The Las Vegas Aces will raise their third championship banner in four years on May 9, hosting the Phoenix Mercury at T-Mobile Arena in a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals. The league announced the 2026 schedule Wednesday, contingent on a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and its players’ union.
The Aces swept the Mercury in the first best-of-seven finals series last October. The opener at T-Mobile Arena, which seats about 20,000, is a significant upgrade from the Aces’ usual home, Michelob Ultra Arena. Tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m.
A quick turnaround follows: the Aces travel to Los Angeles on May 10 for a 3 p.m. game against the Sparks. That begins a four-game road trip. The Aces’ first home game at Michelob Ultra Arena is May 21 against the Sparks, which could mark the team’s 50th consecutive sellout at that venue.
The 44-game regular season runs from May 8 to Sept. 24, with each team playing 22 home and 22 road games. The league reduced the average number of back-to-back games per team from 2.4 in 2025 to 1.6 this season, but the Aces are scheduled for three back-to-backs — more than most teams.
One notable stretch: the Aces won’t have a homestand until June 21, when they host the Golden State Valkyries, followed by the New York Liberty on June 23 and the Dallas Wings on June 25.
Two expansion teams, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, will debut this season. However, their roster-building processes — including an expansion draft, free agency, and the WNBA draft — are on hold pending a new CBA. Negotiations have been ongoing for 15 months.
“Releasing the 2026 schedule is a key step as we prepare for the WNBA’s 30th season and allows teams, partners, broadcasters and fans to begin the essential planning for the year ahead,” a WNBA spokesperson told The Associated Press.
Other key dates: The Commissioner’s Cup runs June 2-17, with the Aces facing all Western Conference teams. A break for the FIBA World Cup in Berlin is scheduled from Aug. 21 to Sept. 16. The playoffs begin Sept. 27.
The Aces’ full schedule includes home games at T-Mobile Arena on July 3 (vs. Chicago) and July 5 (vs. Indiana).
