How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Season: Streaming and TV Guide

The WNBA is entering its 30th season, marked by a high-stakes competitive landscape as the Las Vegas Aces and superstar A’ja Wilson attempt to repeat as WNBA Finals champions. The season features a deep roster of talent vying for the championship trophy, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu.

The 2026 season spans five and a half months, beginning in May and concluding on October 20, provided the WNBA Finals extend to seven games. A notable interruption occurs during August and September, when the league will take a two-week break to accommodate the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tournament.

Broadcast and Streaming Availability

Viewing options for the 2026 regular season are distributed across a wide array of traditional broadcast channels and digital streaming platforms. Games will be aired on ABC, ESPN, NBC, NBC Sports, USA Network, ION Television, CBS, CBS Sports Network, and NBA TV.

For fans utilizing streaming services, access is available through DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, Prime Video, Peacock, Paramount+, ESPN Unlimited, and WNBA League Pass. Those with existing cable, satellite, or live-channel streaming subscriptions can find specific game times via their local listings.

Cable-Alternative Streaming Options

Several streaming platforms offer bundles that replicate the cable experience, providing access to multiple networks that broadcast WNBA games.

DirecTV provides a signature streaming package called Choice, which includes over 125 live channels. This package covers ABC, ESPN, NBC, NBC Sports, USA Network, ION, CBS, and NBA TV. For a limited time, new subscribers can access this service for $84.99 per month for the first 24 months, reduced from the regular price of $94.99. The service includes a five-day free trial for new users.

Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial and bundles its service with Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. The subscription starts at $89.99 per month and provides access to ABC, ESPN, NBC, USA Network, CBS, and CBS Sports Network.

Fubo’s Pro plan serves as another cable alternative, starting at $48.99 per month for the first month of service. This plan includes broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, ION, CBS, CBS Sports Network, and NBA TV. Fubo also offers a five-day free trial and includes more than 200 other channels, such as FOX Sports and the NHL Network.

Sling TV provides access through the Sling Orange + Blue subscription. This package includes ABC, ESPN, NBC, USA Network, and ION. Availability for local networks, such as FOX, varies depending on the user’s local TV market.

Direct-to-Consumer and Specialized Services

Fans seeking more targeted streaming options can utilize platform-specific subscriptions to access the networks carrying the games.

Peacock serves as the official streamer for NBC, providing games featured on NBC, NBC Sports, and USA Network via the Peacock Premium plan for $10.99 per month. There is currently no free trial available for this platform.

Paramount+ offers two tiers for viewers watching CBS and CBS Sports Network. The Essential Plan is priced at $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year and includes limited commercials. The ad-free plan costs $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year and includes access to the local CBS station and Showtime.

ESPN Unlimited is available for $29.99 per month. This service aggregates every ESPN network—including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, and ESPN Deportes—along with the SEC Network, ACC Network, and ESPN on ABC, all within a single application.

WNBA League Pass and Prime Video

For fans wanting to follow out-of-market games, WNBA League Pass provides comprehensive coverage. This service includes live out-of-market games, on-demand access to every game, and a library of hundreds of archival games.

League Pass is available as an add-on for Prime Video subscribers, with pricing starting at $14.99 per month or $39.99 per year. Amazon Prime members, who pay $14.99 per month after a 30-day free trial, can integrate this service into their existing account. A seven-day free trial is available specifically for WNBA League Pass through Prime Video.

Cultural Impact and Attendance

Beyond the athletic competition, WNBA games continue to be a draw for high-profile celebrities and recording artists. Expected attendees throughout the 2026 season include Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Aubrey Plaza, Natalie Portman, Common, Spike Lee, Flavor Flav, Ben Platt, and Jason Sudeikis.