WNBA expands regular season to 50 games starting in 2027
8 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 7:33 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
The WNBA will increase its regular-season schedule to 50 games beginning in the 2027 season, up from the current maximum of 44 games. This change is a result of the newly ratified collective bargaining agreement, which allows for a maximum of 50 games for the next two seasons and up to 52 games thereafter. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated that this expansion reflects the growing demand for the league and aims to create more opportunities for fans. The league has seen considerable growth over its 30-year history, with recent expansions including three new teams and the return of the Houston Comets. Training camps will begin as early as April 1 in 2027, with the regular season concluding no later than November 21, 2027.
- •50-game schedule starts in the 2027 WNBA season
- •Ratified CBA allows up to 52 games beyond 2028
- •Demand for the WNBA has hit record levels
- •Three new teams to join by 2030
- •Training camps could start as early as April 1, 2027
- 7:33 PMCBS Sports — WNBA regular season expands to 50 games in 2027: Everything you need to know about the new schedule
- 5:14 PMESPN — WNBA schedule expands to 50 games in 2027
- 3:31 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA will increase regular season to 50 games, starting in 2027
- 3:16 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA headed for 50-game schedule next season
- 3:07 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA expanding to 50-game schedule starting in 2027
- 3:02 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA to expand to 50-game schedule for teams next season
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA expansion soars with historic 50-game season in 2027
"The WNBA’s footprint is expanding. Beginning next season, the league will play 50 regular-season games, up from the maximum 44-game slate under the previous collective bargaining agreement. The new seven-year CBA, which was formally codified on May 22, stipulates that the schedule can increase to a maximum of 50 games in 2027 and 2028, and to up to 52 games between 2029 to 2032. “Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary mome
"The WNBA is expanding its schedule to 50 games per team next season — the most in the league's 30-year history. The new collective bargaining agreement that was ratified earlier this year allows the league to play up to 50 games for the next two seasons. “Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
"Starting in 2027, the WNBA will move to a 50-game season, up from the current 44-game schedule.
Sources
External links- CBS SportsJun 17, 2026, 7:33 PMWNBA regular season expands to 50 games in 2027: Everything you need to know about the new schedule
How will the increase affect salaries? What about the record books?
- ESPNJun 17, 2026, 5:14 PMWNBA schedule expands to 50 games in 2027
Starting in 2027, the WNBA will move to a 50-game season, up from the current 44-game schedule.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 3:31 PMWNBA will increase regular season to 50 games, starting in 2027
NEW YORK -- The WNBA continues to grow.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 3:16 PMWNBA headed for 50-game schedule next season
The WNBA’s footprint is expanding. Beginning next season, the league will play 50 regular-season games, up from the maximum 44-game slate under the previous collective bargaining agreement. The new seven-year CBA, which was formally codified on May 22, stipulates that the schedule can increase to a maximum of 50 games in 2027 and 2028, and to up to 52 games between 2029 to 2032. “Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary mome
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 3:07 PMWNBA expanding to 50-game schedule starting in 2027
The WNBA is adding six more games for next season.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 3:02 PMWNBA to expand to 50-game schedule for teams next season
The WNBA is expanding its schedule to 50 games per team next season — the most in the league's 30-year history. The new collective bargaining agreement that was ratified earlier this year allows the league to play up to 50 games for the next two seasons. “Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 3:00 PMWNBA expansion soars with historic 50-game season in 2027
The WNBA is officially hitting 50 games in 2027 amid a growing rise in demand and interest.
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