The WNBA has officially released its 2026 season schedule, marking the league’s 30th season, but questions around the ongoing CBA negotiations remain unresolved. In this episode of Courtside Club, we break down what the schedule release actually means, why Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are front and center, and how the league appears to be shifting its marquee rivalries.

We discuss the Fever–Wings opener, the Clark vs. Bueckers matchup, and why free agency could completely reshape the league before a single game is played. With max salaries potentially jumping to over $1 million, this offseason could be the most unpredictable in WNBA history.. especially with negotiations still stalled.

We also cover player reactions to the schedule release, the WNBPA’s continued social media push, and why the league may be signaling “business as usual” despite the lack of a finalized deal. Plus, we break down why the season will remain at 44 games, how the FIBA World Cup interruption factors in, and what Kayla McBride’s injury highlights about offseason play and player protection.

We also touch on Breanna Stewart’s recent comments offering cautious optimism around the CBA, and why that quote may not change the reality of where negotiations currently stand.

The WNBA may be running out of time. With new reports suggesting the league could be weeks away from delaying the 2026 season, the ongoing CBA negotiations are starting to raise real concerns about momentum, scheduling, free agency, and expansion plans. In this episode of The Courtside Club, Rachel breaks down the latest reporting from Front Office Sports, what it means for the season timeline, and why the stakes are higher than many people realize.

The conversation dives into why free agency is already behind schedule, how the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire expansion drafts are creating uncertainty, and why teams still don’t have clarity on roster protections or pre-expansion moves. Rachel also looks at newly announced preseason games, the league’s growing emphasis on Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers, and how training camps, arena availability, and logistics are all starting to collide.

Beyond the calendar issues, this episode examines the bigger picture: whether the WNBA’s recent success was a temporary Caitlin Clark–driven bubble or something sustainable long-term. From viewership drops during Clark’s injury, to fewer Fever games being moved into larger arenas, to shifting media coverage from major networks, Rachel explains why this upcoming season may be the league’s most important inflection point yet.

The WNBA CBA saga continues, and honestly… I’m losing it. In today’s update, ESPN details four ways a deal could get done, but the biggest headline is this: the WNBPA sent a proposal before Christmas and the league still hasn’t officially responded. The clock is ticking toward the season, and it feels like both sides are daring the other to blink first.

We’re talking revenue sharing, why the league reportedly wants a “more realistic” proposal, how public opinion is shifting, and why the players’ messaging might be hurting them with fans. We also get into the bigger picture: the league’s ownership structure, why this offseason has zero room for error, and why the W can’t afford to fumble momentum with so much competition coming this summer.

Plus, Caitlin Clark is officially joining NBC’s basketball broadcast!

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