WNBA to Extend Regular Season to 50 Games by 2027
If you’ve found yourself thinking, “I can’t get enough of the WNBA,” you’ll be pleased to know that the league has decided to expand its regular season schedule. Starting in 2027, it will increase from 44 games to 50 games, setting a record for the longest season in its history.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert shared her thoughts on the development, stating, “The demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding the regular season to 50 games reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league.” She emphasized the league’s pledge to grow the sport and enhance opportunities for fans, promising a chance to witness the phenomenal talent and competition the WNBA embodies.
This expansion is made feasible by the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, which permits a maximum of 50 regular-season games in 2027 and 2028, with the possibility of increasing to 52 games starting in 2029.
The WNBA has steadily increased its schedule since its launch in 1997. Initially, each team played just 28 games, which later climbed to 34, then to 40, and finally to 44 games commencing with the 2025 season. There was, of course, a temporary reduction during the pandemic years, but overall, the trend has been one of growth.
Accompanying this announcement is the WNBA’s ongoing effort to expand its reach. Recently, the league welcomed teams like the Toronto Tempo and Portland, bringing the total franchises to 15. Plans for further expansion are underway, with teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia expected to debut in 2028, 2029, and 2030, respectively.
The longer schedule not only adds excitement but also gives the WNBA more content as its roster of media partners has increased. Now, ESPN, CBS, NBC, Amazon, ION, and USA Sports are all involved in broadcasting. Whether fans were particularly eager for these six additional games, however, remains a matter of personal opinion. Nevertheless, the WNBA, backed by a media rights deal exceeding $3 billion, is determined to maintain its televised game count.
