In 2026, women’s basketball stands at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The WNBA and its players’ association are involved in intense labor talks, while Unrivaled seeks to build on its impressive debut. Meanwhile, a newcomer, Project B, could reshape the winter basketball scene. College basketball interest is rising, but as the NCAA Tournament nears, the sport’s leadership in popularity is becoming less certain.
Before things potentially take a turn for the worse, journalists Ben Pickman and Sabrina Merchant from The Athletic share their outlooks for the upcoming year in the WNBA, college hoops, and the women’s basketball business.
WNBA
Merchant predicts that expansion teams, like the Golden State Valkyries who set a high bar in 2025 by making the playoffs in their first season, will continue to thrive. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire have plenty of veteran free agents to build competitive rosters, with Toronto bringing in championship-winning coach Sandy Brondello, and Portland hiring Valkyries’ deputy GM Vanya Chernivets to ensure early success. Despite a potentially disruptive offseason filled with player moves, both teams are likely to crack the playoffs in 2027. Whether they aim to win immediately or plan for the 2027 draft remains open.
Pickman expects a new face to claim the WNBA MVP award, ending the recent dominance of Brianna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. While injuries may affect contenders like Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas’s continued strong performance and rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers could soon capture the honor, with Bueckers favored for now.
College Basketball
Pickman doubts UConn will repeat as national champions despite their unbeaten run and impressive wins early in the season. Historical trends show no back-to-back champions recently, and teams like Texas, UCLA, Michigan, South Carolina, LSU, and Iowa State present strong competition. Pickman initially picked UCLA for the title and remains confident.
On the other hand, Merchant believes UConn’s undefeated streak will continue. With coach Geno Auriemma’s leadership and a schedule that favors them, the Huskies boast exceptional defense and offense, driven by standout players like Sarah Strong and Azi Fudd. Their depth, including emerging talent like Blanca Quiñones, positions them well to defend their championship.
Sports Business
Merchant is skeptical about Project B, a new global two-week tournament featuring top WNBA stars but lacking a traditional league framework or clear fan engagement strategy. Secrecy around its operations and financing fuels doubt about its viability, especially amid the WNBA’s labor uncertainty which may force Project B’s debut to be delayed until 2027.
Pickman anticipates the WNBA and its players’ union will reach a deal, despite ongoing tough negotiations and the looming threat of a strike. Both sides recognize the league’s rapid growth and the risks of halting progress. Though finalizing the new collective bargaining agreement won’t be easy, the season is expected to start on time in May with all key drafts and rosters settled.
Fan Take: This year’s developments are crucial for WNBA fans as the league balances expansion, emerging stars, and labor negotiations—each playing a role in shaping the sport’s future. Success in these areas means more competitive games, greater visibility, and stronger business foundations that could elevate women’s basketball to new heights globally.
