The WNBA is back for its much-anticipated 30th season. We've scoured all the streaming options so you don't have to, and rounded up everything you need to know about where to watch WNBA games this season.
If you don't want to scroll any further, you can live stream most games through live TV services like DirecTV and YouTube TV. Select games are also streaming exclusively on Prime Video, and you can catch most nationally broadcast games through stand-alone streaming services. Keep reading to learn all of your watch options and how to tune in from anywhere.
What channels are WNBA games on?
If you thought the NFL and NBA broadcast schedules were confusing, welcome to the W. WNBA games air across a variety of networks, including ABC, ESPN, ION, CBS, NBA TV, NBC, and the USA Network. Select games are also exclusive to Prime Video. Additionally, some games will air on the NBC Sports Network (not NBC proper) and stream on Peacock.
In past seasons, ESPN2 also got into the mix, but after scanning through four months of regular-season broadcast scheduling, we're not seeing it in the lineup. That said, ESPN2 is available through all of the same services that carry ESPN's flagship network.
Where to watch WNBA games in the US
If you're a cord-cutter, the best way to watch every game in one place is to purchase a live TV streaming service (and sign up for Prime Video). DirecTV and YouTube TV are two of the best options for streaming every non-Prime Video game in one place, but Sling TV and Fubo will also be able to help you out on select games.
You'll find nearly all of the aforementioned channels in DirecTV's MySports genre pack, which costs $65 a month. The plan carries 20 popular sports networks and unlocks access to ESPN Unlimited. However, ION isn't available with MySports. You'll need to get one of DirecTV's Signature plans, which start at $90 a month, if you want ION through DirecTV.
Previously known as AT&T TV, DirecTV offers streaming access to a large selection of live channels, including most key networks typically found in traditional cable packages.
YouTube TV carries all of the above channels in its main plan, which costs $83 a month. New customers can get their first five months for $68 a month (that's $15 a month off for five months or $75 off in total), along with a 21-day free trial. If you don't mind missing out on ION, you can also find these channels in the service's cheaper sports plan. Subscriptions cost $65 a month, but you can get $10 a month off your first year after a free trial if you're a new user.
YouTube TV's main plan carries over 100 channels, ranging from local networks to cable favorites.
Live TV services like Sling TV and Fubo also carry most of these channels in their various plans. However, Fubo is missing NBC and USA, and Sling is missing CBS (Sling's local channel coverage, like NBC and ABC, also varies vastly by region).
If you're only interested in watching ABC and ESPN games, you can do so directly via ESPN Unlimited. The service costs $30 a month and unlocks total live streaming across ESPN's family of sports networks (including ESPN on ABC programming). Select ABC games will also live stream on Disney Plus.
ESPN Unlimited has everything from ESPN Plus, in addition to all that the ESPN linear networks have to offer, along with some exclusive events not found on broadcast channels.
You can catch NBC and Peacock games with a Peacock subscription. Sports-friendly plans start at $11 a month for Peacock Premium, but you can get ad-free on-demand content and a 24/7 NBC live stream with Peacock Premium Plus, which costs $17 a month. We've found that games airing on the USA Network aren't available to live stream on Peacock.
Peacock is a convenient streaming source for hit NBC TV shows, Universal movies, and select sports like Sunday Night Football. The service also carries its own slate of original programming.
CBS games are available with a Paramount Plus subscription. You'll need to sign up for Paramount Plus Premium for $14 a month to unlock CBS live streaming. This tier also comes with ad-free on-demand content and Showtime programming.
Paramount Plus is perfect for viewers who want to stream CBS TV shows, local NFL games, and tons of content from Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and MTV. And if you get the premium tier, you can also unlock ad-free streaming and access to Showtime.
Prime Video costs $9 a month on its own, but it's also included in all standard Amazon Prime subscriptions, which cost $15 a month. New customers (and usually those who haven't had a subscription in quite some time) can get a 30-day free trial.
Amazon Prime Video is a capable, competitive streaming service that's more than just a Prime membership perk. You can also sign up for a stand-alone plan at $9/month.
If you're only looking to stream ION, you can do so through several FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) services, including Tubi.
How to watch WNBA games from anywhere
Just because you're traveling abroad doesn't mean you need to miss out on any games. You can keep up with your usual watch options from anywhere by using a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that let people temporarily change the location on their devices. This way, their favorite websites and apps function just like they would back home. The services we've highlighted require US methods of payment, so this option will work best for those who are simply traveling abroad right now.
NordVPN is our No. 1 pick right now, thanks to its impressive server selection, cybersecurity perks, and hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can learn about all the top options in our guide to the best VPNs.
NordVPN is top of the pile of the best VPN services. It offers excellent value, with a strong feature set and a low monthly price. A wide selection of international servers, high-end security, fast connections, and audited privacy protection have made the brand a household name in the world of VPNs for a reason.
What about WNBA League Pass?
You can also live stream select games on WNBA League Pass. Subscriptions cost $15 a month or $40 a year. WNBA League Pass carries live out-of-market games that aren't nationally broadcast (although most national broadcasts will be available on demand the next day). Since the league is growing and more and more games are getting picked up for national broadcast, the streaming service has become slightly less useful, but it's still helpful for superfans looking to catch every game. If a game is being broadcast on ION, it should still be available on League Pass.
What are the expansion teams?
The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are the two expansion teams joining the WNBA this season, bringing the total team count up to 15. The Golden State Valkyries joined the league last season, and more teams are expected to join in the coming years.
What channels are the WNBA Playoffs and Finals on?
The first round of the Playoffs will air on Disney Networks, USA Network, and Prime Video. One semifinal series will air on Disney Networks, and the other will be shown across NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN. The WNBA Finals will be broadcast on NBC or the USA Network (and available to stream on Peacock).
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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