WNBA Unleashes Future: Landmark CBA Expands Season to Epic 50 Games by 2027!
The WNBA is set to expand its regular season to 50 games starting in 2027, a significant increase from the current 44-game schedule. This move, enabled by a new collective bargaining agreement and a $2.2 billion media deal, reflects the league's growing demand and commitment to expanding opportunities for fans and players. The season end dates will also be extended, with potential for further expansion to 52 games by 2029.The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is set to significantly expand its regular season, moving to a 50-game schedule starting in 2027. This marks a substantial increase from the current 44-game schedule, reflecting a period of unprecedented growth and demand for the league. The expansion was made possible by a dynamic new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that has already brought about a number of transformative changes, including vastly increased player pay, a landmark $2.2 billion media deal, and plans for six new expansion teams to join the league between 2024 and 2030.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the league's momentum, stating, "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." She further added that this move underscores the league's commitment to expanding the game and providing more opportunities for fans to witness the exceptional talent and competition that defines the WNBA.
The new structure will also extend the season's conclusion, pushing the end date to no later than November 21 in 2027, and further to November 30 starting in 2028. This represents a significant extension, nearly a full month beyond the previous October 31 limit. Furthermore, the league has incorporated an option to potentially expand the regular season even further to 52 games beginning in 2029, showcasing a forward-looking strategy for continuous growth.
This 50-game season will be the most extensive in the league's history since its inception. The WNBA began with a modest 28-game schedule in 1997, gradually increasing its footprint over the years, reaching 44 games in 2025. For context, the 2026 regular season, which commenced on May 8, is scheduled to conclude on September 24, with the latest possible date for a Finals game set for October 31. The decision to expand to 50 games in 2027, with the potential for 52 in 2029, signifies a robust response to the league's surging popularity and growing fan base.