WNBA Sets Sights on First Overseas Games in 2027

The WNBA is expanding its reach beyond the continent. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed Monday during the 2026 draft that the league is actively exploring opportunities to play internationally next year, representing a strategic pivot as the league accelerates its growth trajectory. "We're heavily looking at that," Engelbert said of hosting either an exhibition or regular-season game overseas. "Next year we expect that we'll do something outside of North America as a true global game." The announcement comes amid unprecedented momentum for the league, which just concluded a historic free agency period that saw 23 million-dollar contracts signed within the first two days. The overseas push builds on the WNBA's recent continental expansion. This season marked the league's first franchise outside the United States with the Toronto expansion, giving North America two countries under the WNBA umbrella and laying groundwork for further international moves. Engelbert framed the 2027 overseas games as part of a broader global initiative that will complement this year's FIBA World Cup participation. The commissioner emphasized that international visibility remains central to the league's strategic vision, with new media rights agreements and franchise additions designed to make the WNBA an increasingly exportable product. The timing reflects a league transformed by its new collective bargaining agreement. The landmark deal includes record salary increases that will push the average player salary to roughly double its current $500,000 level, while the salary cap rises from $7 million to $9.4 million. The minimum salary climbs to $380,000—figures that dwarf comparable European leagues. With 80 percent of the league's players hitting free agency this offseason and training camps opening Sunday ahead of the May 8 regular season tip-off, the WNBA enters 2027 with enhanced resources and elevated player investment to execute its international ambitions. Engelbert's announcement signals confidence in the league's trajectory amid a pivotal moment in women's basketball. The combination of transformational player compensation, territorial expansion into Canada, and now concrete plans for overseas games demonstrates the WNBA's evolution from domestic league into a truly global enterprise. While specific overseas locations remain undetermined, the commissioner's commitment to hosting international contests by 2027 represents a watershed commitment to building the league's brand internationally and competing for global audiences.