How long is the WNBA All-Star break? When does the season start up again after the Olympics in Paris?

The WNBA All-Star break is the league’s way of giving their stars a moment to shine; and then a breather. Typically, the break spans about a week. It can be like a mini-vacation for the players, but instead of lounging by the pool, they’re either balling out in the All-Star game or using the time to recharge for the second half of the season.

For many top players, this break couldn’t come soon enough. The league’s rookies, still fresh from their college days, have been thrown into the deep end, facing off against seasoned pros. Newcomers and veterans alike have been grinding through a packed schedule. Take the Fever, for instance; they had to lace up for seven games in just the first 11 days!

But even time needs a breather. The WNBA’s taking a timeout, giving players about a month to nurse any bumps and bruises they’ve picked up.

Will the WNBA break for the Paris Olympics?

Starting Thursday, July 18, the league will go dark, except for one bright spot; the WNBA All-Star Game. This showdown will pit Team USA against a WNBA All-Star lineup featuring the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Arike Ogunbowale, a perfect warm-up for the Olympic action.

Apart from that, it’s all about the Olympics, with basketball ruling the roost for 16 days of Parisian flair.

The Olympics are the epitome of global sports, and our WNBA stars will be trading their team jerseys for the red, white, and blue (or other national colors) to represent their countries. With the Olympics taking place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, the WNBA will hit the pause button to allow its players to chase gold.

This intermission isn’t just about logistics. It’s a testament to the WNBA’s commitment to its players and the global game. Allowing time for the Olympics ensures that the league’s finest have the chance to compete on the world stage without the added strain of a packed domestic schedule. It’s a win-win: players get to chase their dreams, and fans worldwide get to witness basketball at its peak.

Plus, there’s something magical about watching familiar faces donning their country’s colors. It brings a sense of unity and pride that transcends the court, reminding us why we fell in love with the game in the first place.

When does the WNBA come back?

Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 15, when the WNBA swings back into action, just four days after the Olympic flame is extinguished. It’s a tight turnaround for those WNBA stars competing in the Olympics, especially with the gold medal game tipping off at 9:30 a.m. ET on August 11.