You're probably looking for WNBA scores ESPN today and hitting a bit of a wall. It's mid-January. If you're a die-hard hoops fan, you know the actual WNBA season doesn't tip off until May. But honestly, the "WNBA" search traffic is spiking right now for a completely different reason. While the league itself is technically in its off-season—and currently embroiled in some pretty heavy Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) drama—the players are actually on the court right now in a massive way.
If you check the typical ESPN scoreboards today, January 18, 2026, you aren't going to see the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty playing a standard 40-minute game. Instead, the basketball world is obsessed with Unrivaled, the new 3-on-3 league that's basically taken over the winter.
The Confusion Around WNBA Scores ESPN Today
Let’s clear the air. People are searching for WNBA scores because the stars they love—Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart—are all playing high-stakes games right now. But they aren't playing for the WNBA.
Today's schedule on the Unrivaled court in Miami is actually where the action is. If you're tracking the "WNBA scores" on various apps, you're likely seeing the results from the Rose BC vs. Laces BC game and the Hive BC vs. Phantom BC matchup.
The Rose BC team, led by players like Lexie Hull, is trying to find its footing after a tough loss, while the Laces are coming in with a solid 3-1 record. Later tonight, the Hive (sitting at 1-3) is desperate for a win against the Phantoms. It’s weird seeing these team names instead of the "Sky" or "Fever," but this is where the elite talent is congregating while the WNBA and the players' union (WNBPA) try to figure out their financial future.
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What’s Actually Happening in the WNBA Right Now?
While the on-court scores today belong to Unrivaled, the "WNBA" as an organization is in a bit of a "status quo stasis." If you haven't been following the news, the CBA deadline passed recently without a new deal.
Basically, the players are pushing for a bigger slice of the pie. They want revenue sharing similar to the NBA's "Basketball Related Income" (BRI) model. Currently, the WNBA uses a "trigger" system where players only get extra money if the league hits specific, massive revenue goals. The players are saying, "Hey, we're selling out arenas and jersey sales are through the roof—we shouldn't have to hit a magic number to get our fair share."
So, when you see people talking about the league today, they aren't talking about box scores. They’re talking about:
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- The 2026 Draft Lottery: The Dallas Wings officially secured the No. 1 pick for the upcoming draft on April 13.
- Expansion: The Golden State Valkyries are prepping for their debut, and the league is already eyeing the next cities.
- The CBA Holdout: No new player contracts are likely to be signed until the league and the union reach an agreement.
How to Track These Games Like a Pro
If you are specifically hunting for WNBA scores ESPN today to see how your favorite stars are doing, you have to look at the "Unrivaled" or "Other Leagues" tab on the ESPN app.
- Unrivaled Basketball: Most games are played in Miami. Today’s double-header features Rose vs. Laces at 7:30 PM ET and Hive vs. Phantom at 8:45 PM ET.
- College Hoops: If you’re looking for the future of the WNBA, the college scores are where the real drama is today. Princeton is currently ranked No. 22 and playing like they have something to prove in the Ivy League.
- International Scores: A huge chunk of the WNBA roster is actually in Europe or China right now. You’ll find Jackie Young or Marina Mabrey putting up 20+ points in EuroLeague games, which usually wrap up before noon ET.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Don't let the off-season confuse you. If you want to stay on top of the actual basketball happening today, here is how you should pivot your search:
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- Check the Unrivaled Standings: Mist and Laces are currently tied at the top with 3-1 records. If Laces wins tonight against Rose, they take the solo lead.
- Follow the CBA Updates: Keep an eye on reports from journalists like Jackie Powell or the crew at Just Women’s Sports. The outcome of these talks will dictate whether the 2026 season starts on time in May.
- Watch the 3-on-3 Highlights: Since these games are shorter and higher-intensity, the highlights on social media are often better than the live broadcast. Look for Paige Bueckers' highlights with Breeze BC; she’s been dominant early this year.
The "off-season" doesn't really exist anymore. Between the draft lottery buzz in Dallas and the 3-on-3 battles in Miami, there’s plenty to track even if the official WNBA scoreboard is technically blank.