The WNBA season tipped off Friday, but the Los Angeles Sparks are saving the best for last. As the final team to take the court, they'll open their 2026 campaign on Sunday against the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, at Crypto.com Arena. It's a statement start for a team eager to build on last year's playoff momentum—and avoid the late-season fatigue that derailed their run.
Let's break down the Sparks' schedule, which strikes a smart balance this year. No marathon home stands or brutal road slogs: the longest home stretch is four games (happening twice), and the same goes for road trips. That consistency could be key for keeping the team fresh down the stretch.
The opener is no cakewalk. The Aces will be playing their second game in two nights after their ring ceremony Saturday, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous. Then comes a huge early test on May 13 against the Indiana Fever, followed by a two-game homestand against the expansion Toronto Tempo—a chance to welcome the league's newest team to L.A.
After that, the Sparks hit the road for four games. First up: a trip to Phoenix to face the Mercury, then back to Vegas for Round 2 with the Aces. A five-day break mid-trip should help, but the roadie ends with a back-to-back on May 29-30 against the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun. That's a grind that could define their early season.
June opens with a three-game homestand, starting with the Aces again. The Dallas Wings make their only visit to Crypto.com Arena, followed by the other expansion team, the Portland Fire. It's a chance to stack wins at home.
A short three-game road trip follows—Seattle, Phoenix, and San Francisco against the Valkyries—before a tough two-game homestand on June 17 and 21. The Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty are no easy outs, but at least there are three days off between those games.
And for the first time ever, the Sparks will head north of the border to face the Toronto Tempo in June. That's a historic moment for the franchise and a sign of the league's growing reach.
With a balanced schedule and no overwhelming road trips, the Sparks have a real shot at staying strong through the season. If they can weather those early challenges, this could be a year to remember in L.A.