The 2026 WNBA season takes place from May to October, but this year features a stretch where play stops for two weeks because of a major international competition.
Here's more information about why the league is on a break.
Why is there a break in the WNBA schedule?
The league is paused from Aug. 31-Sept. 16 for WNBA players to participate in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, which will be played Sept. 4-13 in Berlin. It will be the 20th edition of the tournament, but the first time it takes place during the WNBA regular season.
Which WNBA players are on FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup rosters?
Fifty-one players on WNBA rosters are participating in the tournament, with every team being represented except the Chicago Sky. The New York Liberty have the most representation with seven players.
Rhyne Howard (USA)
Angel Reese (USA)
Isobel Borlase (Australia)
Sika Kone (Mali)
Kennedy Burke (Türkiye)
Leila Lacan (France)
Paige Bueckers (USA)
Alanna Smith (Australia)
Costanza Verona (Italy)
Li Yueru (China)
Miela Sowah (Australia)
Janelle Salaun (France)
Gabby Williams (France)
Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy)
Aliyah Boston (USA)
Caitlin Clark (USA)
Chelsea Gray (USA)
Jackie Young (USA)
Stephanie Talbot (Australia)
Mai Yamamoto (Japan)
Jihyun Park (Korea)
Napheesa Collier (USA)
Chloe Bibby (Australia)
Antonia Delaere (Belgium)
Eliska Joklova (Czechia)
Dorka Juhasz (Hungary)
Breanna Stewart (USA)
Pauline Astier (France)
Marine Johannes (France)
Leonie Fiebich (Germany)
Raquel Carrera (Spain)
Han Xu (China)
Elizabeth Balogun (Nigeria)
Kahleah Copper (USA)
Valeriane Ayayi (France)
Kyara Linskens (Belgium)
Carla Leite (France)
Frieda Buhner (Germany)
Luisa Geiselsoder (Germany)
Megan DiLeo (Spain)
Amy Okonkwo (Nigeria)
Ezi Magbegor (Australia)
Jade Melbourne (Australia)
Dominique Malonga (France)
Awa Fam (Spain)
Julie Allemand (Belgium)
Maria Conde (Spain)
Nyara Sabally (Germany)
Sonia Citron (USA)
Kiki Iriafen (USA)
Alicia Florez (Spain)
Which players won't be available?
Notable players who have withdrawn from the competition include USA's A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, both of whom are missing the tournament due to health reasons. Australia captain and Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb also withdrew due to injury.
Citron and Iriafen replaced Wilson and Plum, while Sowah was named Whitcomb's replacement.
