The WNBA is the top women’s basketball league in the United States. It’s filled with amazing athletes, exciting games, and plenty of slam dunks and buzzer-beaters. But one question fans often ask is pretty simple:
How many games are in a WNBA season? Let’s break it down in a fun and easy way!
TL;DR
The WNBA regular season has 40 games per team as of the 2023 season. There are also playoffs that come after the regular season and can add several more games. The league used to have fewer games in the past, but it’s growing! Keep reading to find out how it all works.
What’s a Regular Season?
The regular season is the main part of the WNBA year. This is when all the teams play games to earn a spot in the playoffs. Each team tries to win as many games as they can.
As of the 2023 season, each team plays:
- 40 regular season games
That’s right! The WNBA recently expanded the number of games from 36 to 40. That means more basketball, more action, and more chances for fun!
How Are the Games Spread Out?
Teams don’t just play randomly. The league creates a full schedule before the season even starts. Here’s how it works:
- There are 12 teams in the WNBA.
- Each team plays games against all the others, both at home and away.
- Some matchups happen more than others, depending on the schedule.
Games are spread throughout the summer, usually from May through early September.
Why Did the Number of Games Change?
In the past, WNBA teams played fewer games. Here’s a quick look back in time:
- 1997 (First season): Just 28 games
- 2016–2022: Around 34–36 games per team
- 2023 and beyond: 40 games per team
The league added more games because fans wanted more basketball, and the players are more than ready. This means players get more chances to shine, and fans get more to cheer about!
What About the Playoffs?
After the regular season, the WNBA Playoffs begin. The format is different from the regular season:
- The top 8 teams make the playoffs, no matter their conference.
- They play in a bracket-style tournament, similar to March Madness or the NBA.
- It starts with best-of-3 series in the first round.
- Then, the semifinals and finals are best-of-5 series.
Depending on how far a team goes, they could play up to 13 extra playoff games. So, if a team reaches the Finals, it could end up playing more than 50 games in a season!
Don’t Forget the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup!
This is a special midseason tournament that adds even more fun to the season. Here’s what it’s all about:
- 10 of the regular games are marked as “Cup games.”
- The top team from each conference in those games plays in the Cup Final.
- The Cup Final is a one-game showdown with a cash prize on the line!
This doesn’t add more games to the schedule (except for the Cup Final), but it adds more excitement and something else to play for during the season.
What’s the WNBA Schedule Like Day to Day?
The WNBA season is packed and fast-paced. On any given day, there could be:
- Games on TV (often on ESPN, ABC, or CBS Sports)
- Doubleheaders with two games back-to-back
- Events like theme nights or fan giveaways
Players only get a few off-days between games, especially when they’re traveling between cities. That’s why staying healthy and fit is super important for every athlete.
Do All Players Play Every Game?
Not always! Here’s why:
- Sometimes players get injured or need rest.
- Others may miss games due to overseas commitments or national teams.
- Coaches might rest players to keep them fresh for the playoffs.
But even if one star is sitting out, teams are full of talented players ready to step up. Every game is guaranteed entertainment.
What Makes the WNBA Season Special?
Besides the amazing talent, the WNBA season brings:
- Summer basketball fun – games are held in warmer months when fans are free to come watch
- High competitiveness – with only 12 teams and limited games, every game really matters
- Rising stars and all-time greats – rookies play beside legends like Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart
And with more nationally televised games and sold-out arenas, the WNBA is hotter than ever.
Let’s Recap! How Many Games?
- Regular season games per team: 40
- Possible playoff games: Up to 13 more
- Total possible games per team: Around 50+ if they go all the way
Plus 1 bonus game for the Commissioner’s Cup if they qualify!
Want to Watch or Follow the WNBA Season?
You can tune in using:
- WNBA League Pass – for streaming every game live or on demand
- National TV – ESPN, ABC, CBS Sports, and Amazon Prime have games
- Social media and highlights – Follow your favorite teams on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
And of course, buy a ticket and support your local team live if you can. There’s nothing like cheering courtside!
Final Thoughts
So now you know — a WNBA team plays 40 regular season games, plus a shot at playoffs and the Commissioner’s Cup. That’s a lot of hard work, but it means a lot of basketball fun for players and fans alike.
Whether you’re new to the league or a long-time fan, every season is packed with slam dunks, game-winners, and pure excitement. Who’s ready for tip-off?