WNBA schedule release: A way-too-early look at some must-watch games

The WNBA went public today with its schedule for the league’s 26th season. Before diving into when and where to watch the games, there are a few things that to know:

1. The W is incorporating a 36-game schedule for the first time in its history. Its usual 34-game season is gone, at least for now.
2. The last possible day of the 2022 Finals is September 21st. This end date takes into account the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup beginning on September 23rd.
3. A new playoff format is set to debut in 2022. Round 1 will be best-of-three series’ and best-of-five for the following two rounds.

Now, onto the good stuff. Here are some key matchups and dates to look forward to during the upcoming season.

*Free Agency (January 16) and the WNBA Draft (April 11) could impact rosters and the significance of the scheduled matchups.