October 17, 2025
5 WNBA Atmospheres You'll Want to Experience in 2026
EJ Arocho
Gainbridge Fieldhouse | Indiana Fever
Caitlin Clark & the Fever are a prime example of “yesterday’s price isn’t today’s.” After a historic rookie season, the anticipation heading into Year 2 this May was insane. It was almost like the entire state of Indiana wanted to reserve their tickets to watch basketball’s brightest star! Though injury cut her season short, the fans in Indy rallied around dynamic duo Kelsey Mitchell & Aliyah Boston and embraced newcomers Odyssey Sims, Shey Peddy & Aerial Powers. Persevering through adversity, the Fever not only secured a postseason berth, they pushed eventual champ Vegas to OT in a Game 5 decider in the semis! Now with a fully healthy roster for 2026, something tells me Gainbridge will be rocking like never before with record attendance. They continue to raise the stakes and create a genuine “college basketball atmosphere” in a pro arena. Every home game feels like an event, like March Madness! If you don’t secure your tickets early, you may end up missing out!
Michelob ULTRA Arena | Las Vegas Aces
With 3 Chips in the last 4 years, the reigning champs have turned their home court into a show. The Aces are the WNBA’s most polished team with superstars & Olympians like A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Jewell Loyd & Chelsea Gray… and the Vegas crowd reflects that swagger. Between celebrity appearances, booming music and a championship pedigree, Michelob ULTRA buzzes with an energy that feels like a mix of NBA playoff intensity and Las Vegas entertainment. Having won again this season, expect fans to pack the house to celebrate another back-to-back run (2022 & 2023).
Chase Center | Golden State Valkyries
The Valks made a splash in their inaugural season. They set attendance records and sold out multiple games, proving that Bay Area fans are ready for women’s basketball. With a sleek arena, NBA-level production and a fresh identity backed by the Golden State Warriors brand, Chase Center promises to be one of the loudest venues in the league next season. Reigning Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase did a phenomenal job leading them to an above .500 record and a postseason appearance in Year 1. Expansion energy and hometown pride will fuel an upbeat, electric environment night after night.
Mortgage Matchup Center | Phoenix Mercury
New name, same X-Factor atmosphere. Phoenix has one of the most loyal fanbases, built over two decades of sustained success and legends like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Even in transition years, Mercury fans showed up loud and proud. The arena atmosphere often blends intensity with fun; I’m talking drumlines, chants and passionate long-time supporters who know their basketball. The crowd, nicknamed “the X-Factor” boast a unique, energetic and influential fan base that provides a significant home-court advantage. After Alyssa Thomas just led Phoenix to their first Finals appearance since 2021, expect record crowds in the desert next year. Fans come from far and wide to be a part of the loud and passionate crowd that creates a distinct atmosphere. Root, root, root for the home team!
Coca-Cola Coliseum | Toronto Tempo
With their debut coming in 2026, the Toronto Tempo are expected to have a strong and engaged fan base, fueled by the city’s proven appetite for women’s sports, the team’s proactive community outreach and the excitement of being Canada’s first WNBA team. They’ve already generated buzz through events and a fan club with exclusive perks, with the goal of building a national following that is expected to translate into high attendance, especially given the success of other local pro women’s teams like the PWHL’s Sceptres. The Tempo has been branded “Canada’s team,” aiming to build a fan base that extends across the country, not just within Toronto limits. The franchise has already attracted notable investors and partners, including Serena Williams and Toronto’s own Lilly Singh. Season ticket deposits and other ticketing info is already available on their official site! We all saw what the Golden State Valkyries accomplished in their inaugural season, and if Toronto is taking notes, expect big things next year.
About the Author
EJ Arocho is Mr. Women’s Basketball and lives in New Jersey. Lives by the shore but looking to make waves everywhere!



