WNBA 2026 Season to Air on Sky Sport and NOW with Expanded Coverage

The WNBA has confirmed a multi-year partnership with Sky Sport and NOW for the 2026 season, marking a significant expansion of its broadcasting footprint in Europe. According to a press release from the league, 30 regular-season games will be televised on Sky Sport, with additional matches available via streaming on NOW. The deal, finalized in late 2024, aims to increase the league’s visibility ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to growing the game globally,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a statement. “Sky Sport and NOW have demonstrated a strong dedication to women’s basketball, and we’re excited to bring fans in the UK and Ireland access to some of the most exciting matchups of the season.”

Key Matches and Broadcast Schedule

The 2026 season will feature 36 regular-season games per team, with Sky Sport selecting 30 games for live coverage. The schedule includes marquee matchups such as the New York Liberty’s home games against the Chicago Sky, the Phoenix Mercury’s rivalry with the Las Vegas Aces, and the Connecticut Sun’s contests against the Seattle Storm. A league spokesperson confirmed that all 12 teams will be represented in the broadcast lineup, with a focus on high-stakes games and playoff implications.

Streaming on NOW will provide additional flexibility for fans, with full-game replays and highlights available on-demand. Sky Sport’s coverage will begin on May 12, 2026, with the Indiana Fever hosting the Atlanta Dream. The first broadcast will air at 3:00 PM BST, with a post-game analysis show scheduled for 6:00 PM BST.

Why This Matters for Fans and the League

The expanded coverage comes as the WNBA seeks to capitalize on growing global interest in women’s sports. The 2023 season saw a 12% increase in average viewership compared to 2022, according to Nielsen ratings, with the Las Vegas Aces’ championship run drawing record numbers. The Sky Sport deal is expected to further boost the league’s profile in regions where basketball has traditionally been less dominant.

“This is a game-changer for the sport,” said Dr. Jennifer Herring, a sports economist at the University of Southern California. “By securing a major broadcaster like Sky Sport, the WNBA is positioning itself to attract new audiences and sponsors, which could lead to higher salaries and better facilities for players.”

How to Watch: TV and Streaming Details

Fans in the UK and Ireland can access WNBA games on Sky Sport’s dedicated channel, Sky Sports Action. The network will also offer live scores, player interviews, and in-game statistics via its app. NOW, the streaming service owned by Sky, will provide full-game streams for subscribers, with no additional fees required for the WNBA package.

For those outside the region, the league’s official website and app will distribute select games via international partnerships. However, the Sky Sport and NOW arrangement is the first of its kind for the WNBA in the UK, according to league officials.

Player Impact and Roster Updates

The 2026 season will see several high-profile free agents, including All-Star guard A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and forward Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, enter the market. Both players have been linked to potential moves, though no official trades have been announced as of early 2025. The WNBA’s draft, scheduled for April 12, 2026, will also be broadcast live on Sky Sport.

League sources indicate that teams are actively working on roster adjustments to align with the new broadcasting deal. “The increased exposure will allow teams to showcase their stars to a broader audience,” said Seattle Storm general manager Lauren Hughes. “It’s an opportunity to build fanbases and generate more revenue through merchandise and ticket sales.”

What’s Next for the WNBA?

The 2026 season will also serve as a prelude to the 2028 Olympics, with the league working closely with the International Olympic Committee to promote the event. A spokesperson for the IOC noted that the WNBA’s global broadcast strategy is “critical to the success of the 2028 Games,” as the league will play a key role in developing Olympic-ready talent.

The next confirmed checkpoint for fans is the WNBA Draft Lottery on February 15, 2026, which will determine the order of selections for the 2026 draft. Fans can watch the event live on Sky Sports Action and NOW, with coverage starting at 10:00 AM BST.

As the league continues to expand its footprint, the Sky Sport and NOW partnership underscores the WNBA’s growing influence on the international stage. With a mix of marquee matchups, player development, and strategic broadcasting, the 2026 season promises to be one of the most exciting in the league’s history.

Have questions about the WNBA’s 2026 schedule or how to access the games? Share your thoughts below or join the conversation on social media using #WNBA2026.