The 2026 WNBA season tipped off with a bang, and if opening night is any indication, we're in for an unforgettable ride. The New York Liberty kicked off their championship quest in emphatic fashion, steamrolling the Connecticut Sun by 31 points, while the Washington Mystics spoiled the party for expansion team Toronto Tempo in their debut. And with the Seattle Storm hosting the Golden State Valkyries still to come, the excitement is just getting started.
Opening weekend continues Saturday with a stacked four-game slate, headlined by a can't-miss showdown between the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings. This clash features the last four No. 1 picks in the same game: Aliyah Boston (2023), Caitlin Clark (2024), Paige Bueckers (2025), and Azzi Fudd (2026). Talk about a generational talent showcase.
Now, let's break down the biggest winners and losers from opening night:
Winner: Breanna Stewart
After a frustrating 2025 campaign plagued by injuries—meniscus surgery, a bone bruise, and an MCL sprain—Stewart entered 2026 fully healthy and on a mission. Under new coach Chris DeMarco, she wasted no time reminding everyone why she's a perennial MVP candidate. On the Liberty's very first possession, she scored, and she never looked back, finishing with a dominant 31-point, 10-rebound performance, plus a steal and three blocks. She did all this despite Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally being sidelined, leading New York to a 31-point blowout. To put it in perspective, Stewart had only two 30-point games all of last season (including playoffs). The message is clear: Stewie is back, and she's hungry.
Loser: Connecticut Sun Defense
It's no secret the Sun are in rebuild mode, and facing the title-favorite Liberty without star guard Leïla Lacan (still overseas) was always going to be tough. But allowing 106 points? That's a wake-up call. New York shot the lights out, and Connecticut's defense simply had no answer. While growing pains are expected, this was a rough start for a team trying to find its identity.
Winner: Sonia Citron and the Mystics
In Toronto, the Mystics showed poise and grit, edging out the Tempo in their historic first game. Sonia Citron made a statement, proving she's ready to be a key piece in Washington's rotation. For an expansion team, the Tempo showed flashes of promise, but the Mystics' experience and composure down the stretch made the difference.
Winner: Canada
With the Tempo's debut and Canadian stars shining across the league, opening night was a massive moment for women's basketball north of the border. The energy in Toronto was electric, and it's clear the WNBA's expansion is opening new doors for talent and fans alike.
As the season unfolds, one thing is certain: the 2026 WNBA campaign is already delivering drama, star power, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're rocking Liberty blue or repping your favorite player, this is the year to be all in on women's hoops.