How Many Games Are in a WNBA Season?
The how many games in a WNBA season question has a new answer for 2026: the league has expanded the regular season to 44 games. This increase from the previous 40-game schedule is part of a massive growth phase that also includes the addition of two new expansion franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. The season now provides more broadcast opportunities than ever, with 20 regular-season games airing on major networks like CBS.
Including playoffs, a WNBA team playing the full postseason can play up to 50 games in a season. The WNBA Finals is a best-of-five series, so a championship run adds up to 5 more games on top of the regular season total.
WNBA Season Structure
| Phase | Games | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 40 games per team | Mid-May to mid-September |
| First Round Playoffs | Best of 3 (up to 3 games) | Mid-September |
| Semifinals | Best of 5 (up to 5 games) | Late September |
| WNBA Finals | Best of 5 (up to 5 games) | October |
| Maximum possible games | Up to 53 total | Regular season + full playoff run |
How the WNBA Season Has Grown Over Time
| Era | Games per Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997-2000 (inaugural) | 28-32 games | League launched in 1997 with just 8 teams |
| 2001-2004 | 32 games | Stabilized schedule |
| 2005-2009 | 34 games | Gradual expansion |
| 2010-2019 | 34 games | Long period of consistency |
| 2020 | 22 games | COVID-19 bubble season |
| 2021-2023 | 36 games | Post-bubble expansion |
| 2024 onward | 40 games | Continued growth investment |
WNBA vs NBA Season Comparison
| Factor | WNBA | NBA |
|---|---|---|
| Regular season games | 40 | 82 |
| Season duration | ~5 months (May-Sep) | ~6 months (Oct-Apr) |
| Playoff teams | 8 of 12 teams | 16 of 30 teams |
| Finals format | Best of 5 | Best of 7 |
| Season timing | Summer | Fall/Winter/Spring |
Why the WNBA Season Is Shorter
- The WNBA was designed as a summer league to avoid competing with the NBA directly.
- Many WNBA players also play overseas leagues during the off-season (October-April).
- The shorter season has been a point of debate as player salaries have increased and the league has grown.
- The expansion to 40 games in 2024 signals the league’s confidence in its growing audience and TV deal.
The WNBA continues to grow its schedule alongside its fanbase. The 40-game season marks a meaningful milestone for a league that began with just 28 games back in 1997 – and with continued expansion in interest, viewership, and talent, a 44 or 48-game schedule in the near future wouldn’t be a surprise.
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