2026 WNBA season begins May 8. Preseason tip-off: April 25 (Indiana Fever vs. New York Liberty). Total teams: 14. Salary cap: $7 million (up from $1.5 million). Largest contract: A'ja Wilson, 3 years, $5 million, Las Vegas Aces.

 The 2026 WNBA season tips off May 8 as the most transformed version of the league in its 30-year history — a new $7 million salary cap, two expansion franchises (Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo), A'ja Wilson on a $5 million supermax deal, and a historic draft class led by Azzi Fudd (No. 1, Dallas), Olivia Miles (No. 2, Minnesota), and Awa Fam Thiam (No. 3, Seattle). The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty enter as co-favorites, but the Atlanta Dream's acquisition of Angel Reese, the Indiana Fever's healthy Caitlin Clark-Kelsey Mitchell backcourt, and the Minnesota Lynx's addition of Miles alongside Napheesa Collier have created the deepest competitive field in league history. We break down every contender, every major draft pick, and the bold predictions for the season ahead.