So you're looking for the WNBA schedule for today, January 15, 2026. You’ve got the snacks ready, the jersey on, and you’re scrolling through the sports apps trying to find a tip-off time. Honestly? You aren't going to find one.
There are no WNBA games today. In fact, there won't be a professional WNBA game for a few months.
I know, it’s a bummer. If you're a newer fan who jumped on the bandwagon during the "Caitlin Clark effect" era or because of the league's massive expansion, the off-season can feel like a desert. But there is a very specific reason the league is dark right now—and it actually involves some of the highest stakes in the history of women's sports.
The Reality of What WNBA Games Are on Today
The WNBA season is strictly a summer affair. It typically runs from May through late October. Right now, we are in the dead of winter, which means the players are either resting, training, or playing in other leagues.
But 2026 isn't a normal year. Usually, we’d be talking about free agency starting in a couple of weeks. This year, everything is frozen.
Why things feel different this January
If you've been following the news, you know the league is in the middle of a massive power struggle. The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) technically expired on January 9, 2026. Because the WNBA and the Players’ Association (WNBPA) haven't reached a new deal yet, we are in a "status quo" period.
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Just three days ago, on January 12, both sides agreed to a moratorium on all free agency transactions.
Basically, the league hit the giant pause button. Teams can’t sign players, and players can’t negotiate those massive new contracts we’re all expecting. The union actually authorized a strike back in December, so while we’re all asking what WNBA games are on today, the players are busy in boardrooms trying to secure things like better travel, higher salaries (the league is reportedly offering a $1.3 million max!), and a bigger slice of that juicy new media rights deal.
If the WNBA is Off, What Basketball Can I Watch?
Just because the W is in hibernation doesn't mean women's hoops has stopped. If you need a fix today, you actually have some pretty great options.
1. Unrivaled: The 3-on-3 Alternative
If you want to see WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, you should be looking at Unrivaled. This is the new 3-on-3 league that everyone is buzzing about.
While there isn't a game literally tonight (January 15), there is a massive slate tomorrow, January 16. The Rose BC (led by Chelsea Gray and Angel Reese) is set to take on the Hive BC at 8:45 PM ET. It’s fast, it’s played in Miami, and it’s basically the only place to see the pros playing at a high level right now.
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2. NCAA Women's College Basketball
Tonight is actually a huge night for the college game. Since many WNBA fans are also college fans, this is where the action is. Here are a couple of matchups happening today, January 15, 2026:
- Washington State vs. Saint Mary’s: Catch this one at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) on ESPN+. Keep an eye on Eleonora Villa—she’s been a scoring machine lately.
- UC Davis vs. Cal State Fullerton: Another late-night West Coast battle starting at 7:00 PM PT on ESPN+.
College ball is where the next generation of WNBA stars is currently auditioning. If you want to know who your team will be drafting in 2027 or 2028, these are the games you should be scouting.
What to Expect for the 2026 WNBA Season
Since there are no games today, let's talk about when you can actually go to an arena. The 2026 season is going to be a landmark year for a few reasons.
First off, we have expansion. The Golden State Valkyries are finally here. But they aren't alone. The league is also preparing for the arrival of the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. It’s the biggest growth spurt the league has ever seen.
Key Dates to Circle
Assuming the CBA negotiations don't lead to a lockout—which, let's be real, nobody wants—here is the rough timeline you should keep in your calendar:
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- The Draft: Usually happens in mid-April. This is where the Dallas Wings will likely use that #1 overall pick they secured in the lottery.
- Training Camp: Starts late April.
- Opening Night: Expect tip-off in early May 2026.
- All-Star Weekend: This is officially set for July 24–25, 2026, in Chicago. The main game will be at the United Center.
Why the "Today" Search Matters
I get why people are searching for WNBA games today. The league has reached a level of cultural relevance where it feels like it should be year-round. We see the highlights on social media every day. We see the players at fashion shows and in commercials.
The reality is that the 44-game schedule is still relatively short compared to the NBA. This is something the players are fighting to change. Part of the current CBA battle is about whether the season should be longer or if the "prioritization rule" (which punishes players for playing overseas) needs to be tweaked.
Your Next Steps for Staying Ready
Since you can't watch a game tonight, here is how you can stay in the loop so you don't miss the actual start of the season:
- Follow the CBA updates: Check sites like The Next or Just Women's Sports. If a deal is signed, the free agency moratorium will lift, and the "WNBA Twitter" chaos will be legendary.
- Set a reminder for the Unrivaled games tomorrow: If you have TNT or Max, the 3-on-3 games are a great way to see how the stars are staying sharp.
- Watch the College Top 25: Thursday nights are usually heavy for NCAA women's games. Download the ESPN app and filter by "Women's College Basketball" to see the full list of tonight's tip-offs.
The 2026 WNBA season is going to be wild. Between the new teams and the massive salary jumps, the league you see in May will look very different from the one that ended last year. Just hang tight—the wait will be worth it.