The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) is the premier women’s professional basketball league in the United States. With 12 teams and 144 games per season, the WNBA showcases many of the best female basketball players in the world. Watching WNBA games is an exciting way to see athleticism, skill, and teamwork at the highest level.
Unfortunately, access to live WNBA games can be limited for some fans, as most games air on TV networks like ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and CBS Sports Network. Pay TV packages are usually required to watch games on these channels.
However, there are still options for viewing WNBA basketball without an expensive cable or satellite subscription. Here are some methods to watch the WNBA for free during the 2023 season and beyond.
Watch on ABC
The easiest way to watch live WNBA games for free is on the ABC broadcast network. ABC airs a handful of WNBA games each season, typically on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Since ABC is available over-the-air with an antenna in most markets, these nationally televised WNBA games can be viewed entirely free. All that is needed is a digital antenna connected to your TV or an ABC affiliate channel received through the antenna.
ABC’s WNBA schedule typically features showcase matchups between star players and top teams. For example, the opening weekend ABC matchup might pit reigning MVP A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces against former MVP Breanna Stewart and the Seattle Storm. Receiving the ABC broadcast signal with an antenna is all you need to watch these WNBA games at no cost.
Use the WNBA App and WNBA.com
The official WNBA app and WNBA.com provide live streaming access to many games throughout the season. The WNBA offers these games for free with no subscription or authentication required.
The free live streams on the WNBA app and website are typically simulcasts of games airing on TV networks like ESPN2 or CBS Sports Network. While you need a pay TV login for the TV broadcasts, the online streams don’t require any subscription.
The free streaming options on the WNBA app and WNBA.com vary from week to week depending on the national television schedule. But every season, you can usually find 2-4 live games per week available this way throughout the regular season.
Follow on Social Media
The WNBA and all 12 of its teams provide plenty of live look-ins and highlight clips on social media. Following the WNBA accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can give you free access to WNBA game footage and key play moments.
For example, the main WNBA accounts will post quick game recaps on all platforms with top plays and analysis. All the team accounts will share highlights and commentary focused on their players and matchups.
While watching full live games this way isn’t possible, active WNBA fans on social media will never miss the most exciting dunks, buzzer beaters, ankles broken, and more. It’s a free glimpse into the action on WNBA gamedays.
Use Streaming Trial Offers
Many streaming cable alternatives like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream offer free trial periods for new subscribers. These trials range from 5 to 14 days in most cases.
Signing up for a streaming trial during WNBA season provides you with free access to ESPN, ESPN2, and other channels airing live WNBA games. As long as you cancel before getting charged at the end of the trial, you can stream a solid chunk of WNBA basketball without paying.
Just be sure to keep track of the trial length and cancellation process. Set a reminder to cancel your subscription account at least 24 hours before you’ll be charged. Take advantage of the free streaming trial for some short-term WNBA viewing.
Consider NBA League Pass
The NBA’s premium streaming package, League Pass, shows both live NBA games and WNBA games during the season. An NBA League Pass subscription currently costs $99 for the full year or $14.99 per month.
However, League Pass has frequently offered promotional discounts, extended free trial periods beyond a week, or free access to certain packages of content. Around the start of each WNBA season, check for any League Pass special offers.
Under the right promotion, you may be able to get limited access to live WNBA games on League Pass for free or at a major discount. League Pass carries simulcasts of many ESPN2 and CBS Sports Network games throughout the WNBA schedule.
Watch Local/Regional Games
Some WNBA teams reach broadcast deals with local sports networks (RSNs) to air games in their home markets. These RSNs often include Fox Sports affiliates, NBC Sports affiliates, Spectrum Sports channels, NESN, and Altitude.
If you live in a team’s local market, you may be able to watch a selection of their games each season on one of these regional networks. For example, the Connecticut Sun air some games locally on the NBC Sports Boston channel. The Chicago Sky broadcast a portion of their schedule on The U Too channel.
Check which RSN might carry your nearby WNBA team’s games. These networks are sometimes available to stream on Hulu + Live TV and other live TV streaming services, which offer free trial periods. You may be able to catch a few games this way.
Listen on Radio
When no free live video streams are available, you can always listen to WNBA games broadcast on radio. All 12 WNBA teams have local radio broadcast partners airing their full schedules.
List of team radio affiliates:
| WNBA Team | Radio Station |
| Atlanta Dream | Fox Sports The Game 1690 AM |
| Chicago Sky | WDCB 90.9 FM |
| Connecticut Sun | News Talk 1080 WTIC |
| Dallas Wings | KTCK 96.7 FM/1310 AM |
| Indiana Fever | 107.5/1070 The Fan |
| Las Vegas Aces | ESPN Las Vegas 1100 AM |
| Los Angeles Sparks | ESPN Los Angeles 710 AM |
| Minnesota Lynx | KFAN 100.3 FM |
| New York Liberty | WNYM 970 AM |
| Phoenix Mercury | AZ Sports 98.7 FM |
| Seattle Storm | KIRO 97.3 FM |
| Washington Mystics | The Team 980 AM |
Streaming these radio broadcasts online or through apps is usually free. Listening to WNBA on the radio gives you courtside play-by-play and analysis even without a video view.
Watch WNBA League Pass
The WNBA offers its own streaming package called WNBA League Pass. It provides live access to out-of-market games throughout the season for a subscription fee.
WNBA League Pass currently costs $16.99 per month or $69.99 for the full season. There is also a discounted Team Pass for $13.99 per month to follow just one WNBA team.
While not free, League Pass provides access to the most WNBA games. If you’re a big fan who will watch a lot of matchups, the cost may be worthwhile. Occasional promotional discounts can also make the package more affordable.
Follow Individual Teams
Each WNBA team makes their own scheduling decisions about which games to make freely accessible. Following your favorite squad closely can clue you into any live streams they make available.
For example, the Seattle Storm have aired some games on the Storm Broadcast Network available on their website and app. The Washington Mystics have streamed matchups on Monumental Sports Network. The Las Vegas Aces provide streams on their mobile app.
Stay plugged into team social media accounts and check the team website regularly for potential free direct streaming options. Teams occasionally broadcast games this way, especially when not scheduled on national television.
Watch Delayed/Replays
If you can’t watch live, catching replays of WNBA games can still keep you in the loop. Full game replays are available for free on WNBA.com and within the WNBA app a day or two after they air live. Condensed game replays also get posted faster.
The WNBA YouTube channel provides an extensive back catalog of full game broadcasts from past seasons. Watch classic WNBA playoff games, record-setting performances, buzzer beaters, and more on demand there.
ESPN3 also makes recent WNBA games available on replay via many cable and streaming provider logins. Check the ESPN website and app for details if you already have access.
Use an Antenna and DVR
A good antenna paired with a DVR provides more flexibility to watch WNBA action on ABC for free. An over-the-air DVR lets you record live WNBA games on ABC so you can watch on your own schedule, skip commercials, rewind, etc.
The HDHomeRun and Tablo OTA DVRs are popular options that receive ABC and integrate well for streaming to phones, tablets, or any device on your home WiFi network. With an antenna DVR, you can build a library of awesome nationally televised WNBA matchups.
Watch WNBA All-Star Events
The major events of WNBA All-Star weekend are broadcast for free on the ABC broadcast network. This includes the All-Star Game itself on Sunday, as well as the 3-Point Contest, Skills Challenge, and other competitions on Saturday.
With just an antenna, anyone can watch the WNBA’s best players square off in these All-Star matchups and contests. You’ll get to see elite talents like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne, Arike Ogunbowale, Candace Parker, and more.
Consider Preseason Games
Before the regular season tips off in May, WNBA teams play several preseason exhibition games. The live streams for these games are sometimes provided for free direct from teams and the league.
Preseason doesn’t draw the same TV coverage and blackout restrictions as the regular season and playoffs. Keep an eye out for free preseason streams that allow an early glimpse of new rosters and prospects.
Use a Library or University
Many local libraries provide free access to premium streaming services and live TV packages when on their premises. Public and university libraries may offer services like ESPN+, NBA League Pass, or even NBA TV to use on-site.
If you have a membership, stop by your local library on days when WNBA games stream on their available services. You can watch for free on a library computer or connected device as long as you’re there in person using the library’s network and subscriptions.
Go to WNBA Games
Ultimately, the most direct way to experience exciting WNBA action is to go to a game in person. Attending a game allows you to see the skills, athleticism, and energy up close.
WNBA tickets are more affordable than other major professional sports. Upper level seats often start below $15-20 for regular season games in most WNBA cities. If a WNBA team plays in your area, check out ticket prices and promotions on their website.
Conclusion
Being a WNBA fan without cable or satellite TV still provides you with plenty of options to watch games for free. ABC broadcasts, trials of streaming services, directly following your favorite teams, and catching replays offer great ways to tune into WNBA excitement. Use an antenna, streaming device, app, website, radio, or social media to not miss the action.
With a mix of these creative viewing strategies, you can enjoy seeing basketball superstars like Breanna Stewart, Elena Delle Donne, Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Skylar Diggins-Smith and many more without paying anything. Stay on top of all the latest stories and results from across the WNBA completely free.