Houston Roundball Review Women's Hoops Blog

WNBA ID Members to Receive 10 FREE WNBA League Pass Games Through July 22

2026-06-02T16:14:42.054-05:00

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10 League Pass Games, On us

The WNBA is continuing to deliver exclusive benefits through its new fan identity platform, WNBA ID, by offering 10 WNBA League Pass games free to fans with a WNBA ID account.

Beginning tonight and running through July 22, WNBA ID members will be able to watch up to 10 select WNBA League Pass games directly in the WNBA App with no subscription required. The offering is the latest benefit available to fans through WNBA ID, the league's free global membership program that creates a more personalized, connected, and enhanced fan experience across WNBA digital platforms.

Fans can sign in with their free WNBA ID, go to the Watch tab, and stream these matchups - including four games from the WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by Coinbase. Each game will be available to stream live, as well as for seven days on demand.

Marquee Matchups Available FREE with WNBA ID

The slate of free games features some of the league's biggest stars, top-performing teams, and emerging rivalries. Four of the 10 featured contests are part of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by Coinbase, giving fans free access to meaningful in-season competition. Additionally, 11 of 15 teams are featured in the free games, including:

June 2: Reigning WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces visit the Los Angeles Sparks in a matchup featuring reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson versus the Sparks’ trio of forwards, Nneka Ogwumike, Dearica Hamby, and Cameron Brink.
June 9: The top-ranked Minnesota Lynx and star rookie Olivia Miles take on 2025 and 2026 No. 1 overall draft picks Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd and the third-ranked Dallas Wings in a matchup featuring some of the WNBA's brightest young stars.
June 9: The fifth-ranked Golden State Valkyries look to continue their impressive second season campaign when they host the 2025 WNBA Finals runner-up Phoenix Mercury in the Bay in the third of four Commissioner's Cup games available to stream for free.
June 17: Star duo of Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton and the Valkyries host the Wings on the final night of Commissioner's Cup play. Alongside Bueckers and Fudd, Dallas is led by sixth-year forward Jessica Shepard, who leads the league in rebounds (11.0 RPG) and ranks eighth in assists (5.9 APG).
June 22: The top-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Dream, led by fourth-ranked league scorer Allisha Gray (20.4 PPG), host the expansion Toronto Tempo. Toronto is led by Brittney Sykes (19.9 PPG, sixth in the WNBA) and Marina Mabrey (18.7 PPG, ninth in the WNBA), who ranks second leaguewide in made three-pointers.
July 2: The Seattle Storm, who rank fifth in defensive rating (103.5), travel to Phoenix to take on the Mercury in a matchup featuring one of the league's premier playmakers in Alyssa Thomas, who ranks second in assists per game (7.8 APG).
July 4: The expansion Portland Fire travel to Seattle for a Pacific Northwest showdown against the Storm. Portland's defense is anchored by Emily Engstler, who leads the WNBA in blocks (2.3 BPG), and Bridget Carleton, who ranks second in steals (2.2 SPG), while Seattle’s rookie Flau'jae Johnson ranks fourth in the league in blocks (1.6 BPG).
July 6: The Golden State Valkyries, who lead the league in three-point percentage (38.0), visit Washington to take on the Mystics’ duo of Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron in a matchup showcasing two of the league’s standout sophomore talents.
July 15: All-Star Sparks forwards Hamby and Ogwumike will lead the Sparks into Minnesota to take on the Lynx, led by All-Stars Courtney Williams and Natasha Howard.
July 22: Phoenix will travel to Los Angeles for the final free WNBA ID game before the All-Star break. The star-studded Western Conference showdown will feature the Mercury trio of Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and rookie star Jovana Nogic versus the Sparks' trio of Plum, Hamby, and Ogwumike.

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2026 WNBA Players of the Week - Marina Mabrey and Jessica Shepard - Week 3

2026-06-02T12:43:34.379-05:00

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Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo averaged 21.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 5.5 apg (Eastern Conference Player of the Week).

Jessica Shepard of the Dallas Wings averaged 22.0 ppg, 20 rpg and 10.0 apg (Western Conference Player of the Week).

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WNBA Commissioner's Cup Presented by Coinbase Returns with "Our Game, Our Legacy" Theme

2026-06-01T13:45:32.092-05:00

The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase returns June 1 under the theme “Our Game, Our Legacy,” celebrating the organizations and community leaders driving lasting impact across WNBA markets during the league’s milestone 30^th season.

“The Commissioner’s Cup in-season tournament has become a premier tentpole series on the WNBA calendar because it offers elite competition showcasing conference match ups, high caliber play, and meaningful community impact,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “As we celebrate the WNBA’s 30^th season, ‘Our Game, Our Legacy’ shines a light on the organizations and community leaders – from longstanding team partners to groups helping our newest teams build roots in their communities – who have helped shape the identity and impact of WNBA teams over time. Together with Coinbase, the players and teams, the WNBA is proud to continue using the power of sport to create lasting impact beyond the game.”

The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase features a 49-game schedule from June 1-17.

The team from each conference with the best record in Cup play will advance to the 50^th game – the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship presented by Coinbase – hosted by the team with the best winning percentage in Cup play. Players in the Championship Game will compete for a prize pool totaling $500,000.

The sixth annual in-season competition once again combines elite on-court play with community investment, with all 15 WNBA teams competing for over $200,000 in donations to their selected nonprofits. For each Cup game during pool play, the winning team will earn a $3,000 donation for its designated nonprofit organization, while the losing team will earn $1,000 for its selected organization. An additional $10,000 donation will be awarded to the nonprofit partner of the Commissioner’s Cup champion, while the runner-up team’s organization will receive $5,000.

Teams’ partner organizations include:

ATLANTA DREAM x THE KING CENTER
Established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (“The King Center”) has served as a global destination and community institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A Dream partner since 2022, The King Center advances education, youth empowerment, and community engagement initiatives that align closely with the Dream’s mission to drive meaningful change through sport. Together, the Dream and The King Center are honoring Dr. King’s legacy while investing in the next generation of leaders.

CHICAGO SKY x GIRLS IN THE GAME
At Girls in the Game, every girl finds her voice, discovers her strength, and builds confidence through sports, health, and leadership programs. Rooted in Chicago, the organization has created opportunities for thousands of girls to develop leadership skills, confidence, and a lifelong connection to sport. Through this partnership, the Chicago Sky Foundation and Girls in the Game are investing in the next generation while continuing the WNBA’s legacy of empowerment and community impact.

CONNECTICUT SUN x UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT
The United Way of Southeastern Connecticut believes in the power of community to transform lives. Through their initiatives in strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, they’re making a lasting impact in New London County. As long-standing partners, the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the Connecticut Sun are committed to strengthening communities and expanding opportunity for young people and underserved populations across the region. Together, they work to create meaningful, lasting community impact.

DALLAS WINGS x YOUNG LEADERS, STRONG CITY
Young Leaders, Strong City is a student-centered organization focused on elevating youth voice, with a mission to educate, equip and activate a community of youth leaders to realize their vision for themselves and their community. YLSC offers unique community programming year-round and partners with local school districts, higher education institutions, and other nonprofits. With the support of the Dallas Wings, YLSC’s work investing in young people today will continue to develop the leaders, culture‑builders, and change‑makers of tomorrow who will shape the future of Dallas and beyond.

GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES x YOUTH UPRISING
Founded in 2005 following years of planning sparked by the 1997 racial tensions in Oakland, Youth UpRising works to transform East Oakland by developing youth leadership and improving the systems that impact young people. As a community hub, Youth UpRising provides programs and services focused on wellness, education, career development, and community connection for local youth and young adults. Through their partnership, the Golden State Valkyries and Youth UpRising are investing in the next generation while honoring the history and resilience of the East Oakland community.

INDIANA FEVER x COBURN PLACE
For more than a decade, the Fever have supported Coburn Place, which offers compassionate support and safe housing choices to survivors of domestic violence and their children in the Greater Indianapolis area. The organization’s trauma-informed services provide safe housing, stability, and pathways toward independence. Coburn Place’s efforts create lasting change for individuals and families in need, and this year, like the WNBA, the organization celebrates its 30^th anniversary.

LAS VEGAS ACES x PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Over the last several years, the Aces have supported the Public Education Foundation (PEF), a Southern Nevada nonprofit dedicated to strengthening public education and supporting students, families, and educators across the region. For more than 30 years, PEF has provided scholarships, classroom resources, and educator support programs that expand opportunity and drive lasting community impact. Together, the Aces and PEF are investing in the next generation while advancing the WNBA’s legacy of empowerment and progress.

LOS ANGELES SPARKS x BROTHERHOOD CRUSADE
Since 1997, the Sparks have been involved with Brotherhood Crusade, a 58-year-old grassroots organization with a vision of improving quality of life and meeting the unmet needs of low-income, underserved, under-represented and disenfranchised individuals. Its comprehensive, research-based approach to youth and economic development provides critical programming in mentorship, financial literacy, education and leadership development for underserved youth and young adults across South Los Angeles.

MINNESOTA LYNX x WOMEN’S FOUNDATION OF MINNESOTA
As a statewide community foundation, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota makes grants, invests in research, advocates for policy changes, and forges cross-sector partnerships to ensure community-based, community-led solutions across Minnesota. Their work advancing economic security, leadership, and opportunity reflects the Minnesota Lynx’s long‑standing commitment to using sport as a vehicle for social impact. This partnership builds pathways for the next generation, grounded in meaningful, ongoing engagement across Minnesota.

NEW YORK LIBERTY x AFRICAN AMERICAN POLICY FORUM
The African American Policy Forum (AAPF) is an innovative think tank that connects academics, activists, and policymakers to promote efforts to dismantle structural inequality. The AAPF and New York Liberty have spent decades advancing visibility, justice, and leadership for Black women. From the Liberty’s role in the WNBA’s 2020 dedication to Breonna Taylor and #SayHerName campaign to AAPF’s leadership of that movement, this partnership reflects a shared history of advocacy, lasting influence, and a continued commitment to meaningful change as both organizations mark 30 years of impact.

PHOENIX MERCURY x CHICANOS POR LA CAUSA
Chicanos Por La Causa’s programs provide individuals and families a seat at the table. CPLC’s areas of impact – health and human services, housing, education, economic development, and advocacy – facilitate growth for individuals and families from across the Valley. CPLC has been integral to Phoenix's community, continuously serving Arizona's largest minority demographic. Formed in 1969, Chicanos Por La Causa provides services to people of all backgrounds and focuses on driving economic and political empowerment and is a mainstay in Phoenix Mercury community programming.

PORTLAND FIRE x BLACK PARENT INITIATIVE
The Black Parent Initiative (BPI) was established in 2006 to help families achieve financial, educational, and spiritual success. Their work to uplift Black families and invest in community reflects the league’s long-standing commitment to impact beyond the game. As the WNBA recognizes its past, present, and future, BPI represents the kind of local leadership creating real change every day. The Portland Fire’s partnership with BPI highlights a shared commitment to community, resilience, and opportunities for the next generation.

SEATTLE STORM x KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM FOUNDATION
The Storm have partnered with the King County Library System and the KCLS Foundation since 2016, making KCLS the team’s longest-standing community partner. Founded in 1942, KCLS has spent more than 80 years promoting literacy, learning, and equitable access to educational resources across the region. Together, the Storm and KCLS have encouraged thousands of children to continue reading throughout the summer while supporting community connection through libraries, technology access, and lifelong learning programs.

TORONTO TEMPO x LAY-UP
Lay-Up is a charitable organization delivering cost-free, community-based basketball programming in Toronto's Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. Using an evidence-based development program, basketball coaches implement a culture-forward approach to support children and youth. On-court and off-court experiences are designed to build skills and confidence. The Tempo’s partnership with Lay-Up reflects a shared commitment to building not just better athletes, but confident young women and leaders who will shape the future of basketball in Canada.

WASHINGTON MYSTICS x BEN’S CHILI BOWL FOUNDATION
Started in 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl is more than a restaurant – it’s a cornerstone of Washington, D.C.'s community and culture. This local institution, and its founding matriarch Virginia Ali, has been at the forefront of powerful change moments in the Nation's Capital. From donating food to the March on Washington to greeting presidents and civil rights activists, Ben's has always been a place for community. The Mystics’ partnership with the Ben’s Chili bowl Foundation continues Ben and Virginia Ali's legacy of community service and giving back to the D.C. community.

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This Week's Schedule of Nationally Televised WNBA Games - Week of June 1, 2026

2026-06-01T10:55:36.915-05:00

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2026 WNBA Players of the Week - Rhyne Howard and Kelsey Plum - Week 2

2026-05-27T18:06:24.866-05:00

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Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream averaged 23.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 4.0 apg (Eastern Conference Player of the Week).

Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks averaged 27.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 8.0 apg (Western Conference Player of the Week).

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WNBA and WNBA Execute Long-Form Collective Bargaining Agreement

2026-05-22T17:43:14.495-05:00

The Women’s National Basketball Association and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association announced today that the final long form version of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has been completed and signed, formally cementing the most transformational labor agreement in women’s professional sports.

The terms of the new CBA were previously ratified by WNBA Players on March 23, 2026, and the WNBA Board of Governors on March 24, 2026.

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2026 WNBA Players of the Week - Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty) and A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) - Week 1

2026-05-19T13:25:15.509-05:00

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*WNBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week for Week 1 is Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 17.

Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty averaged 23.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 2.0 bpg (Eastern Conference Player of the Week).

A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces averaged 25.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 2.0 bpg (Western Conference Player of the Week).

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So the Comets are getting sloppy seconds and the Rockets are getting new?

2026-05-18T21:05:45.044-05:00

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Clip from episode 184 (on 5/10) of the "Folks Talkin' Sports" livestream show featuring Kennetra Pulliams, AD Moore, and me.

Watch the full show on YouTube (w/ time stamps).

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WNBA and NBA Approve Return of the Houston Comets

2026-05-15T17:54:10.531-05:00

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The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Houston for the 2027 season, officially marking the return of the Houston Comets. One of the WNBA’s original eight franchises, the Comets won the league’s first four championships and helped create the early identity and success of the league. The team will be owned and operated by Fertitta Entertainment, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tilman J. Fertitta. The Comets will play their home games at Toyota Center beginning in 2027.

“This is a historic and proud day for our organization and the City of Houston as we officially welcome the Houston Comets back home,” said Patrick Fertitta, Vice Chairman of the Houston Rockets and Comets. “The Comets helped shape the foundation of the WNBA and created a championship legacy that still resonates today. The response from fans has already been incredible, and we are excited to begin the next great era of Comets basketball in Houston. Our family is committed to building a world-class organization and experience for our players, coaches, staff and fans.”

The return of the Comets comes during a transformative period for both Toyota Center and the WNBA. As part of Toyota Center Reimagined, the Comets will benefit from expanded and modernized practice and training facilities, elite medical, recovery, and nutrition resources, and locker room facilities designed to provide a world-class player experience. The new Toyota Center facilities are currently being renovated ahead of the 2027 WNBA season.

Houston’s return to the WNBA comes during a period of extraordinary momentum for the league, which plans to expand to 18 teams by 2030.

The original Houston Comets debuted during the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997 and quickly became one of the most successful franchises in league history. Over 12 seasons, the Comets became the WNBA’s first dynasty and featured several Hall of Famers, including Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and Coach Van Chancellor. The franchise’s records and history will carry forward into this next chapter of Comets basketball.

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Big 12 Conference needs to get more Big 12 WBB games on linear tv

2026-05-14T13:47:25.269-05:00

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The ACC, ESPN, and the CW announced a sublicensing agreement to air football, men's basketball, AND women's basketball games on the CW Network the next few years.

The Big 12 Conference has done very little to get more Big 12 WBB games on linear tv.

Clip from the 5/14 Houston Roundball Review Takeover -- powered by JM&E -- and available on #Roku via BS3 Network.

Watch the full show on YouTube (w/ timestamps).

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WNBA and NBA Approve Sale of Connecticut Sun to Tilman J. Fertitta; Team to Relocate to Houston in 2027

2026-05-13T18:31:07.877-05:00

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The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have unanimously approved the sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan Tribe to new owner Tilman J. Fertitta, the league announced today.

Mohegan Sun Arena will remain the home of the Sun for the 2026 WNBA season. During this season, the Sun will host two regular-season games at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut (May 30 and July 2), and return to Boston, Massachusetts for a matchup at TD Garden (August 18). The team will relocate to Houston beginning with the 2027 season.

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WNBA and AWS Announce Multi-Year Partnership to Drive Fan Engagement, Innovation and Growth

2026-05-07T12:02:00.000-05:00

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The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) today announced a multi-year partnership focused on enhancing fan engagement, introducing innovative advanced analytics and data insights, and accelerating the league’s continued growth. AWS will become the Official Cloud and Cloud AI Partner of the WNBA, in addition to joining the WNBA Changemakers Collective. The partnership marks AWS’s first with a women’s professional sports league and builds on its work across sports to help organizations drive innovation, accelerate growth and engage fans globally.

At the center of the partnership is the launch of WNBA Inside the Game powered by AWS, a new advanced statistics platform that will elevate how fans experience and understand the game. Leveraging AWS’s cloud and artificial intelligence capabilities, the platform will turn real-time player tracking data into easy-to-understand insights – bringing fans closer to every play, possession, and performance.

Available across the WNBA App, WNBA.com and during live games, Inside the Game is designed to deliver advanced analytics to fans worldwide. New AI-powered metrics will spotlight aspects of the game that haven’t been captured before in the women’s game, including how players impact defenses with and without the ball and the true difficulty of every shot attempt. Throughout the season, AWS and the league will introduce WNBA Gravity, followed by WNBA Shot Difficulty.

“We view this partnership as integral to the next phase of growth for the WNBA,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “From unlocking deeper insights to creating more immersive fan experiences and driving innovation, we are excited to welcome AWS as a partner and Changemaker and look forward to building the future of women’s basketball together.”

“As the WNBA enters its 30th season, we're proud to join as both an innovation partner and a Changemaker, committed to using AWS's cloud and AI capabilities to elevate the fan experience and support the continued growth of women's basketball,” said AWS Global Director of Strategic Partnerships, Kristin Shaff. “Through WNBA Inside the Game, we're bringing AI-powered analytics to the women's game, giving fans new ways to appreciate the skill and strategy WNBA players bring to the court every game. This is just the first chapter of what we're building together, and we couldn't be more excited to get started.”

As part of the partnership, AWS will also serve as the Presenting Partner of WNBA Live, the league’s fan festival held during 2026 WNBA All-Star in Chicago. Taking place July 24 - 25 at McCormick Place, WNBA Live brings together basketball, entertainment and culture through player appearances, performances and interactive experiences that reflect the league’s influence across sport, fashion and music.

AWS will also join the WNBA Changemakers Collective, a first-of-its-kind group of purpose-driven companies working to empower players, elevate the league’s visibility and drive business transformation across women’s sports. AWS joins fellow Changemakers Ally, AT&T, CarMax, Deloitte, Google and Nike as part of a shared commitment to innovation and long-term growth.

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Roku Launches the WNBA Zone for 2026 Season

2026-05-06T10:54:00.003-05:00

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Today, Roku announced the launch of the WNBA Zone, a new, streamlined destination created in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Zone centralizes live matchups, scores, highlights, and more in one intuitive location, making it easier than ever for streamers to find league content. Available starting today, the experience will keep fans connected to their favorite teams all season long.

“We saw firsthand how hungry audiences are for women’s sports, when we launched the Women’s Sports Zone. Now we’re leaning further in,” said Joe Franzetta, Head of Sports, Roku Media. “As the WNBA enters its 30th season, with new media partners, an historic CBA, and tremendous momentum on several fronts, the energy around the sport right now is incredible. This partnership with the WNBA is about making it easier than ever for fans to dive into the league's entire ecosystem and catch every big moment in one place.”

“At a time when demand for WNBA basketball is at an all-time high, we’re excited to partner with Roku to make being a fan easier than ever,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “Fans are looking for a more seamless and accessible way to watch and engage with the league, and this partnership delivers on that. It also builds on our ongoing efforts to bring fans closer to the game by simplifying how they discover and experience WNBA content.”

Designed with the fan in mind, the WNBA Zone simplifies the fan experience by surfacing live games as they happen, while automatically prioritizing watch options based on a user's subscriptions. Fans can jump straight into the action across national broadcast partners and entitled streaming services, eliminating the guesswork and keeping the focus on the game. To stay even closer to the action, fans can favorite their preferred teams to receive mobile tune-in reminders and a personalized row of highlights and clips. For ultimate coverage, fans can subscribe to WNBA League Pass within the WNBA App available in the zone via Roku Pay or manage their account at my.roku.com.

The WNBA Zone will be featured across multiple entry points on the platform, available today ahead of season tip-off, May 8, exclusively on Roku devices in the U.S.

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Houston Comets trademark fight

2026-04-28T06:03:00.004-05:00

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Who's to blame for the official name of Houston's soon-to-be WNBA franchise now being in question?

Clip from episode 181 (on 4/26) of the "Folks Talkin' Sports" livestream show featuring Kennetra Pulliams, AD Moore, Willy Gibson, and me.

Click here and watch the full show on YouTube (w/ time stamps).

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WNBA Expands Fan Access with Free Streaming of all 2026 Preseason Games

2026-04-23T13:39:00.002-05:00

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The WNBA today released its 18-game preseason schedule for 2026.

In addition to four national broadcasts on ION, every preseason game will be available on WNBA League Pass. Fans can stream these games for free in the WNBA App by signing up or logging in with a WNBA ID to unlock the preseason preview.* This marks the second consecutive year that the entire slate of preseason action will be available to fans. Information on the Canadian television broadcast and streaming schedule will be released at a later date.

“We’re seeing unprecedented demand for the WNBA, and WNBA ID is helping us meet that moment by making every preseason game available to fans for free,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison.

The WNBA’s 2026 preseason action tips off Saturday, April 25, with a five-game slate. Action that day includes top picks from the 2026 WNBA Draft making their professional debuts, highlighted by second overall selection Olivia Miles and the Minnesota Lynx meeting the fourth overall pick, Lauren Betts, and the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. (6:30 p.m. CT). In addition, Awa Fam Thiam, the third overall pick, and Flau’jae Johnson, the eighth overall pick, will lead the Seattle Storm against the Golden State Valkyries and their top rookie acquisition, Marta Suarez, at Chase Center in San Francisco (7:30 p.m. CT).

That day also features the first of four nationally broadcast games on ION, when two-time All-Star Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever visit the New York Liberty and former WNBA MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart at Barclays Center (2:00 p.m. CT). Additionally, the Phoenix Mercury will take on the Chicago Sky at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls (3:00 p.m. CT), marking the first ever WNBA game played in South Dakota. Opening day preseason action will wrap when the Los Angeles Sparks, led by their former league MVP, Nneka Ogwumike, face the Nigeria Women’s National Team at Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State University (2:00 p.m. CT).

On Sunday, April 26, four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces will host the Japan Women’s National Team at Michelob Ultra Arena (7:00 p.m. CT).

Preseason play continues Monday, April 27, when WNBA action returns to Kansas City for the first time since 2005, as the Lynx host the Nigeria Women’s National Team at T-Mobile Center (7:00 p.m. CT).

On Wednesday, April 29, the WNBA’s newest expansion teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will make their preseason debuts. Toronto will host the Connecticut Sun at Coca-Cola Coliseum (6:00 p.m. CT) and Portland will visit Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena (9:00 p.m. CT). That same evening, two-time All-Star Angel Reese, recently acquired by the Atlanta Dream in a trade with the Sky, will lead her new team into Chicago’s Wintrust Arena (6:00 p.m. CT) and the Japan Women’s National Team will visit 2025 MVP finalist Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury (9:00 p.m. CT) at Mortgage Matchup Center.

The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, Azzi Fudd, will make her debut alongside reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year and 2025 first overall draft pick Paige Bueckers on Thursday, April 30, when the Dallas Wings visit the Fever and Clark, the top pick in the 2024 draft, at Gainbridge Field House (6:00 p.m. CT). This matchup is a preview of the regular season opener between the two teams set for May 9 and the second nationally broadcast preseason game on ION.

Additional highlights of the WNBA preseason schedule:

In another matchup of rookie guards chosen in the first round of the 2026 draft, Kiki Rice and Toronto will visit Olivia Miles and the Lynx at Target Center on Friday, May 1 (7:00 p.m. CT).
Three-time WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston and the Fever will host the Nigeria Women’s National Team at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, May 2 (6:00 p.m. CT).
In the third nationally televised game on ION, 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner will make her home debut with her new team, Connecticut, when the Sun host the Liberty at Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, May 3 (4:00 p.m. CT).
2025 All-Stars and All-WNBA Rookie Team honorees Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen and the Mystics will travel to Atlanta to face the Dream and its rookie first round selection, Madina Okot, on Sunday, May 3 (2:00 p.m. CT).
In its home preseason debut, Portland will host four-time All-Star Kelsey Plum and the Sparks at Moda Center in Oregon on Sunday, May 3 (2:00 p.m. CT).
The Wings will face the Aces at the Moody Center on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, on Sunday, May 3 (6:00 p.m. CT), which will be the final nationally broadcast preseason game on ION.

Following the conclusion of the preseason, teams will be required to finalize their rosters May 7, 2026.

The WNBA’s 30th regular season will tip off on Friday, May 8 and conclude on Thursday, September 24, with each team playing 44 games. The WNBA Playoffs will begin on Sunday, September 27, culminating with the WNBA Finals.

The complete 2026 WNBA preseason schedule is available here.

WNBA ID is completely free to join. Fans can sign up at www.wnba.com/id using their email address. If you have a WNBA Account or NBA ID, you can sign in with your existing credentials to officially activate your WNBA ID.

*From April 25 – May 3, all 18 preseason games on League Pass in the WNBA App will be available to stream free with WNBA ID (subject to local blackouts).

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WNBA Unveils National Broadcast Schedule for its 30th Regular Season

2026-04-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

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The WNBA announced today its national broadcast schedule for the 2026 regular season. With a record 216 games and tentpole events slated for distribution across multiple platforms throughout the regular season, fans will enjoy unparalleled access to WNBA action.

The broadcast schedule represents the tip-off of the WNBA’s new media rights deals which features the renewal of partnerships with The Walt Disney Company (ABC/ESPN), Amazon Prime Video, CBS Television Network/Paramount+, and Scripps (ION), new partners NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock/NBCSN) and USA Sports (USA Network, and the continuation of distribution of games on NBA TV.

“The WNBA is coming off a landmark season in 2025, one that was defined by incredible basketball and countless memorable performances,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “With an incredible 2026 draft and so many notable free agency signings and trades now giving way to the start of the season, the WNBA’s unprecedented lineup of linear and streaming partners will shine a light on must-see matchups, and the remarkable skills the WNBA’s stars provide each time they step on the court.”

Each of the league’s 15 teams will play 44 games in the 2026 regular season, providing fans with a record total of 330 WNBA games in which to see the best players in the world compete at the highest level. A summation of the 216 games available by the league’s distribution partners and information on the WNBA’s tentpole events, is below:

Disney Networks to present 30 games in league’s 30th season: Now in its 30th year of WNBA coverage, Disney Networks will present 30 games and tentpole events across the regular season. ABC’s 13 broadcasts, including the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, are tied for the most-ever by the network. ESPN will broadcast 17 games.

As part of WNBA Tip-Off 2026 presented by CarMax, ABC will broadcast an opening weekend doubleheader on May 9, when the Indiana Fever hosts the Dallas Wings (12 p.m. CT), and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces host the Phoenix Mercury in a rematch of the 2025 Finals (2:30 p.m. CT). In addition, nine WNBA games will be featured in ESPN’s new consecutive nine-week primetime block dedicated to women’s sports, Women’s Sports Sundays, tipping off on June 21.

NBC’s Seven Sundays and Peacock Mondays: The WNBA returns to NBC, which broadcast the first-ever WNBA game in 1997. An all-Sunday lineup consists of seven games, featuring Dallas, Indiana, and Las Vegas. Highlighted among the NBC games are two primetime broadcasts: Indiana at Las Vegas on July 12 (8 p.m. CT) and Indiana at the Chicago Sky on August 23 (6 p.m. CT).

In addition to streaming 12 Monday matchups and three weekend games during the regular season, Peacock will stream every game of the WNBA Finals, with each game also telecast on NBC or USA Network.

Prime Video Schedule Includes 31 Games Across Regular Season: Six years after becoming the first women’s professional sports league to have its games streamed on Prime Video, the WNBA’s 30th season will include 30 regular season games on the streaming platform. In addition, Prime Video will, for the sixth consecutive year, exclusively stream the Championship Game of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup (Tuesday, June 30), the culmination of the WNBA’s marquee midseason tournament.

Prime Video Channels will also be the exclusive third-party digital distribution destination for WNBA League Pass, the WNBA’s subscription service for streaming live and on-demand games, in the U.S. and select international markets.

CBS / Paramount+ Primetime Games: After making history last year by airing the first two primetime WNBA regular-season games on broadcast television, CBS will deliver eight primetime games in 2026. Its complete slate of 20 broadcasts will air on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+.

CBS tips off its coverage with two games on May 23 when Chicago hosts the Minnesota Lynx (12 p.m. CT) and Las Vegas hosts the Los Angeles Sparks (7 p.m. CT). CBS will also air a day/night doubleheader on June 27 when Phoenix visits the Toronto Tempo (1 p.m. CT) and Los Angeles travels to Indiana (7 p.m.).

ION Puts the Spotlight on Friday Night Doubleheaders: Once again setting a standard for weekly coverage and appointment viewing, ION will broadcast the most games across the regular season (50) as part of its “State Farm WNBA Friday Night Spotlight” series. Fans can tune in to ION every Friday night for doubleheaders, bringing a consistent, high-energy schedule to their screens.

USA Network to Provide Second-Most Games: While USA Network’s 48-game slate will be anchored by games on Wednesday nights (28) and Monday nights (11), the network will bookend its coverage with two games featuring the reigning champion Aces – on tip-off weekend, Sunday, May 10, when Las Vegas visits Los Angeles, and on the final day of the regular season, Thursday, September 24, when Las Vegas is at Phoenix.

NBA TV Highlights: In its 24th year of WNBA coverage, NBA TV’s 15-game slate will tip off and wrap by featuring the league’s expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. As part of WNBA Tip-Off 2026, NBA TV will show Portland hosting Chicago on May 9 (8 p.m. CT). On Sept. 24, the final day of the regular season, NBA TV will present the Toronto Tempo at Connecticut (6 p.m. CT).

WNBA Direct to Consumer League Pass Product offers Access to Games Across the League: WNBA League Pass will deliver select live games throughout the season (local blackouts may apply), along with next-day access to every matchup. League Pass games can be streamed via the WNBA App or WNBA.com.

Fan-Favorites and Defending Champions Dominate National Spotlight: Both teams with the last two consecutive first-round picks, Caitlin Clark/Aliyah Boston-led Fever, and the Paige Bueckers/Azzi Fudd-led Wings will receive significant national exposure, as will the 2024 WNBA champion New York Liberty and the defending 2025 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

Indiana: Behind Clark, Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, who combined for eight All-Star selections the past three seasons, all 44 Fever games will be showcased nationally, including appearances on ABC/ESPN, USA, Prime Video, ION, NBC/Peacock, CBS, and NBA TV.
Dallas: After adding No. 1 overall draft pick Fudd and 2025 co-WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith to a lineup featuring 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year Bueckers and two-time WNBA All-Star Game MVP Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings will appear in 36 national games.
New York: The Liberty, led by two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart, 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones, four-time All-Star Sabrina Ionescu, and newly acquired three-time All-Star Satou Sabally, will be featured with 35 national games.
Las Vegas: With an eye toward winning the franchise’s fourth WNBA title in five years, the Aces, led by four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, three-time All-WNBA selections Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd, and two-time All-WNBA pick Jackie Young, will be highlighted in 33 national games.

Key Matchups, Debuts and Rivalries to Watch: Fans can look forward to exciting rivalries and must-see games, including:

Aces vs. Mercury: In a rematch of 2025 WNBA Finals opponents, Las Vegas and Phoenix will clash four times with every game broadcast or streamed nationally – May 9 on ABC; June 17 on USA Network; July 11 on Peacock; and on the final day of the regular season, Sept. 24, on USA Network.
Fever vs. Wings: In a matchup that features the last four No. 1 overall draft picks – Indiana’s Boston (2023) and Clark (2024) vs. Dallas’ Bueckers (2025) and Fudd (2026) – all three Fever-Wings games will be available nationally (May 9 on ABC; Aug. 14 on ION; and Aug. 20 on Prime Video).
Dream vs. Sky: Two-time All-Star Angel Reese, recently acquired by the Atlanta Dream in a trade with the Chicago Sky, will lead her new team against Chicago three times, all on national platforms (June 9 on ESPN; July 19 on CBS; and Sept. 19 on Prime Video).
Fever vs. Dream: Indiana will meet the Dream four times – twice on Prime Video (June 4 and June 18), and once each on ABC (June 20) and ESPN (Aug. 16).
Aces vs. Fever: Las Vegas, which defeated Indiana in a memorable five-game semifinals last season, will face the Fever three times, all on a national platform (July 5 on ESPN; July 12 on NBC and Peacock; and Aug. 6 on Prime Video).
Liberty vs. Lynx: New York and Minnesota, which in 2024 met in both the WNBA Finals and the Championship Game of the Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase, will play three times this season, all on a national stage (July 11 on ABC; and July 3 and Sept. 18 on ION).

WNBA Rivals Week: Classic and budding rivalries between teams will come into focus when the second annual WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally takes place during a seven-day span in August. During that period, marquee matchups will be front and center and bragging rights will be on the line when the league’s network partners shine a special spotlight on WNBA stars and teams.

WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally tips off on Aug. 8 with Las Vegas at Minnesota (CBS; 12 p.m. CT) and Indiana at Chicago (ABC; 2 p.m. CT) and concludes on Aug. 14 with an ION double header with Indiana hosting Dallas at 6:30 p.m. CT) and Seattle hosting Portland at 9 p.m. CT).

“WNBA Court Origins”: As part of the league’s 30th season celebration, the “WNBA Court Origins” platform features four national broadcasts and streams involving four of the WNBA’s original franchises. The centerpiece of the series is ESPN’s broadcast of New York at Los Angeles on June 21, the date on which those two teams met in the WNBA’s inaugural game in 1997. Additional games include New York at Phoenix on Aug. 1 (ABC), Las Vegas at New York on Aug. 9 (ABC) and Los Angeles at Las Vegas on Sept. 22 (ESPN).

Debuts of Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo: The inaugural games for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will be available during WNBA Tip-Off weekend presented by CarMax. Toronto will host the Washington Mystics on May 8 (ION) and Portland will host the Chicago Sky on May 9 (NBA TV).

WNBA Pride: As part of 2026 WNBA Pride presented by Coach, for every free throw made during the 24 designated Pride Games played June 20-27, Coach will donate $100 to Athlete Ally, up to $200,000, to further Athlete Ally’s work around LGBTQIA+ rights.

The WNBA’s distribution partners will present a total of 17 games during this span. Coverage tips off on June 20 with three games -- Indiana at Atlanta (ABC; 12 p.m. CT), Seattle at Phoenix (ABC; 2 p.m. CT) and Chicago at Dallas (CBS; 7 p.m. CT).

The 2026 Playoffs and Finals: The 2026 WNBA Playoffs will tip off on Sunday, Sept. 27, with first-round action delivered by Disney Networks (two series) and USA Network and Prime Video (one series each). Disney Networks will also provide coverage of one semifinals series, with coverage of the other semifinals provided by NBC, Peacock and NBCSN. All 2026 WNBA Finals games will air on NBC or USA Network and also be streamed on Peacock

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Baylor WBB Signs Skylar Jones

2026-04-18T21:55:00.008-05:00

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Baylor women's basketball head coach Nicki Collen announced the addition of Louisville and Arizona transfer Skylar Jones to the program on Saturday.

"Skylar is an elite athlete who can impact the game at both ends," Collen said. "Her length and anticipation make her a menace on the defensive end, while her ability to attack the rim to score or draw fouls gives our offense an added dimension. Skylar has the versatility to play multiple positions and the speed to elevate our transition game. We are excited to welcome Skylar and her family to the Baylor Family for her final year of college."

Jones appeared in 34 games with Louisville during the 2025-26 season, averaging 8.4 points per game while totaling 100 rebounds and 51 steals, the second-most on the team. She scored a season-high 21 points in the Cardinals' six-point win over Colorado in the third game of the year, shooting 8-of-15 from the field with one 3-pointer and going 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. Jones recorded 15 double-digit scoring performances, including two 20-point outings.

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Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball signs transfer Zya Vann

2026-04-17T21:48:00.010-05:00

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University of Texas women's basketball head coach Vic Schaefer announced the signing of transfer Zya Vann on Friday.

Vann, a 5'9" guard from Edmond, Okla., played her freshman and sophomore seasons at Oklahoma.

Vann played and started all 34 games for Oklahoma during the 2025-26 season. She averaged 10.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as well as 2.1 steals per game. Vann scored in double figures in 17 games with a career-high of 21 points.

"We are so excited to welcome Zya Vann to our Longhorn family," Texas head coach Vic Schaefer said. "When looking to add someone to our program, we're searching for the total package—and that's exactly who Zya is. She is an elite competitor with a toughness and grit that shows up in everything she does. As a combo guard, she brings versatility, physicality, and a relentless motor that will impact us immediately."

Vann was ranked the No. 46 player in her high school class by ESPN and was graded as the top player in Oklahoma. Vann led Bethany High School to back-to-back 4A state championships and was the 2024 Oklahoma MaxPreps Girls Player of the Year.

"What really stands out about Zya is who she is beyond the game," Schaefer said. "She's about the right things—work ethic, accountability, and being a great teammate. She carries herself the right way every day, and that comes from the incredible family that raised her. We're not just adding a great player—we're adding a high-character young woman who fits exactly what our program is built on. We couldn't be more excited to have her in burnt orange."

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Texas Longhorns Women’s Basketball signs Isi Etute

2026-04-15T21:44:00.011-05:00

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University of Texas women's basketball head coach Vic Schaefer announced the signing of Isi Etute on Wednesday.

Etute is a 6'2" forward from Dudelange, Luxembourg. She came over to the United States to play high school basketball at IMG Academy in Florida.

Etute is the No. 24 ranked recruit in the 2026 class by ESPN. She played internationally for Luxembourg, representing the country in both youth and senior competitions and has been with the senior national team since the age of 16. In 2024, she averaged 18.7 points and 13.4 rebounds per game with the youth national team. At IMG she averaged 17.8 points per game, 10.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 52 percent from the field.

At the 2026 FIBA Eurobasket qualifiers she scored 27 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in a single game.

At the 2023 FIBA U16 European Championship Division B, averaged 15.8 PPG, 18.2 RPG; led the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket in scoring and rebounding (18.7 PPG, 13.4 RPG); named one of FIBA's Top 10 standout players of the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket tournament

"We are excited and fired up to welcome Isi Etute to our women's basketball program here at The University of Texas," Texas head coach Vic Schaefer said. "She brings so much to the table with her competitive spirit, toughness, and physicality, and she is a high-character young woman who is truly excited to be a Longhorn. She also comes from a strong, supportive family, and that foundation shows in the way she carries herself on and off the floor. We believe she will come in and make an immediate impact on our program because of the physical presence she plays with on the floor. Her skill set allows her to score from beyond the arc, in the mid-range, and on the block. She will be a great teammate and really puts the icing on the cake for this incredible freshman class. With her addition, this group has a chance to be one of the most impactful freshman classes in the history of The University of Texas."

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Baylor WBB Brings in Trinity Turner

2026-04-14T21:58:00.009-05:00

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Baylor women's basketball head coach Nicki Collen announced the addition of Georgia transfer Trinity Turner to the program on Tuesday night.

"We are excited to welcome Trinity to the Baylor Family," Collen said. "She is a proven point guard from the SEC who can both score and facilitate at the highest level. Her midrange game is elite, and she has the ability to put her teammates in position to succeed. Trinity is a special on-ball defender who can set the tone for our defense. She loves the game of basketball, and our fans will see her passion in the way she leads."

After a two-year stint at Georgia, Turner comes to Central Texas averaging 11.5 points and 3.8 assists per game on her career, starting in 91% of her appearances in the red and black. In SEC conference play, Turner scored in double figures in 16 games, averaging 10.9 points per contest with four 20-point performances, including two against top 10 opponents.

Turner shot 39.2% from the field during the 2025-26 season, making the third-most field goals on Georgia's roster with 135. She posted a season-high 23 points against VCU at the 4 Tha Culture Holiday Classic, shooting 9-of-13 from the floor with four 3-pointers. She matched that 3-point total in the very next game against Coppin State to finish with 20 points.

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Baylor WBB Adds Tianna Thompson

2026-04-14T19:00:00.005-05:00

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Baylor women's basketball head coach Nicki Collen announced the addition of Ole Miss transfer Tianna Thompson to the program on Tuesday.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tianna to the Baylor Family," Collen said. "She is a versatile guard with elite shot-making ability. Tianna is a high-level 3-point shooter who can also score off the bounce. Her length allows her to play the passing lanes and create offense off her defense. Tianna is a strong student and will be an excellent representative of Baylor University in the Waco community."

In her lone season in Oxford, the 5-foot-10 guard led the Rebels from beyond the arc, making 37 3-pointers on 89 attempts for a team-best 41.6% that ranked fourth in the SEC among players who averaged at least one made 3-pointer per game. She posted a career-high 25 points at Florida, where a career-best seven 3-pointers fell.

An Atlanta native, Thompson scored in double figures eight times during her sophomore season. She came off the bench in all but two games, averaging 6.0 points per contest in 15.1 minutes per game while totaling 29 steals and 27 assists.

In SEC play, Thompson averaged 5.8 points per game while shooting 28-of-81 from the field. She connected on 20 3-pointers at a 42.6% clip during conference action.

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Rori Harmon: "I'm just super excited to just start something new. Close a door and open a new door."

2026-04-14T09:36:00.003-05:00

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Rori Harmon (Texas Longhorns graduate from Cy Creek HS) was selected by the Washington Mystics with 34th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Harmon ended her career at Texas with 1,616 points, 977 assists, 659 rebounds and 388 steals. Harmon is the only player in NCAA DI women’s basketball to reach those numbers in those four categories. Harmon’s assists and steals are Texas career records and Harmon broke those records that had stood for 40-plus years. Harmon’s 977 assists are 201 more assists than the previous mark of 776 that was set in 1986 by Kamie Ethridge and are 10th on the NCAA DI women’s basketball career list. Harmon’s 1,616 points rank 17th on the Texas all-time career scoring list.

Harmon started 155 games at Texas, which is a program record. Harmon played 687 more minutes that any other player in Texas women’s basketball history in her career. Texas had a record of 136-21 in the 157 games that Rori Harmon played in her career.

Harmon earned selection to the Final 15 of the Wooden Award and was a four-time All-America honorable mention selection. Harmon was a two-time Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist and the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

In her time with Texas women’s basketball, the program achieved three conference tournament championships and two regular season conference championships. The team advanced to the Elite Eight in four of her five seasons, to two Final Fours and earned three straight No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament. The three-year stretch from the start of the 2023-24 season to the end of the 2025-26 season Texas won more games (103) than any three-year stretch in program history.

“Rori Harmon is simply the best point guard I’ve ever coached in 41 years in this industry,” Texas head coach Vic Schaefer said.” “She is generational. They just don’t make them like her. There is no other player in the country that defends like Rori Harmon from baseline to baseline and then comes down and runs her team and is responsible for everyone on the offensive end as well. And then you better not take your eye off her because she will make you pay. She is really special. If they hired me tomorrow in the WNBA she would be the first one I would go get because she can run a team. She knows leadership, she knows playbook, she knows players, she knows what we are doing and how we are doing it. She is an extension of me on the floor.”

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UCLA’s Lauren Betts, Spain’s Awa Fam Thiam, UConn’s Azzi Fudd and TCU’s Olivia Miles Headline Prospects to Attend 2026 WNBA Draft

2026-04-10T17:17:00.001-05:00

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UCLA center Lauren Betts, Connecticut guard Azzi Fudd, Spain National Team center Awa Fam Thiam and TCU guard Olivia Miles headline the list of 15 prospects who will attend the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, April 13, at The Shed, at Hudson Yards, in New York City.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN, with exclusive coverage beginning at 6 p.m. CT. The draft on ESPN, along with the WNBA Orange Carpet Special (ESPN2, 4:30 p.m. CT) and WNBA Countdown (ESPN, 5:30 p.m. CT), will also be available live on the ESPN App.

The other prospects who will be in attendance are forward Nell Angloma (France), forward Angela Dugalić (UCLA), guard Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA), guard Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), guard Raven Johnson (South Carolina), guard Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA), guard Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina), forward Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss), center Madina Okot (South Carolina/Kenya), guard Kiki Rice (UCLA), and forward Marta Suárez (TCU/Spain).

As determined by the 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery on Nov. 23, the Dallas Wings hold the top pick in the draft, followed by the Minnesota Lynx at No. 2 and the Seattle Storm at No. 3. The Washington Mystics have the fourth selection, and the Chicago Sky have the fifth. The WNBA’s newest teams, the expansion Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, will select sixth and seventh, respectively, in the first round.

The draft-night festivities will tip off with invited players showcasing their personalities and unique fashion styles on the WNBA’s iconic Orange Carpet. Earlier in the day, they will visit the Empire State Building for a lighting ceremony celebrating the draft.

Here is a closer look at the prospects who will attend the 2026 WNBA Draft:

Nell Angloma (France): A 5'11" forward who most recently played at Basket Lattes Montpellier Agglomeration, Angloma has excelled for France in international competition. At the FIBA Women’s Basketball U19 World Cup last July, Angloma earned All-Second Team honors after averaging a team-leading 17.0 points per game and adding 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists. That followed her MVP performance at the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket 2024, where she led France to the title.

Lauren Betts (UCLA / USA): The 6'7" Betts led UCLA to the national championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. In both 2025 and 2026, she was an AP All-America First Team pick, the Lisa Leslie Award winner as the nation’s best center, and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. This season, Betts was also the Big Ten Player of the Year and a candidate for multiple national Player of the Year honors while averaging 17.1 points and 8.8 rebounds.

Angela Dugalić (UCLA / USA): Dugalić helped UCLA reach the Final Four in 2025 and again this season when the Bruins won the national championship. The 6'4" forward won the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year Award this season after averaging 9.0 points per game to go with 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. A native of Des Plaines, IL, Dugalić has represented her parents’ homeland as a member of the Serbia National Team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics.

Awa Fam Thiam (Spain): The 6'4" center has played professionally with Valencia Basket of Spain’s Liga Femenina de Baloncesto, debuting with the club at age 15 in December 2021. Fam Thiam, who will turn 20 on June 17, also plays for the Spain National Team, for whom she averaged 8.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game at the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in March. At the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 last June, she averaged 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Azzi Fudd (Connecticut / USA): A 5'11" guard, Fudd helped UConn to four Final Fours and win the 2025 national championship, earning the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honor that year. An AP All-America First Team pick this season, Fudd was also a finalist for numerous national Player of the Year honors and the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the top shooting guard. She averaged a career-high 17.3 points per game, led the nation with 117 made threes, and was fifth in three-point shooting percentage (.447).

Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA / USA): The 6'0" guard helped UCLA reach the Final Four for the second consecutive year and propelled the Bruins to their first NCAA national championship with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the title game. Jaquez was a finalist for the 2026 Cheryl Miller Award as the nation’s best small forward and an All-Big Ten Second Team pick after averaging a career high 13.5 points per game. She also set personal bests in field goal percentage (53.9) and three-point shooting percentage (39.0).

Flau’jae Johnson (LSU / USA): A two-time finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the nation’s top shooting guard (2025 and 2026) and a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year this year, Johnson ranks sixth in LSU history with 2,050 career points. An AP All-America Third Team pick her final two seasons, she averaged 14.2 points per game this year. The 5'10" guard helped LSU to the 2023 national title, followed by two Elite Eight appearances and a Sweet 16 berth this season.

Raven Johnson (South Carolina / USA): As a starter, Johnson helped the Gamecocks to three straight Final Fours, including an undefeated 38-0 national championship in 2023-24. This season, the 5'9" Johnson was a finalist for the Dawn Staley Award and Nancy Lieberman Award for her play at guard when she ranked fourth nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.16). She also recorded career highs of 9.8 points and 5.1 assists per game and career-best percentages in all shooting categories.

Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA / USA): In her first season with the Bruins, the Utah transfer helped UCLA win the national title with a team-high 87 made threes. The 6'0" guard was an AP All-America Honorable Mention pick and a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the country’s top shooting guard after having twice been a semifinalist for the Cheryl Miller Award as a small forward. She shot 49.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range this season.

Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina / USA): A transfer from Florida State this season, Latson helped South Carolina reach the national championship game, averaging 14.1 points and 3.6 assists while shooting a career best 48.6 percent from the field. The 5'9" guard, who averaged more than 21 points per game in each of her three prior seasons, was a finalist this year for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award as the nation’s top shooting guard for the second consecutive year.

Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss / USA): McMahon starred at Ole Miss this season after transferring from Ohio State, where she was a two-time All-Big Ten First Team pick. The 6'0" guard / forward made the ballot for the John R. Wooden Award as the National Player of the Year this season and was a Cheryl Miller Award finalist as the nation’s best small forward. She also was the SEC Newcomer of the Year, and an All-SEC First Team pick after averaging career highs of 19.5 points and 3.0 assists per game.

Olivia Miles (TCU / USA): Miles was a three-time AP All-America Second Team pick and finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard (2023, 2025, and 2026). This season, the 5'10" guard was also a candidate for multiple National Player of the Year honors. She led the nation in triple-doubles (6) and ranked seventh in assists per game (6.6). The Big 12 Player of the Year, Miles became the first NCAA player to average at least 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 1.5 steals per game in a season.

Madina Okot (South Carolina / Kenya): In her second season of NCAA basketball, Okot, a 6'6" center from Mumias, Kenya, was a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Award as the nation’s top center and an All-SEC Second Team choice while helping the Gamecocks reach the national championship game. A transfer from Mississippi State, Okot ranked tied for third in the nation in double-doubles (22) and 16th in rebounds per game (10.6) this season while contributing 12.8 points per game.

Kiki Rice (UCLA / USA): Rice helped UCLA to the Final Four in 2025 and to the 2026 national championship. This season, the 5'11" guard was a semifinalist for both the Naismith Trophy as the National Player of the Year and the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard when she ranked eighth in the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.5). An AP All-America Honorable Mention pick, Rice also averaged career-bests of 14.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Marta Suárez (TCU / Spain): A 6'3" forward and a member of Spain’s national team program, Suárez capped her college career at TCU this season after previously excelling at Tennessee and California. She recorded career highs of 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds and shot a career-best 37.0 percent from three-point range, joining Olivia Miles to give TCU one of the nation’s top scoring duos. Suárez’s career-high 33 points in a Sweet 16 win over Virginia propelled TCU into the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

Below are the players confirmed to attend the 2026 WNBA Draft:

The list of athletes invited to draft, as well as the broader pool of prospects, includes international players who participated in WNBA/NBA- and FIBA-led events during their journeys. Madina Okot, from Kenya, participated in the 2022 Basketball Without Borders Africa camp, and Gisela Sanchez of Spain attended the 2019 Basketball Without Borders Europe camp. Taking part in the NBA and FIBA’s Basketball Without Borders All-Star camp were Charlisse Leger-Walker of New Zealand (2019) and Saffron Shiels of Australia (2024). To date, 19 former Basketball Without Borders participants have gone on to be selected in the WNBA Draft. A complete list of those players can be found here.

Additional details regarding 2026 WNBA Draft are available here.

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KP and AD join the Houston Roundball Review Takeover to discuss Dawn and Geno; Texans; and more

2026-04-10T16:53:00.002-05:00

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Join Kris Gardner and special guests Kennetra Pulliams and Adolphus 'AD' Moore (AD Max Korner) on this edition of The Houston Roundball Review TAKEOVER of The Lunch Break as they discuss the Dawn Staley - Geno Auriemma verbal exchange, apology / non-apology, etc.

AD Moore discusses the Houston Texans' moves with CJ Stroud and Will Anderson. Plus, the trio chimes in about the NCAA transfer portal and the WNBA / Houston Comets 2.0.

Would you rather your favorite team be nationally relevant for 20 years and not win a national championship or win 1 national title and be mediocre to suck for the rest of those 20 years?

The Takeover is powered by JM&E and is also available on Roku via the BS3 Network.

00:00 - Intro

04:30 - Dawn and Geno

27:29 - Houston Texans news

32:55 - BS3 Network promo

34:29 - Welcome back to the Takeover

34:48 - NCAA transfer portal

43:19 - Would you rather???

49:30 - WNBA

53:45 - Anything you want to discuss

59:02 - Conclusion

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2026 WNBA Free Agency Dates Set

2026-04-05T21:02:00.004-05:00

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The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association agreed today that free agency will open tomorrow, April 6, with the start of the Designation Period, the WNBA announced today.

The Negotiation Period will begin on Wednesday, April 8 and continue for three days. Teams and players will first be able to sign new contracts beginning on Saturday, April 11.

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