WNBA Announces Record 216-Game National Broadcast Schedule for 2026

The Women's National Basketball Association confirmed that its 2026 season will feature 216 games aired nationally, the highest count in league history. The schedule includes the All-Star Game on ABC and the Commissioner's Cup championship on Amazon Prime Video. All Finals contests will be televised on NBC or USA Network and streamed on Peacock, ensuring comprehensive coverage across linear and digital platforms.

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The 2026 schedule marks the first season under a refreshed media rights agreement. Existing partners Disney (owner of ESPN), Amazon Prime Video, CBS/Paramount+, and Scripps remain, while NBCUniversal, USA Sports, and the continued NBA TV distribution join the lineup. The deal broadens the league’s exposure by combining traditional broadcast, cable, and streaming services, reflecting a strategic push to reach broader audiences.

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• Cathy Engelbert – WNBA Commissioner, overseeing the league’s media strategy.

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• Disney – Provides 30 games (13 on ABC, 17 on ESPN).

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• Amazon Prime Video – Distributes 30 games, including the Commissioner's Cup final.

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• CBS/Paramount+ – Broadcasts 20 games.

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• USA Network – Carries the largest share with 48 games.

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• ION Television – Maintains the Friday slate, airing 50 games.

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• NBA TV, Peacock/NBCSN – Each present 15 games.

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• NBC – Broadcasts seven games and shares Finals coverage.

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The distribution plan highlights four teams receiving the most national airtime: Indiana Fever (44 games), Dallas Wings (36), New York Liberty (35), and Las Vegas Aces (33). The varied platform mix ensures that marquee matchups and emerging talent receive visibility across both cable and streaming audiences.

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In a league-issued statement, Engelbert emphasized the momentum from the 2025 season and the anticipated impact of the expanded media roster. She noted that the 2026 draft, free-agency activity, and trades set the stage for a season where the partnership network will “shine a light on must-see matchups” and showcase the “remarkable skills” of WNBA athletes.

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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 record-setting broadcast slate positions the WNBA to reach a wider domestic audience, potentially increasing sponsorship opportunities and fan engagement. By leveraging both established networks and streaming services, the league aims to attract viewers who prefer traditional television as well as those who consume sports digitally.

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The league will finalize the 2026 game calendar in the coming weeks, with the All-Star Game slated for mid-season on ABC. Ongoing monitoring of viewership metrics across platforms will inform future negotiations, while the expanded partnership model sets a precedent for subsequent media contracts.

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