The WNBA is currently involved in ongoing, tense collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks with the WNBPA. Despite months of stalled negotiations, the league has moved forward by officially announcing its 2026 schedule, refocusing attention on the basketball season. Caitlin Clark is already making waves, with the season opener highlighting a highly anticipated showdown between her and fellow star Paige Bueckers. This matchup quickly attracted buzz, but it isn’t the only game featuring Clark that has caught attention.
This season will also welcome two new teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, as the WNBA aims to broaden its reach. While the expansion introduces new teams and fresh storylines, Clark’s presence is influencing how other teams perceive their schedules.
Following the schedule release, Tempo’s new head coach Sandy Brondello quickly pinpointed three games she’s most eager to coach. She expressed excitement for facing Phoenix, her offseason home where she coached and won a championship; New York, where she previously coached and looks forward to reconnecting with fans and former players; and Indiana, due to Caitlin Clark’s immense popularity and the lively atmosphere expected in that arena.
The Tempo’s first game is set for May 8 against the Washington Mystics. Brondello’s highlighted games are Phoenix Mercury on May 19, New York Liberty on June 3, and Indiana Fever on June 16.
However, the season opener remains the most anticipated event. Last season, Clark only played 13 games due to injury, increasing the significance of the May 9 tipoff where the Indiana Fever will host the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This game is not just a reunion for fans to see Clark back on the court but also a showdown steeped in rivalry dating back to their NCAA days.
This will be the first time since 2016 that Indiana and Dallas face off on opening night. The Fever vs. Wings game is extra special, expected to showcase four consecutive No. 1 overall draft picks: Aliyah Boston (2023), Caitlin Clark (2024), the 2025 top pick (Buccaneers), and Dallas’s 2026 top selection still to be named. Last year’s opener featuring Clark and Angel Reese drew massive viewership, and now this return of elite guards and a storied rivalry is just the exciting moment the WNBA wants for its 30th season launch.
Fan Take: The 2026 WNBA season promises electrifying matchups and memorable storylines, especially with Caitlin Clark’s influence growing so profoundly. For fans, this signals a thrilling new chapter of high-level competition and expanding league horizons, which could accelerate the sport’s popularity and visibility.
