Sun vs. Fire Live Stream: Watch WNBA Season 2026 on Fubo

The 2026 WNBA regular season brings a compelling inter-conference showdown to the Pacific Northwest tonight, Monday, May 18, as the Connecticut Sun travel to the Moda Center to face the league’s newest expansion franchise, the Portland Fire. Connecticut is searching desperately for their first win of the campaign following a challenging opening schedule. Meanwhile, Portland aims to protect home court and move to an even .500 record in front of their booming Rose City fan base. Watch all the action live on Fubo.

Connecticut enters tonight’s clash coming off a hard-fought 101-94 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, where rookie guard Hailey Van Lith shone brightly with a team-high 17 points. Supported by a dominant interior performance from Aneesah Morrow-who secured a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double-the young Sun roster is showing rapid progression. The Fire counter with a versatile unit built during the expansion draft, led by Canadian superstar Bridget Carleton, who recently put on a 26-point masterclass against New York, and explosive French guard Carla Leite. Witness this clash of styles live on Fubo.

The primary tactical battle will highlight the battle under the rim. Portland’s interior duo of Luisa Geiselsöder and Megan Gustafson will be tasked with clamping down on Morrow and the athletic forward Aaliyah Edwards. Out on the perimeter, the defensive tenacity of Connecticut’s Saniya Rivers and Kennedy Burke must disrupt Leite’s playmaking to stifle Portland’s transition offense. Expect a passionate, high-energy atmosphere as Portland fans pack the arena to back the Fire. Catch the game streaming live on Fubo.

Connecticut’s urgent hunt for Win #1 versus Portland’s cohesive expansion system will be the deciding factor tonight. You can catch every fast break, block, and clutch shot live on Fubo.

How to Watch Connecticut Sun vs. Portland Fire

Tonight’s regular-season matchup between the Sun and Fire will be available to watch live on Fubo.

Category	Details
Date	Monday, May 18, 2026
Tip-Off Time	10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Live Stream	Fubo
Venue	Moda Center, Portland, OR

Sun vs. Fire Game Preview & Odds

Oddsmakers have the expansion Fire as narrow favorites tonight, respecting their strong performance on home floor earlier in the week. However, the Sun’s desperation and high-energy backcourt make them a popular choice to cover the narrow margin.

Betting Line	Fire -2.5
Over/Under	168.5
Moneyline	POR -140 | CON +115

Prediction: This game will likely feature massive swings as both young rosters adapt to the pace. While Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow will keep Connecticut striking distance throughout the fourth quarter, Bridget Carleton’s late perimeter execution in front of the home fans should seal it for Portland. Final Score: Fire 86, Sun 81.

Players to Watch

These stars are anchoring the rotations for their respective squads early in the 2026 campaign.

Sun Key Performers (Season Averages)	PTS	REB	Notes
Hailey Van Lith (G)	15.3	2.1	Coming off 17 pts vs. Aces
Aneesah Morrow (F)	12.3	10.3	Averaging a double-double

The expansion Fire look to their international talent and draft picks to push the offensive tempo.

Fire Key Performers (Season Averages)	PTS	AST	Notes
Bridget Carleton (F)	18.5	3.0	Shot 6 threes in last win
Carla Leite (G)	14.0	5.5	Leading team in assists

Stream the WNBA on Fubo

Fubo is your premier streaming destination for all the marquee action of the 2026 WNBA season. Don’t miss a single minute as the Sun and Fire lock horns in this cross-conference battle.

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Donovan Mitchell’s Best Extension Option Is Waiting Until 2027, Complicating Cavs’ Position

Donovan Mitchell faces a significant contract decision this summer with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the most advantageous one for him is complicated for the franchise. Mitchell is under no obligation to act before 2027, and that reality is a source of discomfort for the organization.

Mitchell’s current deal pays him $50 million for 2026-27, with a player option worth $54 million for the following season. The Cavaliers would prefer to replace that option year with a new contract as early as July, when they could offer four years and up to $272 million.

But waiting serves Mitchell far better financially. With 10 years of NBA service time in 2027, he would be eligible to sign a five-year deal worth approximately $350 million, along with perks including a no-trade clause. That represents a substantial difference in total guaranteed money, particularly for a player who would be in his mid-30s by the time the additional season came into effect.

The tradeoff is that waiting would make Mitchell an unrestricted free agent, a cloud that would hang over the franchise throughout next season.

Mitchell has given Cleveland no reason for concern since arriving in 2022 via a trade with the Utah Jazz. He extended his contract in 2024 and has never publicly indicated any desire to leave. The Cavaliers understood this moment would arrive regardless of the team’s performance when they agreed to that extension.

Since the Washington Wizards signed Bradley Beal to his five-year, $251 million contract with a no-trade clause, there has been doubt across the NBA that any players would receive a no-trade clause again on a contract of that length unless they were true perennial MVP candidates.

NBA Executives Increasingly Expect Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade As Bucks Signal Desire To Move On

After years of speculation, the belief around the NBA has shifted with the expectation that the Milwaukee Bucks will trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. League insiders at the draft combine in Chicago described the Bucks as a franchise ready to move on after several disappointing playoff runs and the limbo of Antetokounmpo’s status throughout the 2025-26 season.

“It just feels like they’re done with the circus, more than anything,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “They seem to want a clean break and to move on.”

Co-owner Jimmy Haslam set the June 23-24 NBA draft as a target deadline for resolution. Milwaukee’s front office must choose between rebuilding through a trade or retaining Antetokounmpo and improving around him. The belief around the league is that if Antetokounmpo remains on the roster when he becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on October 1, he will sign it.

Antetokounmpo has one season remaining on his contract plus a player option. Recent history shows that star players in similar situations typically influence their own trade destination, affecting their overall value to acquiring teams.

The deals sending Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors in 2018 and Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019 serve as the modern blueprint. Both reshuffled the league’s balance of power and produced championships for the acquiring franchises.

The NBA’s proposed lottery reform adds another variable. Teams in Chicago expect the league to approve a new “3-2-1” system this month, giving up to 18 franchises a realistic shot at the top pick. How that affects Antetokounmpo’s trade market remains unclear as some executives predict teams will be less likely to trade future picks due to the more even odds.

“If someone can get Giannis, they might win the offseason,” an East executive said. “For all the distractions and injuries over the last few years, he remains a top-five player in his prime, and those guys aren’t available often. That’s why this matters so much.”

Steve Kerr Decided To Retire As Warriors Coach Before Changing His Mind After Play-In Win

Steve Kerr had made up his mind he was going to retire as Golden State’s head coach after 12 seasons regardless of the outcome of their play-in game against the Los Angeles Clippers in April. Kerr put the odds at 95%, but then the Warriors won, and everything changed.

“I’m not leaving,” Kerr told his staff in the locker room after the Clippers victory. Kerr’s wife, Margot Kerr, sent him a text that said the same thing.

The reversal came after months of genuine internal conflict. As far back as June 2025, Kerr had begun discussing retirement with his wife. He sensed the dynasty had run its course and worried about overstaying his welcome, having watched mentor Gregg Popovich struggle to walk away from the San Antonio Spurs before a stroke ultimately made the decision for him.

“I realized he couldn’t do it,” Kerr said of Popovich. “He couldn’t walk away.”

By the time the Warriors reached the play-in round, Kerr had grown increasingly certain his time was done. He told staff privately his decision was nearly final. But the victory over the Clippers, a furious comeback fueled by Al Horford hitting four straight three-pointers and Stephen Curry making the decisive play, reminded him of everything he stood to leave behind.

The following week he drove to Curry’s home in Atherton to get his star player’s read on the situation. He met with owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy. His daughter Maddy scolded him for dwelling on what he didn’t like about the job rather than the hundred things he did. Margot wanted him to stay, partly because it kept their son Nick and his family close by.

The competing emotional pulls were real and he acknowledged them directly.

“Coaching has unlocked the best version of myself,” Kerr said. “I think I’m scared that I will lose that daily engagement and purpose that not only feeds my soul, but helps me deal with my literal chronic daily pain.”

Lacob told Kerr he wanted him back. The two men, who had disagreed on some things during the season, shared a conviction that what the Warriors had built was worth protecting and fighting for. Kerr told Dunleavy he was in.

Kerr called Curry with the news and the two spoke about the road ahead. Draymond Green went on the “Inside the NBA” set and echoed the themes Kerr had outlined in a personal letter he had written to Green during a difficult stretch mid-season, a letter centered on loyalty, fighting spirit and the obligation to set the franchise up for success when the current core was gone.

Kerr laughed when he reflected on the full arc of his deliberations.

“I’m just like Riley,” he said, referencing Pat Riley’s famous inability to step away from the game.

Kerr had fielded numerous offers through his agent, including opportunities to become a team president or a return to broadcasting.

“I’m not a suit,” Kerr said of running a team’s front office as he did previously with the Phoenix Suns. “I want the whistle.”

Jalen Brunson Deflects ‘Star’ Question When Discussing Acceptance Of Off-Ball Role

Jalen Brunson immediately accepted a reduced ball-handling role when coach Mike Brown proposed running more offense through Karl-Anthony Towns during the playoffs, a shift that has since produced seven consecutive New York Knicks victories.

The adjustment came after New York dropped two straight games to the Atlanta Hawks in their first round series, putting the team in danger of an early postseason exit. Brown approached players about redistributing offensive responsibilities, with Brunson moving off the ball more frequently.

“Was there any concern? No. What was the dialogue? The dialogue was, ‘OK, let’s do it,'” Brunson said Wednesday. “It was that simple. There’s not really much you can talk about at that point when you’re down 2-1.”

When a reporter suggested other star players might have resisted, Brunson replied: “1) I’m not a star. 2) I want to win.” He added while leaving: “I’m not self-centered, that’s why.”

New York has outscored opponents by an average of 26.4 points during the streak, posting a 130.5 offensive rating per 100 possessions. Towns has recorded 66 postseason assists, 44 more than his total from a year ago.

Brunson’s own production has climbed as well. He is averaging 27.3 points on 51.9 percent shooting and 42.6 percent from three during the streak. His scoring efficiency per touch rose from .285 during the regular season to .324.

“Putting KAT in that position knowing we have great screeners and great cutters, and like I said a great facilitator, it was easier to say, ‘Let’s try it and do it more,'” Brown said.

Brunson’s buy-in mirrors his 2024 contract extension, a four-year, $156.5 million deal in which he accepted less than market value, helping New York avoid the second apron and strengthen its roster depth.

Rob Pelinka: Lakers Would Love To Have LeBron James Back Next Season

Rob Pelinka went on the record on Tuesday indicating that the Los Angeles Lakers would love to have LeBron James remain with the team next season. James signed with the Lakers in 2018 and completes his eighth season with the team.

“We probably haven’t seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he’s honored the game,” Pelinka said as part of the team’s annual exit interviews with reporters. “He’s given so much to his teammates, to this organization. And the thing we want to do more than anything else is honor him back.”

Pelinka said the Lakers will be patient with James’ process as he enters into unrestricted free agency.

“The first order of business there is allowing him to spend the time he needs to decide what his next steps are,” Pelinka said. “Does he want to play another year in the NBA? And that’ll be [decided through] family time, I think time with his inner circle. And we just want to honor that for him.”

James was an All-Star this season at the age of 41.

“Of course, any team, including ours, would love to have LeBron James on their roster,” Pelinka said. “That’s a blessing in itself just with what he does.”

Austin Reaves is also an unrestricted free agent this offseason and Pelinka expressed interest in retaining him.

“He started his journey here as a Laker and has made it very clear to us that he wants his journey to continue as a Laker,” Pelinka said. “And we feel the same way. We want his odyssey to continue to unfold in the purple and gold. … Both sides have made it abundantly clear that we want to work something out where he continues his prolific career here.”

WNBA Media Rights Average Annual Value Jumps 6.5 Times To $281M

The WNBA has grown its media rights package to $3.1 billion over 11 years across seven broadcast and streaming partners, a source familiar with the deals confirmed to Front Office Sports. The average annual value of $281 million represents a 6.5 times increase over the prior deal’s $43 million annual figure.

The expanded partnership includes Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock), Amazon (Prime Video), Paramount (CBS), Scripps (ION), USA Sports (USA Network), and NBA TV. The WNBA generated roughly $60 million in total media revenue last year before the expanded agreements took effect.

The league’s original 11-year, $2.2 billion deal was secured in July 2024 with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon as part of the NBA’s broader $77 billion rights package. CBS, Scripps, and USA Sports were added subsequently to reach the current $3.1 billion figure.

The agreements include revenue-sharing provisions that could push annual payments above $281 million if any partner recoups its financial investment through advertising and sponsorship returns. All deals also contain reset provisions after the 2028 season allowing renegotiation of terms, though it remains unclear which parties can trigger that clause.

For the 2026 season, which began Friday, the WNBA secured a record 216 national broadcasts. ION leads all partners with 50 games, followed by USA Network with 48.

The WNBA Finals will air across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock this year, marking the first time since 2000 that a Disney network will not carry the championship series.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged concerns about audience fragmentation across so many platforms.

“The WNBA is not unique in this battle, right? It’s the free market that the U.S. has in the media market because there’s a lot of participants,” Engelbert told Sports Business Journal. She added that she expects “consolidation over time” among media companies.

2026 NBA Draft Lottery: Wizards At No. 1, Ahead Of Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls

The Washington Wizards, who had the best odds at 14 percent, have won the lottery and the No. 1 overall pick. The Utah Jazz will hold the No. 2 pick ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3 and the Chicago Bulls at No. 4.

The Indiana Pacers were fifth and must convey their selection to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade at the deadline.

The top four picks are expected to be some combination of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. The 2026 draft has also became touted for its depth, especially at guard with the likes of Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, Mikel Brown Jr. and Brayden Burries.

Out of all the teams in the lottery, the Jazz were most tightly connected to Dybantsa who has surpassed Peterson on many teams draft boards. But the Wizards will dictate how the draft plays out as they have a challenging decision to make at No. 1. The Wizards made a pair of trades for veteran All-Stars this season in Trae Young and then Anthony Davis.

2026 NBA Draft Lottery Results

1. Washington Wizards
2. Utah Jazz
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana Pacers)
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Atlanta Hawks
9. Dallas Mavericks
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
13. Miami Heat
14. Charlotte Hornets

2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far)

We’re less than 24 hours into the WNBA season, and only 6 of the league’s 15 teams have made their season debuts. Still, let’s take a look at some way-too-early winners and losers from the first couple of games of the 2025-2026 WNBA season.

Winner: Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

Sonia Citron had a spectacular rookie season, and she started her sophomore year right where she left off. Citron was dominant in the Mystics’ 68-65 win over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, posting a game-high 26 points on 9-12 FG and 3-6 from three. She also racked up 2 steals and 2 blocks, continuing to show signs of being one of the WNBA’s elite two-way guards.

Sonia Citron tonight 🔥

• 26 points
• 2 blocks
• 3/6 3PM
• 9/12 FG pic.twitter.com/Arj9WpBhas

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 9, 2026

Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson praised Citron’s performance.

“Her normal is a lot of other people’s great,” he said.

Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State Valkyries

Kaitlyn Chen was a third-round draft pick in 2025 and was cut by the Valkyries in the middle of her rookie season. But she had a tremendous offseason, made Golden State’s opening night roster, and looked tremendous in the season debut, tallying 14 points on 5-10 shooting, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers off the bench in a 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm.

After the game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited Chen for her offseason work.

“She’s been working,” Nakase said. “That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas.”

“Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did. And I mean, you saw her playing AU. She just took over the games. It was really nice to kind of see that carry over.”

Loser: The 2026 rookie class

It’s extremely early, but the 2026 WNBA draftees look like they’re going to need a little bit more time. So far, only one rookie has scored double-digit points: Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who tallied 12 points on 25% shooting in Friday night’s loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and scored 3 points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes. No. 2 pick Awa Fam is still overseas, and No. 4 pick Lauren Betts went scoreless in her Mystics debut.

It’s early, and the rookies made their impact in other ways, but the first 24 hours of the WNBA season did not do anything to dispel the notion that the 2026 draft class is mostly filled with future role players.

Loser: The Connecticut Sun

The Sun were absolutely crushed by the New York Liberty on opening night. They led 36-13 after the first quarter, and never let go of the rope, ultimately winning 106-75. The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s most loaded teams, and the Sun are in the midst of a rebuild, but it was not the start to the season that Connecticut was hoping for.

Only three players scored in double-figures: Diamond Miller (16 points), Aneesah Morrow (15 points), and Brittney Griner (13 points). As a collective, Connecticut shot 39% from the field, 18% from three, and 47% from the three-point line.

Facing the Liberty on opening night is a tough way to start, and the Sun were without Leila Lacan, who was one of their best players last season. Still, it was not an optimal start to their last-ever season in Connecticut.