The WNBA announced plans to start the 2020 season in July, with all 12 teams competing at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The league will play a 22-game regular season followed by playoffs. Players will receive full pay and benefits in the modified season.
The WNBA season was to start on May 15 but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After an exciting free agency and draft, the coaches and athletes are thrilled to start the 2020 season in the coming weeks,” Dream President and General Manager Chris Sienko said in a statement. “We are grateful for the efforts of all involved to get us to this point. Our biggest disappointment with this news is the inability to play in front of our fans and at our new home, Gateway Center Arena. However, we hope we can count on our fans to follow and support us – regardless of location.”
Under the current plan, which is being finalized with IMG Academy, teams will report in early July and regular-season action will tip off in late July after a team training-camp period.
The WNBA will continue to work with broadcast partners ESPN and CBS Sports Network, as well as the Dream’s regional partner, Fox Sports South, Fox Sports Southeast and Fox Sports GO for the 2020 season. A schedule of games and television coverage will be announced at a later date.
“We are finalizing a season start plan to build on the tremendous momentum generated in the league during the offseason and have used the guiding principles of health and safety of players and essential staff to establish necessary and extensive protocols,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
“We will continue to consult with medical experts and public health officials as well as players, team owners and other stakeholders as we move forward with our execution plan. And, despite the disruption caused by the global pandemic to our 2020 season, the WNBA and its Board of Governors believe strongly in supporting and valuing the elite women athletes who play in the WNBA and therefore, players will receive their full pay and benefits during the 2020 season.”
This season marks the 13th for the Dream, which revamped their roster and have only four returning players.
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