It's finally here—the 2026 WNBA season is tipping off, and we couldn't be more excited. The New York Liberty and the Connecticut Sun are set to face off in the league's season opener this Friday, May 8, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. With a 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff, this matchup kicks off a thrilling three-game opening night that also includes the Washington Mystics vs. Toronto Tempo at 7:30 p.m. and the Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm at 10 p.m. All three games will be available on ION and WNBA League Pass, so you won't miss a moment of the action as the league celebrates its 30th season.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the game, here's everything you need to know to catch the Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty showdown—and the entire WNBA season ahead. Streaming options are plentiful, with DirecTV, YouTube TV, Tubi, and NBA League Pass all offering ways to tune in. ION, the broadcast home for Friday's opener, is accessible on popular streaming platforms like DirecTV and YouTube TV, and it's also available for free on Tubi. For the ultimate convenience, you can stream the game directly through WNBA League Pass.
If you're looking to upgrade your setup for the whole season, YouTube TV is a solid choice. It covers nearly every channel you'll need, including ION, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN, and NBA TV. Right now, you can snag a great deal: $67.99 per month for your first five months, then $82.99 per month after that. Just keep in mind that YouTube TV livestreams can have a slight delay, so if you're the type who loves to celebrate a buzzer-beater in real time, you might want to keep that in mind.
Another option is DirecTV's Choice tier, which currently runs $104.98 per month after fees for your first three months. It gives you access to nearly every sports channel you'll need throughout the year, making it a strong pick for WNBA fans who want comprehensive coverage. No matter how you choose to watch, this season opener promises to set the tone for an unforgettable year of basketball. Grab your gear, settle in, and get ready for tipoff