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WNBA Basketball betting

Women’s basketball isn’t just trending — it’s a serious betting market now. With primetime coverage, superstar talent like A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark, and deeper sportsbook coverage than ever, the WNBA has become one of the best value leagues for sharp bettors.

The 2026 WNBA season marks a new era: league expansion to 15 teams (welcome, Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire), a full 44-game regular season, and the deepest betting menu we’ve ever seen. Whether you’re grinding advanced metrics or learning the difference between a moneyline and a spread, this guide gives you the edge before sportsbooks fully adjust.

Quick Guide: What You’ll Find Here

What do you need?Section
When does the 2026 WNBA season start?2026 WNBA Season Schedule
Who’s favored to win the 2026 WNBA title?WNBA Futures & Outright Bets
What are this week’s best picks?Weekly Picks & Betting Predictions
Which sportsbooks are best for WNBA betting?Where to Bet on the WNBA
How does the WNBA season work?How the WNBA Season Works
What betting markets are available?WNBA Betting Markets Overview
Which teams & players should we watch?Teams & Players to Watch in 2026
Expert betting strategies for WNBAHow to Bet on the WNBA
What can history teach us about betting?WNBA History & Betting Trends
What are the likely WNBA FAQs?FAQs & Likely WNBA Questions
Expert Final Say on the 2026 WNBAOur Final Take for the 2026 WNBA

2026 WNBA Season Schedule & Expansion Highlights

This season’s calendar is packed, which means more betting opportunities — and more line movement to exploit. These dates shape futures pricing and weekly markets all season long.

Key Dates (2026 WNBA Season)

DateEventHighlights / Notes
May 8, 2026Season Tip-Off / WNBA Tip-Off 2026Historic 30th WNBA season begins with a three-game slate, including the Toronto Tempo’s franchise debut.
May 9–10, 2026Regular Season Expansion ActionAdditional games feature defending champs, rivalry matchups, and expansion teams Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo in action.
June 1 – June 17, 2026Commissioner’s Cup Presented by CoinbaseIn-season tournament period where teams compete for Cup standings and a championship game.
June 21, 2026Inaugural Game RematchSparks host Liberty on the anniversary of the league’s original 1997 matchup.
July 24–25, 2026AT&T WNBA All-Star 2026All-Star festivities and game hosted in Chicago.
Aug 30 – Sept 16, 2026FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup BreakSeason pauses for international competition.
Sept 24, 2026Final Day of Regular SeasonConcludes the 44-game schedule for all 15 teams (including the returning Portland Fire and debut Toronto Tempo).
Sept 27, 2026WNBA Playoffs BeginPostseason kick-off following regular season and World Cup break.

Expansion Highlights (2026)

  • League expands to 15 teams
  • Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire join the WNBA
  • 44 games per team (22 home, 22 away)
  • No conferences — top 8 teams advance to the playoffs
  • Longer-term plans point to additional expansion before 2030

Pro Tip: Before placing your first WNBA bet, always check the latest betting promo codes in the U.S. A strong welcome bonus can swing your ROI over a long season.

🏆 2026 WNBA Outrights: Updated Futures Odds

The WNBA is unpredictable this season, thanks to 15 teams, expansion volatility, and roster shifts. Early futures should reflect both elite favorites and sleeper mid-tier teams.

The books have already planted their flag for who’s on top, but odds are it’s just the opening move in a long season. Here’s where the value starts, where the hype is, and which teams could shake up the playoff picture.

WNBA Season winner

Who Will Win The 2026 WNBA? Futures Odds

TeamOutright Odds February 2026Bet HERE!
LV Aces+310Place Bet @ bet365
MIN Lynx+350Place Bet @ bet365
IND Fever+400Place Bet @ bet365
NY Liberty+400Place Bet @ bet365
PHX Mercury+1000Place Bet @ bet365
SEA Storm+2000Place Bet @ bet365
GS Valkyries+2500Place Bet @ bet365
ATL Dream+2800Place Bet @ bet365
DAL Wings+4000Place Bet @ bet365
LA Sparks+5000Place Bet @ bet365
WAS Mystics+5000Place Bet @ bet365
CHI Sky+15000Place Bet @ bet365

These lines will shift throughout the season based on injuries, streaks, and playoff seeding. Understanding what do “+” and “-” mean in sports betting can help you better interpret these odds.

Expert Notes / Strategy for 2026 Futures

  1. Expansion teams = volatility: Toronto & Portland can surprise early; lines may be soft.
  2. Favorites are consistent: LV Aces & NY Liberty remain elite, but odds reflect slight offseason adjustments.
  3. Mid-tier teams = early value: MIN Lynx, IND Fever, PHX Mercury all offer strong props and rotation upside.
  4. Monitor news & injuries: Early-season futures can shift significantly once starters hit the floor.
  5. Props vs outright: For low-probability teams (GS Valkyries, WAS Mystics, LA Sparks), prop bets often offer better value than outright futures.

🏆2026 WNBA Regular Season MVP Futures

PlayerOdds February 2026BET HERE!
Caitlin Clark (IND Fever)+260Place Bet @ bet365
A’ja Wilson (LV Aces)+275Place Bet @ bet365
Napheesa Collier (MIN Lynx)+375Place Bet @ bet365
Breanna Stewart (NY Liberty)+1000Place Bet @ bet365
Alyssa Thomas (CON Sun)+1200Place Bet @ bet365
Sabrina Ionescu (NY Liberty)+2800Place Bet @ bet365
Kelsey Plum (GS Valkyries)+3000Place Bet @ bet365
Paige Bueckers (CON Sun)+3000Place Bet @ bet365
Allisha Gray (LV Aces)+3500Place Bet @ bet365
Rhyne Howard (ATL Dream)+3500Place Bet @ bet365
Angel Reese (MDG Liberty)+6000Place Bet @ bet365
Kelsey Mitchell (IND Fever)+6000Place Bet @ bet365

Expert Notes on 2026 MVP Futures

  • Front-runners: Clark, Wilson, and Collier are the top public favorites due to team success and scoring volume.
  • High upside sleepers: Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum — strong statistical output, less market attention early.
  • Expansion or rotation risk: Plum (GS Valkyries) and Gray (LV Aces) rely on how coaches use minutes, but prop-heavy teams may inflate MVP value.
  • Dual-threat potential: Teams with multiple stars can split media votes, slightly softening odds for the primary favorite.

Weekly Picks & Betting Predictions

NBA Same Game Parlay – DAL Mavericks @ LA Lakers 02/12/2026

There’s a clean game script for the Lakers at home with Dallas in town: slow the pace, put the ball in LeBron’s hands, and let the secondary scoring show up. That’s how L.A. wins in this building. bet365 bumping this SGP from +525 to +600 adds real value to a setup that already fits the Read More...

Kentucky Wildcats @ Florida Gators NCAAB 02/14/2026

Two programs trending up collide in Gainesville on Saturday afternoon, with SEC supremacy on the line and plenty for bettors to chew on. Florida sits atop the conference at 9-2 while Kentucky has surged to 8-3, and recent form says we’re getting two of the league’s hottest teams in the same gym. Under head coach Read More...

Kansas Jayhawks @ Iowa State Cyclones NCAAB 02/14/2026

Saturday afternoon in Ames brings us one of those Big 12 spots bettors circle weeks in advance: Kansas Jayhawks at Iowa State Cyclones, a top-tier clash between two teams who have been cashing tickets and building January/February momentum. Kansas rolls in scorching, unbeaten over its last five and fresh off a statement win at home. Read More...

UCLA Bruins @ Michigan Wolverines NCAAB 02/14/2026

It’s a classic coast-to-heartland clash as UCLA flies into Ann Arbor to test itself against a Michigan team that’s been rolling right through Big Ten play. From a betting perspective, you’ve got a hot home side with a 13-1 conference résumé and a rock-solid home edge taking on a Bruins group that’s found some rhythm Read More...

Clemson Tigers @ Duke Blue Devils NCAAB 02/14/2026

Saturday noon hoops with ACC stakes and national implications? Yes, please. Clemson heads to Durham riding major away swagger, while Duke brings the kind of home-court edge that often swings close conference matchups. On form, both are 4-1 over their last five; on the table, Duke sits 11-1 in ACC play, and Clemson is 10-2; Read More...

Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Lakers 02/12/2026

It’s a Western Conference nightcap in downtown L.A., and bettors have plenty to chew on. The Lakers host the Mavericks at crypto.com Arena on Thursday at 10:00 p.m. ET, and the recent form lines are pulling in opposite directions: Los Angeles has steadied itself in the past five, while Dallas is searching for traction on Read More...

Love the thrill of big payouts? Dive into our expert parlay bet picks today and craft an Acca that packs a serious punch.

Where to Bet: Best Sportsbooks for WNBA Action

The WNBA doesn’t appear on every odds feed, so we’ve tested and approved these sportsbooks for real-deal coverage:

BetMGM Sportsbook
Recommended
Max. Bonus
$1,500
Min. Deposit
$10
bet365
Popular & Recommended
Max. Bonus
$1,000
Min. Deposit
$10
Fanatics Sportsbook
Recommended
Max. Bonus
$1,000
Min. Deposit
$10
Caesars Sportsbook
PROMO CODE: TNBPROMODYW
Max. Bonus
$250
Min. Deposit
$10
DraftKings Sportsbook
Popular
Max. Bonus
$300
Min. Deposit
$5
FanDuel Sportsbook
Popular
Max. Bonus
$100
Min. Deposit
$5

Want to bet on the go? Compare the best mobile sportsbook apps in the U.S. and lock in the best prices before tip-off.

How the WNBA Season Works (2026 Format)

WNBA Players Score

Regular Season

  • 15 teams
  • 44 games per team (22 home / 22 away)
  • No conferences — top 8 qualify

Playoffs

  • Round 1: Best-of-3
  • Semifinals & Finals: Best-of-5
  • The higher seed gets home-court advantage

Tiebreakers

  • Head-to-head
  • Point differential
  • Record vs .500+ teams
  • Random draw (rare)

Awards (Prop Relevance)

  • MVP, ROY, DPOY, All-WNBA teams
  • Award markets are highly sensitive to usage spikes and media narratives

WNBA Betting Markets Overview

WNBA Odds

Not every bet is created equal, and knowing which market to attack can be the difference between a small edge and a big payout.

MarketWhat You’re Betting On
MoneylineStraight win, no spread
Point SpreadMargin of win/loss (+/– points)
Totals (O/U)Combined final score
Player PropsIndividual stats (points, assists, etc.)
FuturesSeason awards or championship
Live BettingIn-game, real-time odds
Parlays & SGPsMulti-leg bets for bigger payouts

Many bettors who already enjoy NBA betting will find the WNBA markets familiar, though often with softer lines and more exploitable trends.

Teams & Players to Watch in 2026

  • Las Vegas Aces: Championship DNA, elite pace.
  • New York Liberty: Star power at every position.
  • Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark drives tempo and prop volume.
  • Seattle Storm: Defensive ceiling + playoff composure.
  • Minnesota Lynx: Rebounding edge, strong totals profile.
  • Toronto Tempo & Portland Fire: Expansion volatility = early betting value.

Rookie usage swings and rotation changes create some of the softest early-season prop bets. Track minutes before the books fully adjust.

Tips & Strategies for Smarter WNBA Betting

  1. Track Scheduling Spots
    Back-to-backs + travel matter more in the WNBA than most leagues.
  2. Line Shop Every Bet
    Small price differences compound over a season.
  3. Watch Early Line Movement
    Sharp money moves WNBA markets faster than public bets.
  4. Use Multiple Sportsbooks
    Compare odds and read online sportsbook reviews before committing your bankroll. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365 all price WNBA differently.

WNBA History & Betting Trends

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) tipped off in 1997 with just 8 teams and a simple goal: bring elite women’s hoops to the national stage. Backed by the NBA and some major media partners, it steadily built a loyal fan base and has now grown into a 15-team league filled with elite global talent, massive TV exposure, and a bigger betting footprint every year.

Basketball

A Few Fast Facts:

  • First champion: Houston Comets (1997)—they won 4 straight titles.
  • Legends: Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, Sue Bird, Maya Moore.
  • Today’s stars: A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, and Jewell Loyd.
  • Global appeal: Players from Australia, France, China, Canada, and beyond.
  • Pay & coverage: Still growing, but NIL deals and endorsements are boosting visibility.

In recent years, the league has skyrocketed in viewership and talent depth, thanks to stacked draft classes, crossover appeal from college stars, and better access for fans through ESPN, Amazon Prime, and betting markets.

For bettors, this means more opportunities and sharper lines than ever. And just like in any league, understanding the historical landscape helps you spot value, especially in playoff scenarios and longshot futures.

Trends Bettors Should Know:

  • Favorites are priced tightly — value often lives with mid-tier teams.
  • Playoff underdogs win outright more often than public perception suggests.
  • Totals have trended upward in recent seasons.
  • High-usage players without national hype offer the best prop edges.

Fast Break Questions: WNBA Betting FAQ

How many teams are in the 2026 WNBA?

15 teams, with Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league.

How many games are in the 2026 regular season?

44 games per team.

Which team is the safest futures bet?

There’s no “safe” bet, but the Liberty and Lynx open as favorites.

What’s different about the WNBA playoffs compared to the NBA?

Unlike the NBA, there are no conferences in the WNBA: The top 8 teams overall advance, Round 1 is best-of-3, and both semifinals and finals are best-of-5.

Does travel really affect WNBA performance?

Yes—back-to-backs with cross-country flights can drop efficiency, especially for veteran-heavy rosters.

Which betting market is best for beginners?

Start with moneylines and point spreads. Once comfortable, explore player props and live betting.

Are WNBA totals (over/unders) higher or lower than the NBA?

Generally lower, but scoring is climbing, so totals have crept up in recent seasons.

Is it worth betting futures before the season starts?

Yes—early futures can lock in better odds before teams reveal their full potential.

How does TRUSTnBET make its WNBA predictions?

We run thousands of simulations per game, analyzing team form, player matchups, and situational data to spot betting edges.

Our Final Take for the 2026 WNBA

The 2026 WNBA season is set up to be one of the best betting years the league has ever offered. Expansion creates volatility, star power drives market interest, and sportsbooks are still catching up to advanced usage trends. The edge is in early numbers, player props, and situational spots — not blind futures.

  • Bet disciplined. Compare odds. Track line movement.
  • And most importantly — enjoy the 2026 WNBA season. 🏀💸
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