If you just woke up on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the first thing you did was check the schedule to see do the fever play today, I have some news that might be a bit of a letdown. No. They aren’t playing. Honestly, nobody in the WNBA is playing right now.
It’s mid-January. In the basketball world, this is usually the "dead zone" for the pros, unless you’re looking at the NBA. The Indiana Fever, and the rest of the league, are currently in the thick of what has become a very complicated offseason.
Basically, if you’re looking for Caitlin Clark or Aliyah Boston highlights from today, you’re going to be scrolling through TikTok or YouTube for old clips. The 2026 season hasn't actually started yet. And because of some serious behind-the-scenes drama with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), things are looking a little different than they usually do this time of year.
Do the Fever play today? The short answer and the long reality
So, let's get the direct answer out of the way. Do the Fever play today? No. There are no WNBA games scheduled for January 18, 2026.
The WNBA is a summer league. Traditionally, the regular season doesn’t tip off until mid-May. Last year, for example, the Fever opened their season on May 14. We are still a solid four months away from the actual 2026 season opener.
But there’s a bigger reason why the schedule looks empty. Right now, the league and the Players Association (WNBPA) are essentially at a standstill. You’ve probably heard bits and pieces about it, but they’re fighting over a new CBA. Until that contract is signed, the official 2026 schedule isn't even finalized. Usually, we’d have a full list of games by now, but the uncertainty over revenue sharing and salary caps has everything on pause.
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It’s kinda frustrating for fans. You want to plan your summer trips to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but the dates aren't set in stone.
Where is everyone? The "Unrivaled" factor
Just because the Fever aren't playing as a team today doesn't mean the players are just sitting on their couches. If you’re desperate for women’s hoops, you actually can see some Fever stars in action today—just not in a Fever jersey.
Have you heard of Unrivaled? It’s that new 3-on-3 league started by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. It’s been huge this winter.
- Aliyah Boston has been tearing it up in Miami for the Unrivaled season.
- Lexie Hull is also in the mix, showing off that defensive grit that made her a fan favorite in Indy.
- Caitlin Clark, however, has been mostly laying low. After that grueling 2025 season and a minor groin injury that sidelined her late in the year, she’s been focused on recovery and "running it back" for the 2026 WNBA season.
So, while the Fever as an organization is dormant today, the individual players are all over the place. Some are overseas in Europe or China, and some are in Miami playing 3-on-3.
Why the 2026 season is going to be different
When the Fever do eventually take the court—likely in May 2026—the league is going to look a bit bigger. We’re talking expansion.
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The WNBA is adding teams. The Golden State Valkyries joined recently, and now everyone is buzzing about the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. This means more games, more travel, and a much more crowded race for the playoffs.
For the Fever, the goal is simple: championship or bust. They finally broke that playoff drought in 2024, and despite a heartbreaking semifinal exit against the Las Vegas Aces in 2025, the trajectory is pointing straight up. Stephanie White is back at the helm, and the front office has made it clear that keeping the core together is the only priority.
Amber Cox, the Fever GM, hasn't been shy about it. She’s called re-signing Kelsey Mitchell "Priority No. 1." Mitchell is coming off a monster year where she averaged over 20 points a game. Losing her would be a massive blow to the chemistry she’s built with Clark.
The Caitlin Clark effect in 2026
You can't talk about the Fever without talking about the CC effect. Attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse averaged over 17,000 last season. That’s not just "good for the WNBA"—that’s NBA-level attendance.
Because of that demand, even though we don't know the exact schedule for today, we know that tickets are going to be a nightmare to get once they drop. If you’re asking "do the Fever play today" because you’re looking to buy tickets, you need to be ready the second that CBA is signed.
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People are expecting a May 17th start date, roughly. But again, that’s an educated guess.
What you should do instead of looking for a game today
Since there’s no game to watch, here’s how you can actually stay prepared for when the season finally arrives:
- Check the Unrivaled scores: If you want to see Aliyah Boston, look up the Unrivaled league schedule. They have games running throughout January in Miami.
- Sign up for Fever ticket alerts: Don't wait for the news to hit Twitter. Go to the official Fever website and get on the email list. When the 2026 schedule finally drops (post-CBA negotiations), those home opener tickets will vanish in minutes.
- Keep an eye on the CBA news: This is the boring part of sports, but it matters. If the league and players don't reach a deal by April, we could be looking at a lockout. That would move the "Fever play today" date even further back.
- Watch the expansion draft: Keep tabs on who the Toronto and Portland teams pick. It might affect which depth players the Fever can protect.
The Fever are currently the most talked-about team in women's sports for a reason. The wait is long, especially through these cold January weeks, but the payoff in May is going to be massive.
For now, grab some merch, watch some 2025 highlights, and keep your notifications on for that schedule release. The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride, even if the court is quiet today.
Actionable Next Steps:
To stay ahead of the crowd, head over to the Indiana Fever official site and register for their "Inside Fever" newsletter. This is the fastest way to get notified the moment the 2026 schedule is officially released. Additionally, you can follow the WNBPA's social media accounts for real-time updates on the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, which will ultimately dictate when the season actually begins.