This article originally appears on WNBA.com.

The wait is finally over! The 2026 WNBA season tips off Friday, May 8, with a packed opening weekend full of new faces, familiar names in new spots, and plenty of competition right out of the gate. The Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty get things started at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, with 10 more games rolling through the rest of the weekend.

Let’s break down the WNBA odds for Friday and Saturday, take a look at the matchups, and share my best bets for each day on DraftKings Sportsbook.

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WNBA Tip-Off Weekend Odds

Friday, May 8

Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty (7:30 p.m. ET) — NY -10.5, O/U 159.5

The New York Liberty enter the season as the favorites to win it all at +220 and return almost their entire core from last year. Sabrina Ionescu, a huge part of New York’s identity, will miss at least the first game after suffering an ankle injury in the preseason, while Satou Sabally, the Liberty’s biggest offseason addition, will also start the season sidelined.

Connecticut has a less experienced roster and recently added 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner, but the Sun still feel undermatched against the Finals favorites.

Washington Mystics vs. Toronto Tempo (7:30 p.m. ET) _— TOR -1.5, O/U 160.5

Introducing one of the league’s newest franchises, the Tempo, as Toronto hosts its inaugural home game Friday night. Marina Mabrey arrives from the Sun via the Expansion Draft and looks to carry over her dominant Unrivaled season, while former UCLA guard Kiki Rice headlines the draft class after averaging 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game.

The Mystics bring back sophomores Sonia Citron and Kiki Irafen, with Citron leading the league in three-point percentage at 44.5% as a rookie. The roster is young, but this is a good early test for both teams.

Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm (10:00 p.m. ET) — GS -6.5, O/U 157.5

Seattle underwent a roster overhaul in the offseason, with Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, Brittney Sykes, and Skylar Diggins-Smith all moving on. However, they’ve added young talent, including Spain’s Awa Fam at No. 3 overall. At 19, Fam brings fluidity at her size with the ability to pass and attack the rim. It’ll be interesting to see how she pairs with last year’s pick Dominique Malonga, who has shown elite athleticism and strong upside at 20.

Gabby Williams gets her former team on opening night and was Golden State’s top offseason addition. Her stats don’t jump off the page, but her defense definitely does. Williams’ 99 steals last season put her one shy of the record, and she adds speed and versatility to a Valkyries team that made the playoffs in its inaugural year.

Friday Best Bets (Singles)

NY Liberty -10.5 (-102)

Marina Maybery Over 1.5 Three Pointers Made (-166)

Brittney Sykes Over 14.5 Points (+115)

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Saturday, May 9

Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever (1:00 p.m. ET) — IND -6.5 O/U 175.5

Bring out the stars! Saturday tips off with Caitlin Clark facing last year’s Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, with the current favorite for the award, Azzi Fudd, also on the floor. We haven’t seen Clark since July 15, 2025 due to injury, but she returns as an elite facilitator for a Fever team that reached the second round despite missing multiple guards.

Bueckers is coming off an impressive rookie debut as the only player to rank top 10 in points, assists, and steals. Her former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd adds another pure shooter with the strength to contribute defensively, setting up a star-studded matchup.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces (3:30 p.m. ET)— LV -7.5 O/U 166.5

A’ja Wilson. Need I say more? The reigning champion enters 2026 after winning her fourth regular-season MVP and another Finals MVP. She shot 50.5% from the field while averaging 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds on the way to a title. Jackie Young is another name to watch after averaging 16.5 points in the regular season, then elevating to 20.4 points per game in the playoffs while shooting 49.4%.

Don’t count out the Mercury, though. Phoenix brings back Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Kahleah Copper as they push for a return to the playoffs. Thomas is coming off an MVP-level season with 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists, controlling the game with her physicality. The Mercury lost Satou Sabally but still have the experience and shooting to make an early statement.

Atlanta Dream vs. Minnesota Lynx (8:00 p.m. ET) — ATL -3.5, O/U 157.5

While many familiar faces changed teams, Angel Reese made the biggest splash. In Chicago, she led the league in rebounds and became the only player in WNBA history to average at least 12.0 per game in a season. She joins a physical, experienced roster that thrives on second-chance points. Rhyne Howard is a standout shooter, especially from deep, and with the fourth-best odds to win it all, the Dream are a team to watch.

Minnesota started last season red hot, often sitting atop the title odds behind Napheesa Collier’s two-way dominance. Coming into 2026, the roster looks a bit different. Co-DPOY Alanna Smith is gone, along with key role players, but the Lynx did bring back Kayla McBride — a sharpshooter coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons. Plus, Minnesota added TCU’s Olivia Miles at No. 2 overall in the draft, a smart floor general who led the NCAA in triple-doubles.

Chicago Sky vs. Portland Fire (9:00 p.m. ET) — CHI -4.5 O/U 160.5

The second expansion team to debut is the Fire, featuring Bridget Carleton, Carla Leite, and center Ceiseloder. We haven’t seen them in a regular season game yet, but they draw a softer matchup against a Sky team retooling its direction. After moving on from Angel Reese, Chicago now features Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, Azurá Stevens, Rickea Jackson, and No. 5 pick Gabriel Jaquez. Jaquez left UCLA on a high note after a dominant national championship run and shot 53.9% from the field in the regular season.

Saturday Best Bets (Singles):

Caitlin Clark Under 2.5 Three Pointers Made (+110)

A’ja Wilson Over 23.5 Points (-125)

MIN Lynx +3.5 (-102)