WNBA on TV Today
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Where to Stream WNBA Live
The following premium networks and streaming platforms hold the verified digital broadcast rights to air official WNBA action.
About WNBA
The WNBA is the premier women's professional basketball league in the world, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be the biggest yet. With 40 games per team, a new media rights deal fully in effect, and expansion teams in Toronto and Portland, the league runs from May through September before crowning a champion in October. Viewership is up across the board, and the 2026 season has already broken multiple attendance records.
Top teams
The Las Vegas Aces remain the league's gold standard after their recent championship runs, but the New York Liberty have closed the gap entirely. The Connecticut Sun are as consistent as ever, while the Seattle Storm stay dangerous when healthy. Keep an eye on the two new expansion franchises — the Toronto Tempo and Portland WNBA team — both of which have energized fanbases and are already competitive in their first seasons.
NBA affiliations
WNBA teams operate independently, though many share owners, arenas, and markets with NBA franchises. The Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, and Phoenix Mercury all follow that hybrid model. But the league runs its own draft, free agency, and scheduling. The WNBA is fully self-governing — NBA backing helps with infrastructure, but the on-court product is pure WNBA.
Viewership
The WNBA is no longer a niche product — it's mainstream. National TV ratings have tripled over the last three years. Games regularly pull over a million viewers on ABC, ESPN, and CBS. The 2025 Finals set records, and 2026 is on pace to beat them. Sellouts are routine in Las Vegas, New York, and now Toronto. People aren't stumbling onto WNBA games anymore — they're seeking them out.
Streaming options
The 2026 WNBA season is split across multiple streaming platforms. WNBA League Pass runs $14.99 per month or $39.99 for the year, giving you 130+ out-of-market games and full on-demand replays — but live games are blacked out locally and nationally, with replays available after three hours. Amazon Prime Video ($9–15/mo) has 30 exclusive Thursday night games plus the Commissioner's Cup Final, with no local blackouts. Peacock ($8–11/mo) offers 15 live games and all WNBA Finals matchups with no blackouts on exclusive streams. Paramount+ Premium ($14/mo) gives you the live feed of all 20 CBS national broadcasts, though local CBS availability applies. ESPN Unlimited ($30/mo) covers every ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 game live, including the draft and playoffs.
TV options in the US and Canada
Cable and over-the-air TV still matter heavily for the WNBA in 2026. Scripps (ION) leads with 50 games — Friday Night Spotlight doubleheaders and weekly pregame studio shows. USA Network has 48 games, featuring Wednesday night doubleheaders and Monday night matchups. Disney (ABC/ESPN) carries 30 games, including the nine-week Women's Sports Sundays block, the All-Star Game, and the semifinals. CBS Television Network has 20 games — eight prime-time over-the-air broadcasts plus weekend afternoon slots. NBC/Peacock splits 15 games, with seven Sunday broadcast games on NBC and Monday matchups on Peacock. NBA TV adds 15 games featuring the new expansion teams, Toronto and Portland. In Canada, TSN and CTV provide comprehensive coverage — all Toronto Tempo games, the WNBA Draft, the All-Star Game, and the playoffs.
International viewing
Global fans have solid options in 2026. WNBA League Pass works internationally, and unlike the US version, international subscribers often face fewer blackouts. In Europe, select games appear on regional sports networks. Australian fans can catch games through ESPN via Foxtel or Kayo. For most countries outside North America, League Pass remains the cleanest and most reliable option — roughly $40 USD for the full season, with full replays and no local restrictions.
Current season
The 2026 WNBA season tipped off in May 2026. The playoff race is already intense, with the Aces and Liberty trading blows at the top, while the expansion Toronto Tempo are exceeding every expectation in their debut season. The All-Star break is just ahead, followed by the stretch run to September. The Las Vegas Aces are the defending champs, but the new media deal and expanded coverage mean more eyes on the league than ever before.