2026 WNBA Preseason Schedule: Nigeria Tour, Growth Debuts & How one can Watch

The 2026 WNBA preseason schedule runs from April 25 by Could 3. All preseason video games will probably be obtainable for free through WNBA League Cross for followers who join a free WNBA ID account. The schedule options 18 whole exhibition video games, together with worldwide showcases in opposition to the Nigeria and Japan Nationwide Groups. The variety of video games performed by group ranges from one to 3 relying on the exhibition schedule, age of the franchise, and different league elements. All groups play a 44 recreation common season. 

How one can Watch the 2026 WNBA Preseason Schedule: Free Preseason Streaming 

In a serious win for followers, the WNBA introduced that every one preseason video games (April 25 – Could 3) will probably be obtainable to stream for FREE on the improved WNBA App and WNBA.com.

• WNBA ID Preview: To entry the free streams, followers simply want to enroll in a free WNBA ID account. No bank card or subscription is required throughout this preview interval.
• WNBA League Cross: Each recreation on the schedule beneath will probably be obtainable stay and on-demand by the WNBA App (topic to native blackouts).
• Native TV: Choose video games, such because the Phoenix Mercury’s matchups, will even air domestically on Arizona’s Household 3TV and Arizona’s Household Sports activities.

2026 WNBA Preseason Schedule (with Exhibition Video games)

Preseason Highlights: Excursions & Growth 

• The Nigeria Ladies’s Nationwide Group Tour: D’Tigress will go to three WNBA cities (San Diego, Kansas Metropolis, and Indianapolis). This tour is a serious tune-up for Nigeria’s worldwide roster and affords followers a novel take a look at a number of the world’s greatest non-WNBA expertise.
• The Japan Ladies’s Nationwide Group Tour: The Silver Medalists from the Tokyo Olympics return to the U.S. for a two-game set in opposition to the Aces and Mercury.
• Triple Growth Debuts: In a single week, the Valkyries (San Francisco), Tempo (Toronto), and Hearth (Portland) will all play their first video games. The Toronto Tempo hosts the Connecticut Solar on April 29 in what would be the first-ever WNBA recreation in Canada for the brand new franchise.

WNBA Sources & Printables

WNBA Preseason Ceaselessly Requested Questions

Why do some WNBA groups play extra preseason video games than others? The disparity is often because of worldwide exhibition excursions. In 2026, groups internet hosting the Nigeria or Japan Nationwide Groups play a further recreation, whereas newer enlargement franchises could play fewer video games to prioritize coaching camp and facility logistics.

How can I watch WNBA preseason video games in 2026? Each preseason recreation is on the market to stream without cost by the WNBA App and WNBA.com for followers with a WNBA ID. Some matchups are additionally broadcast on native regional sports activities networks or through WNBA League Cross.

What’s the significance of the Nigeria Ladies’s Nationwide Group tour? The three-game tour permits the reigning AfroBasket champions to compete in opposition to WNBA expertise in main U.S. markets like San Diego, Kansas Metropolis, and Indianapolis, highlighting the rising world footprint of the ladies’s recreation.

Are preseason video games included in a WNBA League Cross subscription? Whereas preseason video games are sometimes supplied as a free preview for WNBA ID holders, they’re additionally archived and obtainable on-demand for normal League Cross subscribers as soon as the common season begins.

What number of gamers can a WNBA group carry through the preseason? Groups can carry as much as 15 gamers throughout coaching camp however should trim their rosters to a most of 12 gamers by the league-mandated minimize deadline in early Could. You will notice groups just like the Fever with 16 that normally means one participant is injured, suspended, or not counting in opposition to the 15. Its a fast transfer to slicing the quantity to 12. 

2026 WNBA Common Season Schedules

Listed below are all the common season schedules for the groups. Printable in PDF for you. 

Will Lewis has coated sports activities for over 18 years, specializing in bracketology, match predictions, and in-depth evaluation throughout school hoops, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and extra. March Insanity is his favourite season, fueling his quest for excellent brackets earlier than diving into professional playoffs. A lifelong Kentucky Wildcats fan, Bengals supporter because the Joe Montana period, and now a Padres devotee, Will delivers dependable, fan-first insights at Sports activities Brackets. Join on X or remark. He loves speaking brackets and extra.