The WNBA is taking another massive step forward. The league announced that it will officially expand its regular-season schedule to 50 games beginning in 2027, with the potential to grow even further to 52 games by 2029. This move comes on the heels of the historic new collective bargaining agreement signed earlier this year, which also raised the supermax salary to $1.4 million and opened the door for a longer calendar.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, who shared the details on social media. “The WNBA season will expand to 50 regular season games beginning in 2027, the league has announced,” she wrote. “This footprint expansion was allowed under the new CBA, which also stipulates the season can end no later than November 21 (Nov. 30 in 2028).”
For fans, this is a huge win. More games mean more chances to see stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and the rest of the league’s elite talent compete. It also signals that the WNBA is serious about growing its footprint and keeping pace with the rising demand for women’s basketball. The league is heading into its 30th season, and this expansion feels like a fitting way to celebrate that milestone.
The new schedule isn’t just about adding games—it’s about building momentum. With the CBA already raising player salaries and improving conditions, the extra games should help the league generate more revenue, attract more sponsors, and deepen fan engagement. It’s a clear sign that the WNBA is no longer content with being a niche product; it wants to be a major player in the sports landscape.
Meanwhile, the New York Liberty are heating up just in time for the Commissioner’s Cup final. The return of Sabrina Ionescu has given the team a jolt of energy. After missing time since May 24, Ionescu put up five points, three rebounds, and three assists in her first game back. Head coach Chris DeMarco praised her decision-making, saying, “You can feel her presence out there. It was really good decision-making from her—kept the ball moving, attacked when she should attack and made plays for others.”
Breanna Stewart echoed that sentiment, noting that the team feels more complete now. “Now we’re feeling a little bit more complete as far as having our full roster today,” she said. “Knowing that now, we’re starting to build. At the beginning of the season we were trying to kind of work through some things … now this is like our Day 1.” The Liberty are awaiting their opponent in the final, which could be the Minnesota Lynx if they beat the Sparks.
The schedule expansion also raises interesting questions about how the league will handle travel and player rest. With more games, teams will need to be strategic about load management and roster depth. But the WNBA has shown it’s willing to adapt, and the new CBA provides a framework for that. It’s a bold move that could set the stage for even bigger changes down the road.
As the WNBA continues to push boundaries, it’s clear that the league is on an upward trajectory. The expansion of the regular season is just the latest example of how the W is evolving. For fans, it means more basketball, more drama, and more reasons to tune in.
