The WNBA has released its 2023 schedule, a record-setting 40-game schedule that will see all twelve teams play every game in their home arena. The league will kick off its 27th season on Friday, May 19. Opening night games include the Phoenix Mercury visiting the Los Angeles Sparks, the Minnesota Lynx against the Chicago Sky, the New York Liberty heading out to face the Washington Mystics and the Connecticut Sun traveling to face the Indiana Fever.
It’s HERE 🚨
— WNBA (@WNBA) November 30, 2022
The 2023 #WNBA schedule for the 27th season is now live
Check it out on https://t.co/qinD6Ew7dW and let us know what matchups you’re most excited to see ‼️ pic.twitter.com/ESEiLkGqy6
Other details include free agent negotiations beginning Jan. 21, with signings becoming official on Feb. 1. The 2023 draft will take place on April 10 and the All-Star game will be held on July 15, with a host to be announced. Furthermore, the national television schedule will be released at a later date.
Here are ten must-watch games for the 2023 season
June 6 (and 8th): Las Vegas Aces at Connecticut Sun
A rematch of the 2022 Finals series. The Aces will have their core return for another run. However, Hammon doesn’t hold any top draft picks, so her ability to build another championship roster will be tested through free agency. The Sun should have most of their core back, with free agent Brionna Jones as a likely player to land a max deal elsewhere. A near back-to-back featuring the top two teams will be must-watch TV.
Tuesday, May 30: New York Liberty at Seattle Storm
If Breanna Stewart signs with the Liberty in the off-season, this will mark her return to the Emerald City. With Stewart in Brooklyn, the Liberty has a legit shot at a championship. Meanwhile, the Storm would go through a complete rebuild without Sue Bird and Stewart. This early season game could give a look at the Liberty’s potential for the 2023 season.
Big Ellie’s busy day in BK was full of reveals. Get into the 2023 season schedule presented by @SeatGeek. May 21st #SeafoamSZN returns to @barclayscenter. pic.twitter.com/S04xLPdxCV
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) November 30, 2022
Sunday, September 10: Chicago Sky at Connecticut Sun
Could this be Candace Parker‘s final [regular season] game? The Sky will likely reach the playoffs if free agent Courtney Vandersloot returns. Regardless, Parker’s impact on the league and women’s sports has been profound. A rematch against the Sun to end the season could have major playoff implications. The Sky’s final regular season home game is scheduled for Sept. 8 against the Lynx.
Friday, May 19: Connecticut Sun at Indiana Fever
The Fever holds the top pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft and South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston is already the projected pick. This marks the Fever’s return full-time to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Boston’s projected pro debut. Furthermore, the Fever should be much improved with Boston paired alongside NaLyssa Smith and former Gamecocks teammate Destanni Henderson.
we’re back at @GainbridgeFH.
— Indiana Fever ⛹️♀️🏀 (@IndianaFever) November 30, 2022
the 2023 schedule is here ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/EgdWVYPOiw
Sunday, May 21: Chicago Sky at Phoenix Mercury
The uncertainty of the Phoenix Mercury is the most questionable for this upcoming free agency period. Will Brittney Griner be released from her wrongful detained sentence? Does Skylar Diggins-Smith ask for a trade to a potential contender? The 2023 Phoenix Mercury could look much different from their previous seasons. Regardless, their home opener against the 2021 champions will be one to watch for.
Sunday, May 28: Indiana Fever at Atlanta Dream
The first potential match-up between the two most recent number-one overall picks with Rhyne Howard and Aliyah Boston. Howard was named the 2021 Rookie of the Year, while Boston is the odds-on early favorite for the award. Additionally, the Fever and Dream enter this season with [projected] the two youngest rosters in the league.
Rolling into the 2023 @WNBA season…@AtlantaDream x @SkateLyfe_Co
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) November 30, 2022
FULL SCHEDULE: https://t.co/91hbDLBomq pic.twitter.com/pG1mru8uEa
Sunday, August 27: Los Angeles Sparks at Connecticut Sun
Curt Miller returns to his former home in Uncasville. The Sparks could look completely different from their 2022 team based on free agency. Does Miller pull anyone from the Sun’s roster to Los Angeles? A revamped Sparks team behind Nneka Ogwumike and Brittney Sykes could make a run at the playoffs.
Friday, May 19: Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx could look much different for the 2023 season. Sylvia Fowles has retired and there’s still an issue in the point guard department. Facing a Candace Parker-led Sky in their opener won’t be easy. Backup center Natalie Achonwa is out due to pregnancy. Minnesota also holds the second overall pick in the upcoming draft. Furthermore, the Sky be forced to make some roster decisions again during free agency.
Saturday, May 20: Atlanta Dream at Dallas Wings
Much like the Dream, the Wings also have a young roster with some notable free agents available. New head coach Latricia Trammell will be faced with the task of restructuring the Wings roster. Does the 2021 top draft pick, Charli Collier, emerge with a breakthrough season? Will Trammell run with Veronica Burton full-time at point guard? Two potential teams looking to play an up-tempo game could make for an early highlight reel.
Tuesday, June 13: Washington Mystics at Indiana Fever
A match-up featuring two of the best young post players, Aliyah Boston and Shakira Austin. How will Elena Delle Donne’s Mystics keep tempo with a high-energy Fever team? In addition, Washington also holds the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft. New head coach Eric Thibault will need to build up the Mystics’ bench this off-season to make a run at another championship.
Other highlights in the 2023 WNBA include the return of the Commissioner’s Cup that will run through July 12. The Final for the Commissioner’s Cup will take place on Aug. 15. Finally, the regular season will conclude on Sept. 10. The playoffs will retain the same format from last year.
Check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more women’s sports coverage. Todd Roman is on Twitter too. Follow Todd @TBRBWAY.
