast numbers and partner commitments; no contradictory data or notable gaps were identified.

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