The WNBA tips off its 2026 season on Saturday, Oct. 24, marking a historic shift under the new collective bargaining agreement that has ushered in the era of million-dollar salaries. The Las Vegas Aces enter the campaign as the team to beat, with defending MVP A’ja Wilson poised to lead the charge for a second consecutive championship. However, the path to the title is far from clear, as three well-funded contenders—the Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty, and Indiana Fever—have aggressively bolstered their rosters to challenge Vegas’ dominance.
Aces aim for back-to-back titles as Clark returns and Ionesco sits out opener
The offseason has been defined by high-stakes roster moves and the return of key stars. The Indiana Fever, who missed much of last season without floor general Caitlin Clark, are now fully healthy and ready to assert themselves as a top-tier threat. Conversely, the New York Liberty faces an early hurdle with star center Sabrina Ionesco sidelined after rolling her ankle in a preseason matchup against the Connecticut Sun. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream made a splash by acquiring All-Star Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky, adding elite talent to a squad that already posted a 30-win record in the previous campaign.
Fans can follow the opening night action via the full schedule below, with all times listed in Eastern Standard Time. For comprehensive analysis, player updates, and in-depth commentary, readers are encouraged to visit the USA TODAY Studio IX women’s sports hub. As the league enters this new financial era, the competition is starker than ever, and every possession counts in the race for the 2026 championship.
Source: Yahoo Sports
