‘Got Enough Stuff To Worry About’ – Mercury HC Gets Honest on the Concerns Over WNBA’s ‘Balance of the Schedule’

The Phoenix Mercury endured another defeat on Saturday night at the hands of the Atlanta Dream, with Angel Reese leading the Dream to a 99-89 victory. However, the team's head coach, Nate Tibbetts, took to the post-game press conference to voice concerns about the WNBA's current scheduling system. Tibbetts admitted that he does not spend much time contemplating scheduling decisions, acknowledging the immense responsibility of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The coach expressed dissatisfaction with the current balance of the schedule, deeming the long breaks and seven-game periods in 14 days as problematic. He suggested that the league should avoid placing excessive runs for certain teams. Tibbetts emphasized the importance of player recovery, citing the physical toll of the demanding schedule. The Indiana Fever recently faced this challenge firsthand, playing four games in quick succession while traveling between various cities.

The WNBA's regular-season schedule has become increasingly challenging for teams, with increased regular season games from 38 to 44. The lack of sufficient off days and the burden of travel has led to uneven schedules for several teams. Players like Caitlin Clark have openly admitted to feeling the physical effects of such intense schedules. As the league prepares to host the FIBA World Cup in September 2026, the already packed calendar may face additional challenges, potentially exacerbating the scheduling issues.