Why are there no WNBA games for two weeks? More about FIBA break

          Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire
          • ESPN
          Sep 2, 2026, 04:30 AM

          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.

          Atlanta Dream

          Connecticut Sun

          Dallas Wings

          Golden State Valkyries

          Indiana Fever

          Las Vegas Aces

          Los Angeles Sparks

          Minnesota Lynx

          New York Liberty

          Phoenix Mercury

          Portland Fire

          Seattle Storm

          Toronto Tempo

          Washington Mystics

          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          Notable players who have withdrawn from the competition include USA's A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, both of whom are missing the tournament due to health reasons.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.