What is the story about?
On Wednesday, the WNBA announced that the 2027 season will expand to 50 games, up from 44 in the 2026 season. This is not a surprise, considering that the league has expanded the season up from 34 games back in 2019. It is also allowed in the current collective bargaining agreement.
Kareem Copeland of ESPN (yes, he was the former Washington Mystics beat writer for The Washington Post) also added that the WNBA could expand the season even further to 52 games in 2029. Also, these season expansions are allowed
in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Here is what it means for various stakeholders:
- Owners: They will generate more ticket revenue with three additional home games per season (22 to 25). This also cushions the impact of increased player salaries in the 2025 season. Owners who also own NBA teams, like Monumental Sports & Entertainment for the Mystics and Washington Wizards, may have to start juggling arena dates if their WNBA teams make the finals which will move into the NBA regular season.
- Players: Players have higher salaries now. With the season (meaning the WNBA Finals) now possibly ending as late as Nov. 30, the players will consider this a pay cut. Sure they are still getting paid a hell of a lot more than in 2025, but playing more regular season games for set salaries is a pay cut. Also, fewer players
- Media providers: These guys will get more bang for their buck by playing WNBA playoff games in November.
- The fans: You have more opportunities to watch your favorite WNBA team. If you have season tickets for your favorite team, that also means prices will go up by default, with three more regular-season games in 2027. But it will likely be compounded by ticket price increases due to inflation, demand and the like.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
