The 28th season of the WNBA officially kicks off on Tuesday, May 14th, with an exciting four-game doubleheader. The highly anticipated debut of Caitlin Clark with the Indiana Fever headlines the opening day, as they take on the Connecticut Sun in a sold-out match. Meanwhile, A’ja Wilson and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces will face the Phoenix Mercury at 10 PM ET, wrapping up the evening’s action.
The day begins with the New York Liberty squaring off against the Washington Mystics. 2023 league MVP Breanna Stewart will aim to lead the Liberty back to the WNBA Finals after a stellar season where she averaged 23.1 points per game and helped the team lead the league in three-pointers. The Mystics, on the other hand, will start their season without longtime star Elena Delle Donne, relying on rookie Aaliyah Edwards to step up as they transition to a new era.
At 7:30 PM ET, the Indiana Fever take on the Connecticut Sun. Indiana, coming off their best season since 2019, is eager to make their first playoff appearance since 2016. All eyes will be on Caitlin Clark as she faces off against Sun veteran DeWanna Bonner in one of the first major tests of her rookie season.
Later, at 10 PM ET, the Las Vegas Aces will host the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Despite losing Candace Parker to retirement, the Aces still boast a star-studded lineup, including Sydney Colson, Kelsey Plum, Kiah Stokes, rookie Kate Martin, and two-time MVP A’ja Wilson. They’ll be up against a seasoned Phoenix team, making for a must-watch contest.
The night concludes with a matchup between the Seattle Storm and the Minnesota Lynx. Seattle has bolstered its roster with offseason additions Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and 2024 draft pick Nika Mühl, making them a potential dark horse for the Finals. Minnesota, coming off a successful preseason, will look to its strong defensive core, including rookies Alissa Pili, Napheesa Collier, and Diamond Miller, to stifle Seattle’s offense.
Tuesday, May 14th:
- New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics at 7 PM ET on ESPN3/WNBA League Pass
- Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2/ESPN+
- Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces at 10 PM ET on ESPN2/ESPN+
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm at 10 PM ET on ESPN3/WNBA League Pass
Wednesday, May 15th:
- Chicago Sky vs. Dallas Wings at 8 PM ET on WNBA League Pass
- Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks at 10 PM ET on WNBA League Pass
2024 WNBA Season: Key Dates and Opening Day Matchups
The 2024 WNBA season officially begins on Tuesday, May 14th, with a high-energy doubleheader setting the tone for the season. The opening day features four games, starting with the New York Liberty versus the Washington Mystics, followed by the Indiana Fever taking on the Connecticut Sun. In the evening, the defending champion Las Vegas Aces will face the Phoenix Mercury, and the Minnesota Lynx will go head-to-head with the Seattle Storm. These matchups will highlight some of the league’s top talents and set the stage for an exciting season.
Where to Watch: Broadcast Details for the WNBA’s Opening Games
Fans can catch all the action of the WNBA’s opening games through various channels and streaming services. The New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics game will be broadcast on ESPN3/WNBA League Pass, while the Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun matchup will air on ESPN2/ESPN+. The Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury game is scheduled for ESPN2/ESPN+, and the Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm game will be available on ESPN3/WNBA League Pass. On the following day, Wednesday, May 15th, games between the Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings, and the Atlanta Dream and Los Angeles Sparks, will be streamed on WNBA League Pass.
Players to Watch: Rising Stars and Seasoned Veterans to Keep an Eye On
The 2024 season will showcase a blend of emerging talent and established stars. Keep an eye on Caitlin Clark, the rookie with the Indiana Fever, whose debut is highly anticipated. Veteran Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, the 2023 league MVP, will be looking to build on her impressive performance last season. Additionally, the defending champion Aces will feature A’ja Wilson, a two-time MVP, and veteran star DeWanna Bonner will lead the Phoenix Mercury. These players are expected to make significant impacts throughout the season.
Team Previews: What to Expect from the 2024 WNBA Contenders
Several teams are expected to make a strong push in the 2024 season. The Las Vegas Aces, coming off a championship win, will aim to repeat their success despite the retirement of Candace Parker. The New York Liberty, bolstered by Breanna Stewart, are looking to bounce back and reach the WNBA Finals. The Indiana Fever, with a high draft pick and a promising rookie in Caitlin Clark, are eager to make their first playoff appearance since 2016. Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm, with new additions like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, could emerge as strong contenders.
Rookie Debuts: New Faces Making Waves in the League
The 2024 season will introduce several exciting rookies to the league. Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall draft pick, is expected to make a significant impact with the Indiana Fever. Another rookie to watch is Aaliyah Edwards with the Washington Mystics, who will be stepping into a key role following Elena Delle Donne’s absence. These newcomers will bring fresh energy and skill to their respective teams, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the season.
Defending Champs: Can the Las Vegas Aces Repeat Their Success?
The Las Vegas Aces, the 2023 WNBA champions, will be aiming to defend their title in the 2024 season. Despite the retirement of superstar Candace Parker, the team remains formidable with a roster featuring A’ja Wilson, Sydney Colson, Kelsey Plum, and rookie Kate Martin. The Aces will need to leverage their championship chemistry and adapt to new dynamics as they strive to secure back-to-back titles.
High-Stakes Showdowns: Must-Watch Games in the Season’s First Week
The first week of the 2024 WNBA season is packed with exciting matchups. The opening games on May 14th will feature several high-stakes showdowns, including the debut of Caitlin Clark and the clash between the defending Aces and the Phoenix Mercury. These early games will provide a glimpse into the season’s potential contenders and key storylines, making them essential viewing for fans eager to see how the new season unfolds.
Frequently Asked Question
When does the 2024 WNBA season officially start?
The 2024 WNBA season officially begins on Tuesday, May 14th. The opening day will feature a doubleheader with four exciting games, setting the stage for the new season.
What games are scheduled for the opening day of the 2024 WNBA season?
On May 14th, the opening day games are:
- New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics at 7 PM ET
- Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun at 7:30 PM ET
- Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces at 10 PM ET
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm at 10 PM ET
Where can I watch the opening games of the 2024 WNBA season?
You can watch the opening games on the following channels and streaming platforms:
- New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics: ESPN3/WNBA League Pass
- Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun: ESPN2/ESPN+
- Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces: ESPN2/ESPN+
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm: ESPN3/WNBA League Pass
Additional games on May 15th will be available on WNBA League Pass:
- Chicago Sky vs. Dallas Wings at 8 PM ET
- Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks at 10 PM ET
Who are the top players to watch in the 2024 WNBA season?
Key players to watch include:
- Caitlin Clark, the highly anticipated rookie with the Indiana Fever
- Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, the 2023 league MVP
- A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, a two-time MVP
- DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury, a veteran leader
What should I know about the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces?
The Las Vegas Aces are the 2023 WNBA champions and are aiming to repeat their success in the 2024 season. Despite losing Candace Parker to retirement, the team still features stars like A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Sydney Colson, along with promising rookie Kate Martin.
Which rookies are expected to make an impact this season?
Key rookies to watch include:
- Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall draft pick, with the Indiana Fever
- Aaliyah Edwards, joining the Washington Mystics, stepping into a significant role
What are some of the high-stakes games to watch in the first week of the season?
Must-watch games in the first week include:
- Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun: Featuring Caitlin Clark’s debut and a new season for the Fever
- Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury: A clash between the defending champions and a veteran-heavy Mercury team
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm: Showcasing new additions for Seattle and promising performances from the Lynx
Conclusion
The 2024 WNBA season is set to be a thrilling ride, beginning with an action-packed opening day on May 14th. With standout matchups featuring star players like Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart, as well as defending champions Las Vegas Aces aiming to maintain their dominance, the excitement is palpable. Fans can catch all the games on various platforms, ensuring no one misses the start of what promises to be an unforgettable season. Keep an eye on emerging rookies and high-stakes showdowns as the league’s best teams and players battle for supremacy. As the season unfolds, the drama and intensity will only build, making every game a must-watch event.