The WNBA is setting another record for the second year in a row, adding four more games to their schedule with some shiny TV deals.
We're well aware talk of expansion is out on the horizon, but so is talk about more games. According to Sports Pro Media, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert is looking to eventually increase the slate to 44 games, which is what their collective bargaining agreement allows.
MORE: WNBA's new TV deal, explained
Let's take a look at why the WNBA decided to add more to its plate this year, and how the added exposure time benefits the league.
Why is the WNBA playing 40 games this season?
The WNBA upped their schedule to 40 games, with all 12 teams getting 20 home and 20 away appearances, after last season's record high 36. Seven of the 12 teams will play a two-game mini-series. Las Vegas will play said mini-series twice, the first at Connecticut (June 6 and 8) and the second at home against Indiana (June 24 and 26).
“We eagerly anticipate tipping off the 2023 season and building on the success of last season, which was our most-watched in 14 years and set records for social media engagement, digital consumption and merchandise sales,” Engelbert said, according to AP. “The expanded schedule will provide fans greater opportunities to see the best players in the world compete on the game’s biggest stage.”
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The season will begin on May 19 and end on Sept. 10.
Key WNBA games to watch this season
Bets are on as the WNBA regular season lines up to start, and experts think New York will be the ones to duke it out with Las Vegas for the championship title this go-around. Can the newly beefed up Liberty roster manage against the reigning veteran Aces roster?
MORE: Ultimate guide to the 2023 WNBA season
Here are five absolute must-watch matchups in the 2023 WNBA schedule:
Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun
- Date: May 19
- Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind.
If you liked watching Aliyah Boston in college, then you'll love to watch her in the pros. Indiana opens their regular season at home against the Connecticut Sun on Friday, May 19 at 7 p.m. ET.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky
- Date: May 21
- Tipoff: 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT)
- Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Az.
After a scary 10 months detained overseas, number 42 is home. Brittney Griner is fulfilling her promise and will join the Mercury for another season after signing a one-year, $165,100 contract in February.
While her season debut will be on California turf, her home debut will come two days later on Sunday, May 21 at 4 p.m. ET when the Mercury hosts the Chicago Sky. A must-watch and a for sure warm welcome back for the 6-foot-9 center.
Seattle Storm vs. New York Liberty
- Date: May 30
- Tipoff: 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT)
- Venue: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Wash.
The first time that the Storm hosts the New York Liberty this season will simultaneously be the first time that Breanna Stewart is on the other side of the court.
Stewart spent six seasons with Seattle after she was drafted No. 1 overall in 2016. In that time, which was 183 games, she scored 3,723 points, grabbed 1,577 rebounds and dished out 535 assists. During free agency, she decided to take her talents to the Big Apple, where she's joining Sabrina Ionescu, Courtney Vandersloot, Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney.
Connecticut Sun vs. Las Vegas Aces
- Date: June 6
- Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
Did someone order a 2022 Finals rematch? This one's going to be heated, with a new coach at the helm of the Sun and the Las Vegas Aces looking to throw down for a second ring.
Last year, the Sun lost to the Aces 3-1 in a best-of-five series. The Sun has done a good job rebuilding this offseason, blending both talent and youthfulness. For example, the additions of Rebecca Allen and Tiffany Hayes will add much-needed attention to detail on both sides of the ball.
Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty
- Date: June 29
- Tipoff: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
- Venue: Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nev.
The league's newly dubbed superteams, with their insane rosters full of talent on every end of the court. Watching them go head-to-head is going to be the show of the century.
I can't reiterate enough how exciting it is to know two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker is joining the reigning national champions A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, while Stewart, Jones and Vandersloot are teaming up with Ionescu and Laney to create these absolute women's basketball monstrosities. The stress for who to root for is, also, just as high.