Indiana Fever open big 2026 season at home
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The Fever want to bring a championship home in 2026. Photo: Bobby Goddin/Getty Images
The most watched team in women's basketball tips off Saturday as the WNBA starts a historic 30th regular season.
Why it matters: A healthy roster and rising expectations make 2026 a huge year for the Indiana Fever.
Driving the news: The season opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is one of a league record 44 Fever games to be broadcast on national television this season.
- They play Dallas in a rematch of a preseason game the Wings won.
Yes, but: Indiana was missing Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull and Tyasha Harris in that lower-stakes showdown.
- All three should join Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham on the court Saturday.
- Dallas will be led by back-to-back No. 1 draft picks Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.
Zoom in: This will be Clark's first regular-season game since last July, when a groin injury cut short a year that also included an ankle sprain and two quad strains.
State of play: Indiana waived guards Megan McConnell, Jessica Timmons and Kayana Traylor this week to finalize their active roster.
- Rookie Justine Pissott was signed to one of two player development spots allowed under the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement.
- Free agent Monique Billings was added to bolster a depleted front court, and rookie Raven Johnson should add defensive presence in the backcourt.
Yes, but: Billings is day-to-day with an ankle injury, and Hull has been managing a hamstring injury.
Between the lines: The Fever enter this season with the second best championship odds, behind the Las Vegas Aces, per FanDuel.
- Clark is the co-favorite for league MVP.
If you go: Tickets start at $36.
- Morris Bicentennial Plaza, outside Gainbridge, will host "Party on the Plaza" with free live music, games and food from 3 to 6pm.
How to watch: ABC, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited.