Diana Taurasi greets supporters while arriving for her retirement press conference

Diana Taurasi greets supporters

Diana Taurasi, Penny Taylor and their son, Leo

Diana Taurasi waves at fans

"Thank You Dee" sign

Diana Taurasi addresses media

Diana Taurasi speaks to fans and media

Diana Taurasi addresses fans and media

Diana Taurasi speaks at the microphone

Diana Taurasi addresses audience

Preseason 2026

The WNBA’s 30th season officially kicks off on May 8 with three games tipping off to commemorate the occasion. Gelling with new teammates, showcasing draft picks, and figuring out a regular-season rotation are all possible during this time, which is what makes the WNBA’s upcoming slate of preseason contests all the more intriguing. 
WNBA ID members will receive a complimentary preseason preview of WNBA League Pass from April 25 through May 3. During this period, fans can stream all preseason games directly within the app with no subscription or credit card required.
Not a WNBA ID holder yet? You can join for free <a href="https://www.wnba.com/id?cid=wnba:id:digital:site:article:other:pre:26-058&amp;utm_medium=digital&amp;utm_campaign=id:pre&amp;utm_source=site:article:other&amp;utm_content=wnba:id:digital:site:article:other:pre:26-058">HERE</a> using your email address. If you’ve used NBA ID or had a WNBA account before, just log in with your existing info to activate your WNBA ID. If you have both, use your NBA ID password.
Let’s get into why you should catch each and every preseason contest coming up between April 25 and May 3, and how each game will prepare even the most novice fan for a huge WNBA season. 
<hr />
<h2>April 25</h2>
Nigeria @ Los Angeles Sparks
Nigeria will travel to Los Angeles to face the new-look Sparks to kick off the preseason. Ezinne Kalu had a spectacular showing at the Summer Olympics, most <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/womens-olympic-basketball-tournament-paris-2024/news/ferocious-defense-a-difference-maker-for-kalu-and-nigeria">notably with</a> a huge victory over the Australian national team in group play. Head coach Rena Wakama just finished up serving as the first head coach of the newly minted Unrivaled team Hive BC, and also serves as an assistant coach with the Chicago Sky. 
 
Los Angeles will likely be testing out a roster that saw some major shakeups this offseason. The team traded 2024 4th overall pick Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky in exchange for veteran Ariel Atkins, as well as re-signing Nneka Ogwumike, a former championship-winning ry with the Sparks. 
Los Angeles also just drafted Ta’Niya Latson and Amelia Hassett, adding some rookie depth to their bench and ahead of their preseason. Defensively, they will be tested by D’Tigress. On offense, Los Angeles will be seeking to establish a much better offensive output than what they had in 2025 &#8211; a season in which they only averaged 33.7 percent from three-point range. 
&nbsp;
Chicago Sky @ Phoenix Mercury
The Sky just endured one of the biggest overhauls during an offseason that also didn’t quite signal a rebuild, but rather a reimagining. 
 
After trading Angel Reese, the Sky added a ton of firepower to the roster. Skylar Diggins and Dijonai Carrington are veterans the Sky added in free agency this offseason, while also re-signing veteran center Elizabeth Williams and 2021 champion Azurá Stevens. 
The team also landed young talent on the trade market in Jackson and guard Jacy Sheldon. And, in the draft, they took NCAA Tournament standout Gabriela Jacquez, adding to their fun guard room. 
The Mercury lost Satou Sabally on the free agent market, but they’ve got a core locked in long-term between Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, Monique Akoa-Makani, Natasha Mack, and Sami Whitcomb. They are closer to contenders than Chicago, but can still be tested with Carrington’s physicality and having to contain the offense that Jackson and Sheldon can generate with a point guard like Diggins on the floor.
&nbsp;
Indiana Fever @ New York Liberty 
New York reloaded this offseason, signing Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, and Breanna Stewart to new deals, while also bringing on Sabally. They’re looking like the largest threat to a Las Vegas Aces repeat, although anything can happen come playoff time. They’ll likely be using the preseason to figure out, schematically, how all of their All-Star pieces fit together. 
As for Indiana, they’ll be tempering expectations for Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, as both suffered injuries last season that still need monitoring. Clark hasn’t suited up since July of last season for the Fever, but she looked good in FIBA play this offseason. 
 
The Fever will probably be relying a ton on their bench and, specifically, 2026 draftee Raven Johnson, in the preseason. They shouldn’t risk the health of their star backcourt prior to the regular season tipping off, but Johnson’s play should be well worth the price of admission in this contest. 
&nbsp;
Seattle Storm @ Golden State Valkyries
It feels pretty clear what the pull of this contest would be: seeing if Flau’jae Johnson treats this as a revenge game against the team that traded her on draft night. The former LSU star was nearly headed to the Bay Area when a shocking trade went down between Golden State and Seattle, sending Johnson to the Storm and Marta Suarez to the Valkyries. 
These are two teams on very different paths. The Storm are in a full rebuild, having landed Awa Fam Thiam and Johnson on draft night to surround Dominique Malonga on the floor. The Valkyries, on the other hand, are looking to continue to establish themselves as a tough-nosed defensive team after signing Gabby Williams in free agency and trading for Suarez. 
&nbsp;
Minnesota Lynx @ Washington Mystics
A battle between two very fun rookie classes will take place in this contest. Minnesota, despite being a perennial postseason presence, landed the 2nd overall pick in this year’s draft. They took Olivia Miles at that spot, which is an unbelievably great fit for her, and for star forward Napheesa Collier. They also netted a sharp shooter in Lani White at the very end of the draft. 
Washington, on the other hand, went big. They drafted Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalić, Cotie McMahon, and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs to add to their frontcourt depth. They also re-signed Shakira Austin in free agency, adding even more competition to a loaded roster. 
This game should be a fun showing of rookie talent in the league, as well as a mini-UCLA Bruins showcase. 
<hr />
<h2>April 26</h2>
Japan @ Las Vegas Aces
The Aces re-tooled this offseason, bringing back NaLyssa Smith and Jackie Young in free agency, as well as re-signing superstar A’ja Wilson to a multi-year, supermax extension. They also added an overseas star and, most recently, Chicago Sky star guard Chennedy Carter to their roster, bolstering their guard room.
As for Japan, they will be missing a recently drafted member of their national team in Kokora Tanaka, who was taken by the Valkyries at 38th overall. Still, the squad has a defensive stalwart in Yuki Miyazawa, who can muck things up for Las Vegas’ frontcourt in this contest. Assuming Wilson doesn’t get much playing time, we could be in for a battle between Miyazawa and Smith, Bri Turner, Steph Talbot, or recently drafted Janiah Barker. 
<hr />
<h2>April 27</h2>
Nigeria @ Minnesota Lynx
Nigeria will continue its preseason play stateside against the Lynx. These are two teams with strong paint scoring, with Nigeria shooting an efficient 52.8 percent from the field, per <a href="https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-womens-afrobasket-2025/teams/nigeria#statistics">their FIBA team profile</a>. The Lynx found 52.4 percent of their scoring from 2-point range, per the <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/teams/scoring/?sort=PCT_PTS_2PT&amp;dir=-1">WNBA stats site</a>, which makes sense given Collier’s, Bridget Carleton’s, and Alanna Smith’s presence there in 2025. Of course, Carleton and Smith are gone, leaving a spot or two open on the team’s offense alongside Collier. 
A new look Lynx team versus an up-and-coming FIBA powerhouse should make for some great play. 
<hr />
<h2>April 29</h2>
Japan @ Phoenix Mercury
This should be another great battle between two teams with great bigs. Mack just re-signed with the Mercury, while Japan will have Miyazawa in the paint to discourage Phoenix from any paint scoring. That shouldn’t be an issue for a team with as versatile a scoring profile as the Mercury, though, with Copper, Whitcomb, Thomas, and Akoa-Makani all threats on different levels. 
&nbsp;
Atlanta Dream @ Chicago Sky
The Dream shook up the offseason with a huge trade for Reese, while also keeping their core intact. Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Reese, Naz Hillmon, and Bri Jones are just a few of the key members Atlanta managed to keep and bring on board. They’re suddenly contenders, in the same tier as the Aces, Liberty, Lynx, and Mercury. 
As for the specific appeal of this game, the pull is obvious: seeing if Reese gets any time on the floor against the team that just gave her up. If she doesn’t, we still get another interesting rookie showcase with the Dream having Madina Okot as their biggest get in the 2026 draft. For Chicago, getting some time from Gabriela Jacquez, Lattasha Lattimore, and Tonie Morgan will be critical for their bench construction. 
&nbsp;
Connecticut Sun @ Toronto Tempo
The Tempo are taking the floor for the first time, somewhat officially, in this preseason game. That’s already worth catching, especially considering the excitement the city of Toronto has had about tipping off their teams’ inaugural season. Of course, some high-level signings should also attract a crowd, with Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes on board alongside head coach Sandy Brondello. 
For the Sun, 2026 seems to be another interesting gap season with some great talent worth catching in the preseason. Saniya Rivers, their best rookie from last year, is back in the fold, while the team also signed future Hall of Famer Brittney Griner in free agency. Nell Angloma and Gianna Kneepkens are sure to get some decent playing time in this contest, with both first-rounders seeking to crack head coach Rachid Meziane’s rotation. 
And, if there are any Kiwis catching preseason, Charlisse Leger-Walker should be getting some action in this game. She’s the first player from New Zealand to ever be drafted into the WNBA. 
&nbsp;
Portland Fire @ Seattle Storm 
Fire and Storm fans have to be clamoring for these clashes to eventually turn into a proper Northwest rivalry. With both teams obviously in rebuild mode, or in Portland’s case, a build-up, this should be a good game to catch rookies fighting for roster spots. The Fire notably snagged a ton of great role players in the expansion draft, and also selected two international prospects with high ceilings in the college draft: Iyana Martín Carrión and Frieda Bühner. 
Seattle, again, is looking to see what they’ve got in their extremely young core of Malonga, Fam Thiam, and now Johnson. It’ll be hard for Portland to recreate the expansion magic that the Valkyries had last year, but they should still be competitive with how much veteran depth they now have. 
<hr />
<h2>April 30</h2>
Dallas Wings @ Indiana Fever
The Wings, after selecting Azzi Fudd first overall in this year’s draft, suddenly roster three top-5 picks in their backcourt, and two first overall picks. Paige Bueckers, who was taken first overall in 2025, is returning after winning Rookie of the Year and putting on a show during Unrivaled in the offseason. Ogunbowale returned to Dallas on a multi-year extension, hoping to bounce back after an uncharacteristically down year for her shooting. Fudd is now added to the roster, likely as a starter, to create even more offense. 
The Wings also made some key signings this offseason, bringing in Smith and Jess Sheppard from the Lynx, in addition to veteran Alysha Clark. They also brought back Odyssey Sims for backcourt depth. 
Of course, the Fever roster includes multiple first-rounders: Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Mitchell. While these players may not get a ton of time in the preseason, it’ll still be a fun preview of the future of star-studded matchups between the two clubs. 
<hr />
<h2>May 1</h2>
New York Liberty @ Connecticut Sun 
The Sun’s farewell tour of Uncasville will kick off in this preseason match against the Liberty. New York has had Connecticut’s number for a few years now, but they could easily be out-run by a younger Sun team in this preseason game. Rivers had some especially great showings against the Liberty in 2025, so we should expect her to get up just the same for a preseason match. 
&nbsp;
Washington Mystics @ Atlanta Dream 
While the Mystics did load up on bigs, they also snagged one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects in Rori Harmon at 34th overall. Defensively, she’s shown elite traits despite her size. On offense, there’s room for improvement, but she also averaged 6.2 assists per game in her last season with the Texas Longhorns. She could end up in a nice bench role after the Mystics traded Jacy Sheldon to the Sky. 
For Atlanta, its guard room is facing some decisions as well. Jordin Canada is back in the fold after re-signing in free agency, but she’s also dealt with some injury woes that have kept her sidelined for a good portion of her tenure with the Dream. Te-Hina Paopao is seeking a Year 2 boost to her stock, which could be helped along with a strong preseason showing. This battle between two young guards, Harmon and Paopao, should be entertaining. 
&nbsp;
Los Angeles Sparks @ Portland Fire
This is yet another preseason matchup where a former player could really make their former team hurt for letting them walk. In this case, it’s Barker, who was left unprotected by the Sparks in this year’s expansion draft. The guard was a great defender in her first season with Los Angeles, but couldn’t find a consistent shooting touch alongside Kelsey Plum. 
As for the Sparks, they’re in the midst of some restructuring that’s added some more shooting to their frontcourt and from long range. Trading for Atkins while also re-signing Sparks legend Ogwumike should help create even more spacing for a Sparks squad desperate for some better offensive output. 
Latson was the Sparks’ 2nd round selection in this year’s draft, and she should have a big role for Los Angeles off their bench if she can impress in the preseason. She’ll be facing off with quite a veteran-heavy squad in Portland, so doing well in this contest would speak volumes to her pro-readiness. 
&nbsp;
Las Vegas Aces @ Dallas Wings
The Aces’ most exciting selection from the draft, Barker, could see some ample playing time in this final preseason bout before the tip-off to the regular season. As for Dallas, their rookies &#8211; Fudd and Zee Spearman &#8211; should be getting some burn in this contest for the same reason. 
 
One final look at both teams’ benches and rookie talent should be a good window into their final roster and into how they plan to rotate between so much talent in the regular season. The Aces and Wings loaded up in free agency with key depth signings, and this is a good opportunity for both teams to feel themselves out in a final dress rehearsal. 
&nbsp;

2026-preseason-previews

2026 Previews: Every Preseason Game, On Us

Press Release

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-259229" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2026/04/30logo-1.png" alt="" width="215" height="78" />
– Top Draftees Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Awa Fam Thiam, Flau’jae Johnson and Lauren Betts 
to Make WNBA Debuts – 
– All Preseason Games Available for Free with WNBA ID in the WNBA App – 
– ION to Nationally Broadcast Four Preseason Games –
NEW YORK, April 23, 2026 – The WNBA today released its 18-game preseason <a href="http://wnba.com/news/free-streaming-2026-preseason-games">schedule</a> 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 presented by State Street Investment Management SPY 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. (7:30 p.m. ET). 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 (8:30 p.m. ET).
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 Kia WNBA MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart at Barclays Center (3:00 p.m. ET). Additionally, the Phoenix Mercury will take on the Chicago Sky at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls (4:00 p.m. ET), 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 (3:00 p.m. ET).
On Sunday, April 26, four-time Kia WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces will host the Japan Women’s National Team at Michelob Ultra Arena (8:00 p.m. ET).
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 (8:00 p.m. ET).
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 (7:00 p.m. ET) and Portland will visit Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena (10:00 p.m. ET). 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 (7:00 p.m. ET) and the Japan Women’s National Team will visit 2025 MVP finalist Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury (10:00 p.m. ET) at Mortgage Matchup Center.
The No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, Azzi Fudd, will make her debut alongside reigning Kia 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 (7:00 p.m. ET). 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:
<ul>
<li>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 (8:00 p.m. ET).</li>
<li>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 (7:00 p.m. ET).</li>
<li>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 (5:00 p.m. ET).</li>
<li>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 (3:00 p.m. ET).</li>
<li>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 (3:00 p.m. ET).</li>
<li>The Wings will face the Aces at the Moody Center on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, on Sunday, May 3 (7:00 p.m. ET), which will be the final nationally broadcast preseason game on ION.</li>
</ul>
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 presented by Google Pixel will begin on Sunday, September 27, culminating with the WNBA Finals.
The complete 2026 WNBA preseason schedule is available <a href="http://wnba.com/news/free-streaming-2026-preseason-games">here.</a>
WNBA ID is completely free to join. Fans can sign up at <a href="http://www.wnba.com/id">www.wnba.com/id</a> 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.
2026 WNBA PRESEASON SCHEDULE
<table width="714">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="72">DATE</td>
<td width="114">VISITOR</td>
<td width="96">HOME</td>
<td width="198">ARENA/SITE</td>
<td width="102">EASTERN TIME</td>
<td width="132">US NATIONAL NETWORK</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
April 25
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Indiana</td>
<td width="96">New York</td>
<td width="198">Barclays Center / Brooklyn, NY</td>
<td width="102">3:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">ION / WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">April 25</td>
<td width="114">Nigeria National Team</td>
<td width="96">Los Angeles</td>
<td width="198">Viejas Arena / San Diego State University</td>
<td width="102">3:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">April 25</td>
<td width="114">Chicago</td>
<td width="96">Phoenix</td>
<td width="198">Sanford Pentagon / Sioux Falls, South Dakota</td>
<td width="102">4:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
April 25
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Minnesota</td>
<td width="96">Washington</td>
<td width="198">CareFirst Arena / Washington, D.C.</td>
<td width="102">7:30 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">April 25</td>
<td width="114">Seattle</td>
<td width="96">Golden State</td>
<td width="198">Chase Center / San Francisco, CA</td>
<td width="102">8:30 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">April 26</td>
<td width="114">Japan National Team</td>
<td width="96">Las Vegas</td>
<td width="198">Michelob Ultra Arena / Las Vegas, NV</td>
<td width="102">8:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">April 27</td>
<td width="114">Nigeria National Team</td>
<td width="96">Minnesota</td>
<td width="198">T-Mobile Center / Kansas City, MO</td>
<td width="102">8:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
April 29
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Connecticut</td>
<td width="96">Toronto</td>
<td width="198">Coca-Cola Coliseum / Toronto, ON, Canada</td>
<td width="102">7:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
April 29
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Atlanta</td>
<td width="96">Chicago</td>
<td width="198">Wintrust Arena / Chicago, IL</td>
<td width="102">7:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">April 29</td>
<td width="114">Japan National Team</td>
<td width="96">Phoenix</td>
<td width="198">Mortgage Matchup Center / Phoenix, AZ</td>
<td width="102">10:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
April 29
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Portland</td>
<td width="96">Seattle</td>
<td width="198">Climate Pledge Arena / Seattle, WA</td>
<td width="102">10:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">April 30</td>
<td width="114">Dallas</td>
<td width="96">Indiana</td>
<td width="198">Gainbridge Fieldhouse / Indianapolis, IN</td>
<td width="102">7:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">ION / WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
May 1
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Toronto</td>
<td width="96">Minnesota</td>
<td width="198">Target Center / Minneapolis, MN</td>
<td width="102">8:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">May 2</td>
<td width="114">Nigeria National Team</td>
<td width="96">Indiana</td>
<td width="198">Gainbridge Fieldhouse / Indianapolis, IN</td>
<td width="102">7:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
May 3
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Washington</td>
<td width="96">Atlanta</td>
<td width="198">Gateway Center Arena at College Park / Atlanta, GA</td>
<td width="102">3:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">May 3</td>
<td width="114">New York</td>
<td width="96">Connecticut</td>
<td width="198">Mohegan Sun Arena / Uncasville, CT</td>
<td width="102">5:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">ION / WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
May 3
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Las Vegas</td>
<td width="96">Dallas</td>
<td width="198">Moody Center / University of Texas at Austin</td>
<td width="102">7:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">ION / WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">&nbsp;
May 3
&nbsp;</td>
<td width="114">Los Angeles</td>
<td width="96">Portland</td>
<td width="198">Moda Center / Portland, OR</td>
<td width="102">7:00 PM</td>
<td width="132">WNBA League Pass*</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
*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).
&nbsp;
# # #
&nbsp;

free-streaming-2026-preseason-games

WNBA Expands Fan Access With Free Streaming of All 2026 Preseason Games

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Broadcast Schedule Features Record 216 National Games Across Regular Season 
Expanded Access Across Linear and Streaming Platforms Features Games 
Delivered by ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock/NBCSN, Prime Video, 
CBS Sports, ION, USA Network and NBA TV 
ESPN To Broadcast New York Liberty at Los Angeles Sparks on June 21, 
Commemorating Date of  WNBA’s inaugural game in 1997
NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 – 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 Sports/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 AT&amp;T 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 (1 p.m. ET), and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces host the Phoenix Mercury in a rematch of the 2025 Finals (3:30 p.m. ET). 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 (9 p.m. ET) and Indiana at the Chicago Sky on August 23 (7 p.m. ET).
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 Presented by Coinbase (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 Sports / 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 (1 p.m. ET) and Las Vegas hosts the Los Angeles Sparks (8 p.m. ET). CBS will also air a day/night doubleheader on June 27 when Phoenix visits the Toronto Tempo (2 p.m. ET) and Los Angeles travels to Indiana (8 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 presented by CarMax, NBA TV will show Portland hosting Chicago on May 9 (9 p.m. ET). On Sept. 24, the final day of the regular season, NBA TV will present the Toronto Tempo at Connecticut (7 p.m. ET).
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.
&nbsp;
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.
<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Dallas: After adding No. 1 overall draft pick Fudd and 2025 co-Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith to a lineup featuring 2025 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year Bueckers and two-time AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game MVP Arike Ogunbowale, the Wings will appear in 36 national games.</li>
<li>New York: The Liberty, led by two-time Kia 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.</li>
<li>Las Vegas: With an eye toward winning the franchise’s fourth WNBA title in five years, the Aces, led by four-time Kia 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.</li>
</ul>
Key Matchups, Debuts and Rivalries to Watch: Fans can look forward to exciting rivalries and must-see games, including:
<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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).</li>
<li>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).</li>
<li>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).</li>
<li>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).</li>
<li>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).</li>
<li>WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally: 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. </li>
</ul>
WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally tips off on Aug. 8 with Las Vegas at Minnesota (CBS; 1 p.m. ET) and Indiana at Chicago (ABC; 3 p.m. ET)
and concludes on Aug. 14 with an ION double header with Indiana hosting Dallas  at 7:30 p.m. ET) and Seattle hosting Portland at 10 p.m. ET).
<ul>
<li>“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).</li>
<li>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).</li>
<li>WNBA Pride presented by Coach: 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.</li>
</ul>
The WNBA’s distribution partners will present a total of 17 games during this span. Coverage tips off on June 20 with three games &#8212; Indiana at Atlanta (ABC; 1 p.m. ET), Seattle at Phoenix (ABC; 3 p.m. ET) and Chicago at Dallas (CBS; 8 p.m. ET).
<ul>
<li>The 2026 Playoffs and Finals: The 2026 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel 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</li>
</ul>
A synopsis of coverage provided by each of the WNBA’s distribution partners is as follows:
<table style="width: 98.5924%" width="699">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">PLATFORM</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">GAMES</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">HIGHLIGHTS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">ABC Network</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">13</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">Ties own record-high for over the air broadcast games. ABC will broadcast the 2026 AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game and, along with ESPN, will present one Semifinals playoff series.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">ESPN </td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">17</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">17 games on ESPN, 13 on ABC, gives Disney Networks a record 30 games and tentpole events in WNBA&#8217;s 30th season. Nine games to be featured in new, nine-week primetime block dedicated to women’s sports, Women’s Sports Sundays.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">NBC</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">7</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">The WNBA returns to NBC, which broadcast the first-ever WNBA game in 1997. Schedule features seven Sunday broadcasts, including two primetime games.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">Peacock / NBCSN</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">15</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">In addition to streaming 12 Monday matchups during the regular season, Peacock will stream every game of the WNBA Finals, with each game also airing on NBC or USA Network.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">Prime Video</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">30</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">Thursday night destination (26 games). Will exclusively stream Championship Game of WNBA Commissioner&#8217;s Cup presented by Coinbase. 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.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">CBS / Paramount+</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">20</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">After making history last year by airing the first two primetime WNBA regular-season games on broadcast television, CBS Sports will have eight such contests among its 20 over-the-air games in 2026, all of which will air on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">ION</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">50</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">All-Friday schedule, weekly pregame studio show, and the most regular-season games of any partner puts the spotlight on ION&#8217;s “WNBA Friday Night Spotlight” series.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">USA Network</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">48</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">New partner USA Sports’ 48-game, regular season slate on USA Network is second largest and features heavy focus on Wednesday nights (28 games) and Monday nights (11 games).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">NBA TV</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">15</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">In its 24th year of presenting WNBA action, NBA TV will tip off and wrap its slate with action featuring the league’s two newest teams, Portland and Toronto.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 17.9091%" width="107">WNBA League Pass</td>
<td style="width: 8.81512%" width="72">TBD</td>
<td style="width: 89.6552%" width="520">WNBA League Pass will stream select live games (local blackouts may apply) and offer the largest vault of on‑demand games. Through the league’s direct‑to‑consumer service, fans can enjoy enhanced control with multi‑device viewing, live video controls, and home/away feeds where available.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
In addition, WNBA League Pass will stream select live games (local blackouts may apply) and offer the largest vault of on‑demand games. Through the league’s direct‑to‑consumer service and the introduction of WNBA ID, fans can enjoy an enhanced viewer experience, increased compatibility with multi‑device viewing, and home/away feeds when available. Fans can also take advantage of the WNBA’s “Tap to Watch” feature, which simplifies how they find and access live game telecasts across platforms.
The current U.S. national television and streaming schedules are available <a href="https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&amp;month=all">here.</a> Information on the Canadian television broadcast and streaming schedule will be released at a later date.
Additional highlights for the schedule of each broadcaster/streamer can be found <a href="https://pr.nba.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2026/04/2026-WNBA-National-Broadcast-Schedule-Information.pdf">here</a>.
# # #

broadcast-schedule-release-2026

WNBA Unveils National Broadcast Schedule for its 30th Regular Season

The following is a press release from the New York Liberty:
NEW YORK (April 17, 2026) – The New York Liberty re-signed 2024 WNBA champions Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu to multi-year deals in open free agency, the team announced today.
“This is an incredibly historic moment for the New York Liberty franchise,” said Jonathan Kolb, General Manager, New York Liberty. “Re‑signing Breanna, Jonquel, and Sabrina reflects the trust, sacrifice, and shared purpose that define what it means to represent the Liberty, this city, and our fanbase. These three cornerstone players chose to invest in each other and in the long‑term legacy of this organization, a rare commitment that has the chance to redefine the standard of excellence across basketball.”
Stewart earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2025 for her sixth consecutive season, garnering All-Defensive honors. The 6-4 forward was voted the 2023 Kia WNBA MVP after setting the Liberty single-season scoring record with 23.0 points per game and doubling the previous WNBA record for 40-point games in a single season with four. Stewart, a two-time Finals MVP and three-time WNBA Champion, is one of just three players in WNBA history with a career scoring average of at least 20 points per game (20.5) and one of two players in league history to win MVP on multiple teams. The Syracuse, N.Y., native has recorded averages of 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists,1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in 109 regular-season contests with the Liberty. Stewart is a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and was named the 2026 Unrivaled Championship MVP.
“Breanna Stewart is the personification of winning,” said Jonathan Kolb. “From the moment she arrived in New York, she redefined what winning looks like and relentlessly raised the bar across our organization. Stewie pushes everyone around her to be better, holds herself to the highest standard, and prioritizes winning the right way above all else. She is the embodiment of a superstar who puts the team first every day. Stewie continuing to play in New York, her home, is one of the most special storylines in WNBA history, and she is central to the legacy and championship standard we continue to define in this city.”
“I am staying in New York, my family is set up and solid here,” said Breanna Stewart. “I’m committed to the Liberty, and I’m excited to continue to invest in my teammates, in the community, and in a franchise that has already given me so much. I promise to keep fighting to bring more championships to the greatest city in the world.”
Jones won the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP with New York and recorded eight consecutive double-doubles in the 2023 playoffs to tie the longest such streak in WNBA postseason history. The 6-6 center and Freeport, Bahamas native is a five-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive selection who garnered All-WNBA Second Team and All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2024. Jones has averaged 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 110 regular-season contests with New York and the Liberty posted a perfect 34-0 record in regular-season games where Jones finished with a double-double during her tenure with the team. The 2023 Commissioner’s Cup MVP is the only player in WNBA history to post at least 10 postseason double-doubles with multiple teams.
“From our 2023 Commissioner’s Cup championship and 2024 WNBA championship to a 34–0 record when she posts a double‑double, one constant in our biggest winning moments has been Jonquel Jones,” said Jonathan Kolb. “When you trade for a player, you always hope they feel a real sense of belonging, and it has been incredibly meaningful to see New York become a home away from home for JJ. Her versatility, dominance on the glass, leadership in the locker room, and status as one of the toughest matchups in the league have been major drivers of our success. JJ’s presence elevates everyone around her and raises our collective ceiling, and we are excited to continue building with her as we pursue more championships.”
“It was always about staying here in New York, because this is home,” said Jonquel Jones. “This is my foundation, and this is where I want to be.”
Ionescu rejoins the Liberty after earning All-WNBA honors for the fourth consecutive season in 2025 and averaging 18.2 points (10th in WNBA), 5.7 assists (7th in WNBA), and 4.9 rebounds, the third player in WNBA history to reach those marks in a single season. The Walnut Creek, Calif., native has posted averages of 16.7 points, 5.9 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 181 regular-season games over six seasons with the Liberty after being selected by New York with the first overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. Ionescu, a four-time All-Star, set the WNBA single-season record with 128 3-pointers made in 2023. The 5-11 guard ranks second in WNBA history with four career triple-doubles, became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 3-pointers made (151 games), and owns the Liberty’s all-time record for 3-pointers made (460).
“Sabrina Ionescu is the only No. 1 pick in our franchise’s history, and she has had a storybook journey in New York; a place that embraces its homegrown talent like no other,” said Jonathan Kolb. “Sab has earned everything she has through relentless work, a commitment to continually add to her game each year, and a mindset that is never satisfied. She has embraced this city as her own, helped establish the Liberty as a destination franchise, delivered a championship, and continues to push for more every day. We’re proud of the legacy she is building and look forward to the impact she will continue to have on this franchise in the years ahead.”
“Continuing to play for the New York Liberty means everything—this city is truly home,” said Sabrina Ionescu. “We’ve built something special here, and I’m locked in on bringing another championship to the city and our fans.”
In 1,733 regular season minutes with Ionescu, Jones and Stewart on the court together since 2023, the Liberty recorded a +16.8 net rating, and New York posted a 70-16 record (81.4 percent) in games with all three stars in the starting lineup, the best winning percentage by any trio with at least 50 starts together since at least 2002. Ionescu, Jones, and Stewart became the first trio of teammates in Liberty franchise history to earn All-WNBA Team honors in the same season in 2024.
The Liberty begin their historic 30th season at Barclays Center with a preseason contest against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, April 25, followed by the team’s home opener on Friday, May 8 vs. the Connecticut Sun. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster. To learn more and explore additional ticketing options, including group tickets and partial season plans, visit <a title="file:///C:/Users/bflannery/Downloads/liberty.wnba.com/tickets" href="http://liberty.wnba.com/tickets" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">liberty.wnba.com/tickets</a>.

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new-york-liberty-re-sign-breanna-stewart-jonquel-jones-and-sabrina-ionescu-to-multi-year-deals

New York Liberty Re-Sign Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu To Multi-Year Deals

<div class="_Article__story_1s89h_50">
The following is a press release from the Indiana Fever:
Four-year pro agrees to restructured multi-year contract with the Indiana Fever
INDIANAPOLIS (April 17, 2026) — The Indiana Fever and Aliyah Boston have agreed to a new contract, with the center signing a new, multiyear agreement through the 2029 WNBA season. With the agreement, Boston becomes the first player in WNBA history to sign a deal under the newly-created Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) provision.
“Entering just her fourth season, Aliyah is already one of the best players in the WNBA. She’s been a foundational piece of the Indiana Fever since she was drafted here in 2023. We’re thrilled to be able to reward her with this new contract and make history, and most importantly, lock her in as a cornerstone of the Fever for years to come,” Indiana Fever COO and General Manager Amber Cox said. “Despite already being an All-WNBA caliber player, Aliyah has just scratched the surface in terms of the player she can become. In addition, her intangibles are unmatched. She is a leader, a connector and consistent contributor to our community. There is not a better person to go down in history as the first recipient of this type of groundbreaking agreement.”
“I’m super blessed and grateful for this opportunity and to continue my journey here with the Fever. God is good!” Boston said. “I’m excited for the future ahead for both myself and for our team, and I can’t wait to keep building upon everything we have accomplished so far. Go Fever!”
As part of the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the EPIC provision enables top-performing players on rookie contracts to renegotiate the final year of their rookie contract as part of a multi-year extension, contingent upon being named to either the All-WNBA First or Second Team, or named Most Valuable Player within their first three years of play. Boston, who was entering the 2026 season on the fourth, and final, year of her rookie contract, was named to the All-WNBA Second Team in 2025.
Over her first three seasons in the WNBA, the University of South Carolina product has compiled one of the most decorated resumes during that time. In addition to her 2025 All-WNBA Second
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indiana-fever-re-sign-aliyah-boston

Aliyah Boston Makes History, Signing WNBA’s First-Ever EPIC Provision Agreement

Free Agency 2026

The following is a press release from the Minnesota Lynx:
The five-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist and Defensive Player of the Year returns to Minnesota<span class="EOP SCXW148057141 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> 
Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the team has re-signed forward Napheesa Collier. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released. 
“Phee has been such an integral part of the Lynx since she was drafted in 2019. Coming off a historic 50/40/90 season and guiding the Lynx to the mostwins in franchise history, Phee is hungry to position the Lynx for a championship run in 2026,” said Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve.  
Collier, a five-time All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time All-WNBA and All-Defensive Team selection, enters her eighth season in Minnesota after being drafted sixth overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft. In 2025, Collier appeared in 33 games (all starts) for the Lynx, averaging a career-high 22.9 points per game while shooting 53.1% from the floor, 40.3% from three and 90.6% from the free-throw line, becoming the first player in WNBA history to post 50/40/90 shooting splits while averaging 20+ points per game. She also recorded 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks per game, ranking second in scoring, fourth in steals and fifth in blocks per game in the WNBA. The three-time 2025 WNBA Western Conference Player of the Month (May, June, July) posted six 30+ point contests and 15 games scoring 25+ points throughout the season, helping the Lynx to a franchise-best 34–10 regular season record and the No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs. 
The Jefferson City, Mo. native became the fastest player in the WNBA to reach 100 points last season, accomplishing the feat in just four games, and posted five consecutive double-doubles from May 23–June 8, surpassing 50 career double-doubles. Collier also established a franchise record of 54 consecutive made free throws from June 8–July 10, the sixth-longest streak in league history. She was named a captain for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game and earned MVP honors after scoring a record-setting 36 points on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, leading Team Collier to a 151–131 victory over Team Clark. 
In seven seasons with Minnesota, Collier has played in 193 games (all starts), amassing over 3,500 points, and holds career averages of 18.4 points on 49.2% shooting from the field and 33.6% from deep, 7.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. She ranks second in Lynx records for career steals (325) and scoring average (18.4), behind Maya Moore, along with ranking second in blocked shots (239) behind Sylvia Fowles. 
The forward has led Minnesota to six playoff appearances, a 2024 Commissioner’s Cup Championship and one WNBA Finals appearance (2024) while earning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2024) and Rookie of the Year (2019) awards. Collier graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2019 after becoming the fifth Husky all-time to reach 2,000+ points and 1,000+ rebounds, finishing her career with 2,401 points and 1,219 boards. She helped lead UConn to the Final Four in each of her four seasons with the team, coming away as national champions her freshman season (2015–16).

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Lynx Re-Sign Forward Napheesa Collier

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Photos of the Day: Diana Taurasi's Retirement Press Conference

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