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- 🔥 Quick Facts
- Historic Free Access Launches Today with All 18 Preseason Games
- Star Rookies Make Professional Debuts This Weekend
- Complete Schedule and Broadcast Details for All 18 Games
- How to Register for Free WNBA ID Access in Seconds
- Why This Preseason Matters More Than Ever for the 2026 WNBA Campaign
The WNBA League Pass just made basketball history today. Every preseason game through May 3 streams completely free with a simple WNBA ID sign-up. Whether you’re catching Caitlin Clark‘s debut or the league’s hottest rookies, all 18 games arrive on the WNBA App with zero subscription required.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Streaming Window: April 25 through May 3, 2026, all 18 games free
- WNBA ID Required: Free sign-up at wnba.com/id unlocks instant access
- Top Debuts: 4 major draft picks making professional debuts this week
- National Broadcasts: 4 games airing live on ION for traditional TV access
Historic Free Access Launches Today with All 18 Preseason Games
WNBA officials confirmed this morning that the 2026 preseason marks the second consecutive year offering complete free streaming to fans. The entire 18-game slate runs from April 25 to May 3 across the WNBA App. Colie Edison, the league’s Chief Growth Officer, stated demand for WNBA content has reached unprecedented levels.
Registration takes less than two minutes using an email address or existing NBA ID. Once activated, your WNBA ID grants access to League Pass preseason content through May 3 only. The WNBA built this system to expand viewership during the critical preseason window before the official May 8 season launch.
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Star Rookies Make Professional Debuts This Weekend
Today’s opening slate features five phenomenal games showcasing breakthrough draft talent. The Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark, the 2024 first overall pick, face the New York Liberty at 3:00 p.m. ET in Brooklyn on ION broadcast. The Minnesota Lynx welcome Olivia Miles (the 2nd overall pick) against Lauren Betts (the 4th selection) and the Washington Mystics at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Seattle Storm introduce Awa Fam Thiam (3rd pick) and Flau’jae Johnson (8th overall) tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET against Golden State at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Phoenix Mercury face Chicago Sky at 4:00 p.m. ET in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, marking the first WNBA game ever in that state. Evening action concludes with Los Angeles Sparks visiting Nigeria Women’s National Team at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Complete Schedule and Broadcast Details for All 18 Games
The WNBA released the full preseason schedule incorporating national matchups, rookie debuts, and expansion team introductions. Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo make their preseason debuts on Wednesday, April 29. The league structured games across multiple time zones ensuring coast-to-coast accessibility.
| Date | Key Matchup | Broadcast Network |
| April 25 | Fever vs. Liberty (Caitlin Clark debut) | ION / League Pass |
| April 26 | Japan National Team vs. Las Vegas Aces (A’ja Wilson) | League Pass Only |
| April 30 | Wings vs. Fever (Azzi Fudd debut, #1 pick) | ION / League Pass |
| May 3 | Four Final Games (Brittney Griner home debut) | ION / League Pass |
Between today and May 3, the WNBA broadcasts four nationally televised games exclusively on ION, with all games simultaneously available via League Pass in the WNBA App. The Connecticut Sun welcome Brittney Griner, a 10-time All-Star, for her home debut on Sunday, May 3 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
“We’re seeing unprecedented demand for the WNBA, and WNBA ID is helping us meet that moment by making every preseason game available to fans for free.”
— Colie Edison, WNBA Chief Growth Officer
How to Register for Free WNBA ID Access in Seconds
Securing free preseason streaming requires one simple step. Navigate to wnba.com/id and enter your email address. Alternatively, existing NBA ID or WNBA Account holders can sign in using current credentials. Activation takes under two minutes. Once complete, launch the WNBA App, navigate to the Watch tab, and select any preseason game between April 25 and May 3.
The WNBA App streams all 18 games live and on-demand throughout the preseason window. No credit card, subscription fees, or blackout restrictions apply for WNBA ID members during this period. Local blackouts apply only to specific markets. The regular season officially tips off Friday, May 8.
Why This Preseason Matters More Than Ever for the 2026 WNBA Campaign
The 2026 preseason introduces basketball’s future generation to global audiences. Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, and Awa Fam Thiam headline a transformative draft class expected to reshape the league’s trajectory. Veteran stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Brittney Griner return to championship form alongside rising talent. The WNBA strategically positioned free preseason access to capture curious viewers before the May 8 regular season launch.
Basketball fans nationwide benefit directly from expanded streaming access without financial barriers. The WNBA‘s decision reflects commitment to accessibility and grassroots engagement. Every game broadcast, rookie debut, and championship contender becomes available instantly on the WNBA App. Will you catch your first preseason games this year and join the unprecedented demand reshaping professional women’s basketball?
Sources
- WNBA.com – Official 2026 WNBA preseason schedule and free streaming announcement
- WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison – Statement on unprecedented fan demand and WNBA ID expansion
- Indiana Fever Official Communications – Broadcast schedule for Fever preseason games featuring Caitlin Clark
