WNBA to Expand Regular Season to 50 Games Starting in 2027

1-Minute Brief

The WNBA's expanded schedule represents the league's longest season and may increase its visibility and commercial opportunities.

Key Facts

• The WNBA announced it will expand its regular-season schedule from 44 to 50 games beginning in 2027.
• This change marks the longest regular season in the league's history.
• CNBC will simulcast 11 WNBA games this season, exposing the league to a new audience.
• The CNBC simulcasts follow the network's spin-out from Comcast.
• The expanded schedule and new broadcast arrangements reflect ongoing changes in the league's media strategy.

What Happened

The WNBA announced an increase in its regular-season schedule to 50 games starting in 2027, the most in league history. Separately, CNBC will simulcast 11 WNBA games this season.

Why It Matters

The expanded schedule may provide more opportunities for players and teams, while increased media exposure could attract new fans and sponsors to the league.

What's Next

Observers will watch how the longer season affects player performance and league operations, as well as the impact of CNBC's simulcasts on audience demographics.