NEW YORK – In a landmark decision for women’s professional sports, the WNBA is set to expand its schedule to 50 games per team in the upcoming season. This historic change represents the most games played in a single season in the league’s 30-year history.
This expansion is made possible by the new collective bargaining agreement ratified earlier this year, which outlines the framework for the league’s growth. Over the next two seasons, teams can play up to 50 regular-season games, with the possibility of increasing that number to 52 by 2029 and beyond.
“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,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world and experience the extraordinary talent and competition that define the WNBA.”
Currently, the league is playing 44 games this season, and the addition of the new schedule comes alongside plans for expansion, with three new teams set to join the league. Cleveland will enter in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Additionally, the Connecticut franchise will relocate to Houston next year, further increasing the league’s footprint.
When the WNBA first launched in 1997, teams only competed in 28 games per season. Over the years, this number has steadily grown, reflecting the increasing popularity of women’s basketball, although the seasons were shortened during 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking ahead, Engelbert has expressed interest in hosting games overseas, which would further globalize the league. The WNBA has already expanded its presence to Canada with the addition of the Toronto Tempo, marking the first franchise based outside of the United States.
In recent years, the WNBA has also significantly increased its media presence, partnering with various television and streaming platforms, including ION, USA Sports, NBC, and Amazon, alongside established partners like ESPN and CBS. This expansion in broadcasting is crucial for enhancing the visibility of women’s sports and reaching a broader audience.
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