NBA Women (United States) 2026/27

This page covers the WNBA. The information below reflects the structure and history of the league as it stands for the 2026 campaign.

The Women's National Basketball Association operates as the premier professional women's basketball competition in the United States. Established in 1996 and launching play the following year, it functions as a closed franchise system without promotion or relegation. Unlike independent competitions, the league maintains direct financial integration with the NBA, which holds a significant stake and subsidizes operating losses. This structure allows the WNBA to rely on NBA brand synergy, shared arena infrastructure, and enhanced media rights leverage compared to other women's leagues.

The 2026 season marks a period of expansion, with the league scheduled to grow to 15 teams. The Golden State Valkyries joined as the 13th franchise in 2025, while the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire are set to complete the roster for the current campaign. The regular season consists of 44 games per team. Although players are divided into Eastern and Western conferences, playoff seeding relies on overall win-loss records rather than conference standings. The top eight teams advance to the postseason, which features best-of-three first-round series, best-of-five semifinals, and a best-of-seven Finals.

Historical success in the league is shared among several franchises. The Houston Comets, Minnesota Lynx, and Seattle Storm each hold four championships, the most won by any club. The Las Vegas Aces entered 2026 as reigning champions after securing the 2025 title. The league also distinguishes itself through longevity, having outlasted the competing American Basketball League due to superior financial backing and media deals.