With the WNBA set to grow from 12 teams in 2024 to 18 by 2030—including the Golden State Valkyries (2025), Toronto and Portland (2026), Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030)—league commissioner Cathy Engelbert has revealed that the schedule may extend into November in coming years .
Currently, the WNBA’s regular season spans May through mid‑September, followed by playoffs that traditionally wrap up by mid‑October. But with expansion comes the need to accommodate more teams, more games, and a best‑of‑seven Finals format beginning in 2025 . Engelbert told CBS Sports that the league “will push later into November” to navigate this growth, international breaks, and to give breathing room during key global events like the FIBA World Cup and future Olympics .
A major motivator: balancing a 44‑game regular season alongside a best‑of‑seven Finals leaves very little slack in the calendar. Last season’s Finals stretched to October 20, and with the 2025 championship slated for no later than October 19, overlap with the NFL—and potential collisions with NBA and college games—becomes increasingly likely .
Elongating the season has generated mixed responses from players. Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams says it makes sense: “Spreading the games out — that logically makes sense.” But she cautioned that logistical concerns, including shared arenas with NBA teams and overseas commitments of many players, make things complex .
These developments arise amid intensified labor negotiations: the league’s current CBA runs through 2025, and players, led by Nneka Ogwumike, are pushing for expanded rosters, improved travel standards, and a more sustainable schedule .
Some experts warn caution. As SBNation noted, expanding roster sizes to at least 14 players or adding two‑way contracts could help alleviate strain , while others emphasize the necessity of balancing growth with on‑court quality.
On the revenue side, this move aligns with aggressive expansion strategy: each new franchise is paying record‑setting entry fees—$250 million for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia—with league values skyrocketing thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark .
In summary: as the WNBA enters an unprecedented growth phase, extending the calendar into November appears increasingly inevitable. It’s a bold step that prioritizes player health, league competitiveness, and financial stability—yet it hinges on successful negotiations around player benefits, roster structures, and scheduling logistics.
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