The WNBA and WNBPA still have not reached an agreement on a new CBA (collective bargaining agreement) for the 2026 season, but that hasn't stopped the league from proceeding as if it's business as usual. The W's leadership recently released the schedule for the upcoming campaign, revealing that the 44-game season is planned to start on May 8. Announcing the 2026 season's tip-off date allows the league to set the foundation for play to start on time, in case the ongoing negotiations result in a new CBA agreement. The confirmed start date also provides the newest expansion franchises, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, to plan ahead as much as possible despite not having a date set for the expansion draft. The WNBA and players' union are currently operating in a “status quo” period, which allows both sides to continue following the existing CBA.