The 2026 WNBA season is finally here, and the energy is electric. After months of CBA negotiations, free agency moves, and preseason adjustments, the league's 30th anniversary tips off tonight with three must-watch games.
Here's the lineup: Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty (7:30 p.m. ET, ION), Washington Mystics vs. Toronto Tempo (7:30 p.m. ET, ION), and Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm (10 p.m. ET, ION). Each matchup brings its own storylines, but there's one burning question that stands out for the Liberty-Sun opener.
Last season, the Liberty were dominant when Breanna Stewart played—and painfully average when she didn't. This year, New York made big changes, revamping the roster and bringing in a new head coach with a fresh offensive system. The goal? Give Stewie the support she needs to carry the load. But will that plan hold up on opening night?
The Liberty are already facing challenges. Sabrina Ionescu is nursing an ankle injury, Satou Sabally remains absent, and Leonie Fiebich is overseas. Reserve Rebecca Allen is also sidelined. That leaves Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton as the only proven starters in seafoam green. New head coach Chris DeMarco will need production from players like Marine Johannès and Han Xu—whose flashy play hasn't always translated to wins—and rookie point guard Pauline Astier.
An opening loss to a rebuilding Sun team would be a rough start for a championship-or-bust season. So don't be surprised if DeMarco leans heavily on Stewart to secure the win. And honestly, when you have a player like Barc, that's never a bad plan.
What questions are you watching tonight? Let us know in the comments!