WNBA pauses schedule for FIBA World Cup as players join national teams

The WNBA has entered an international hiatus to accommodate the 2026 FIBA World Cup taking place in Germany from September 4 through September 13. While some players departed early for training camps, the majority of the league began its scheduled break on August 31. Teams facing significant roster absences include the New York Liberty, which expects to be without six players during the competition. The collective bargaining agreement mandates a seven-day vacation for players not participating in the tournament, though teams remain limited in their practice time throughout the period. This scheduling adjustment comes as the league balances an expanded 44-game regular season with international obligations. FIBA has already approved plans to move the tournament to November and December starting in 2030 to avoid future calendar conflicts.

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