If you just typed "WNBA box scores today" into your search bar expecting to see Caitlin Clark's latest stat line or a Las Vegas Aces score, you’re probably staring at a blank screen or a list of old games. Honestly, it’s a bit jarring. You’ve got the league at its peak popularity, but the scoreboard is dark.
Here is the thing: there aren't any WNBA games today, January 17, 2026.
The league is currently in its deepest offseason period. If you’re seeing "live" stats on social media, they’re either highlights from the 2025 Finals or they belong to Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league that’s currently keeping the women’s basketball world on life support during the winter.
The Reality of WNBA Box Scores Today
Usually, by mid-January, we’d be talking about free agency "box scores"—who signed where and for how much. But 2026 is weird. Everything is basically frozen because of the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) drama.
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On January 12, the WNBA and the Players Association (WNBPA) hit the "pause" button. They signed a formal moratorium. That means teams can’t even send out qualifying offers or use "core" designations—the league's version of the franchise tag.
So, if you’re looking for WNBA box scores today, you’re effectively looking at a frozen market. No signings. No trades. No news.
Why the stats are coming from Unrivaled instead
While the WNBA is dark, the Unrivaled league is actually playing. This is the 3-on-3 league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. If you saw a box score today, it was likely from the Lunar Owls BC vs. Mist BC matchup or the Vinyl BC vs. Breeze BC game scheduled for tonight.
These aren't WNBA games, but the rosters are basically a "Who's Who" of the W. You've got stars like Paige Bueckers—who the Dallas Wings just snagged with the #1 overall pick in the lottery—getting her first taste of pro-level competition here.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Offseason
Most casual fans think the WNBA season follows the NBA calendar. It doesn't. While the NBA is hitting its mid-season stride (the Lakers just played the Kings a few days ago, for context), the WNBA is in a period of massive structural change.
We are currently waiting on the expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire.
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Usually, we'd have a box score for these expansion drafts by now. But since the CBA is in a "status quo" period, the rules for how many players teams can "protect" haven't even been finalized. Last year, the Golden State Valkyries could only take one player per team and existing teams could protect six. For 2026, with two teams entering at once, that math changes everything.
The $1 Million Dollar Box Score
There is a specific number floating around the negotiation table that explains why the players are willing to risk a strike. The league's latest offer includes a max base salary of $1 million.
Think about that.
Current max salaries are around $249,000. Jumping to $1.3 million with revenue sharing is a massive leap. But the players are pushing for 30% of gross revenue, not just the "net" profits the league wants to share after deducting expenses like charter flights and security.
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How to Track "Scores" During the Moratorium
Since you can't get a traditional box score, the "stats" to watch right now are the negotiation deadlines.
- The Status Quo Period: We are currently in it. Either side can technically strike or lock out at any moment.
- The Unrivaled Schedule: Games happen almost every night in Miami. This is where the actual basketball is being played.
- NCAA Box Scores: If you want to see the future of the WNBA, look at the college scores. Mikayla Blakes just dropped 38 for Vanderbilt the other night. These are the players who will fill out the rosters for the Tempo and the Fire.
Why 2026 Is a Transition Year
The WNBA is growing too fast for its own clothes. Adding Toronto and Portland in the same year is a logistical nightmare even without the CBA expiring.
Honestly, the "box score" that matters right now isn't points or rebounds. It's the number of roster spots. With two expansion teams and the Valkyries entering their second year, we’re looking at dozens of new jobs. But until the paperwork is signed, those jobs don't technically exist.
If you are looking for real-time basketball involving your favorite WNBA stars today, your best bet is to tune into TNT or Max for the Unrivaled games. Tonight's Vinyl BC vs. Breeze BC game starts at 8:45 p.m. ET. That’s the only box score you’re going to find that features WNBA talent right now.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Stop refreshing the empty WNBA scores page and pivot your tracking strategy for the winter.
- Follow the Moratorium News: Set alerts for Ramona Shelburne or Annie Costabile. They are the ones who will break the news when the "freeze" on free agency ends.
- Watch Unrivaled: Since it’s 3-on-3, the box scores look different (higher scoring, shorter games), but it's the only way to see players like Arike Ogunbowale and Jackie Young in action.
- Monitor the Expansion Protected Lists: Once the CBA is signed, teams will have to release their protected lists. This is the "Draft Board" for the Toronto and Portland rosters.
The WNBA will be back with a 44-game schedule eventually, but for today, the scoreboard is in the boardroom, not the arena.