How to watch each former South Carolina Gamecock during the WNBA's opening weekend

The 2026 WNBA season tips off on Friday evening, and there are a program-record 12 former Gamecocks playing in the first games of the year. It's a wildly impressive number for South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, who has also recruited an impressive roster ahead of her 2026 season.

Let's breakdown when each former Gamecock is playing this weekend, and how fans can tune in

Friday, May 8

Golden State Valkyries at Seattle Storm

When: 10 p.m. ET
Live TV: Ion
Live Streaming: WNBA League Pass

Players to watch: Two former Gamecocks face off against each other in this one, in Golden State forward Laeticia Amihere and the Seattle Storm's Zia Cooke. Golden State made it to the playoffs last season, their first season in the league, and Amihere had the best season of her career yet, averaging 5.4 points a game. Seattle, meanwhile, has a ton of fresh faces, but fourth-year veteran Cooke is expected to play a big role.

Saturday, May 9

Dallas Wings @ Indiana Fever

When: 1 p.m. ET
Live TV: ABC
Live Streaming: Disney+

Aside from this matchup boasting the likes of Caitlin Clark facing off against Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd, there are now three former Gamecocks on the Fever to watch. Star center Aliyah Boston just became the highest-paid player in WNBA history with her supermax contract signed last month. Tyasha Harris will have a ton of familiarity with Dallas, having spent six seasons of her career in Dallas.

It's unclear how much game action rookie Raven Johnson will get, but she's expected to provide some relief for Clark coming off the bench.

Phoenix Mercury @ Las Vegas Aces

When: 3:30 p.m. ET
Live TV: ABC
Live Streaming: Disney+

If you need a reason to tune into this one, look no further than A'ja Wilson. The four-time WNBA MVP just became the first player in basketball history—including the NBA— to become her team's all-time leading scorer, win a championship, and be named Finals and WNBA MVP as well as being named defensive player of the year. Before Aliyah Boston's deal with the Fever, Wilson's three-year deal worth $5 million made her the league's highest-paid player.

Atlanta Dream @ Minnesota Lynx

When: 8 p.m. ET
Live TV: Local listings
Live Streaming: WNBA League Pass

The Atlanta Dream have three former Gamecocks, in guards Allisha Gray and Te-Hina Paopao, and newly-drafted center Madina Okot. Atlanta is expected to make a deep playoff run this year, as the Dream added superstar Angel Reese this offseason. Okot could get plenty of playing time early, as she posted a double-double in her first WNBA game action during preseason.

Chicago Sky @ Portland Fire

When: 9 p.m. ET
Live TV: NBA TV, Local listings

Thanks to the departure of Reese, Kamilla Cardoso is expected to be a big piece of Chicago's offense this season. She is coming off of her best WNBA season yet, averaging 13.5 points with 8.5 boards and 2.5 assists last year. The Sky face the Portland Fire, one of two new expansion teams added to the league, along with the Toronto Tempo.

Sunday, May 10

Seattle Storm @ Connecticut Sun

When: 1 p.m. ET
Live TV: Local listings
Live streaming: WNBA League Pass

Fans will get to watch Zia Cooke and the Storm once again, facing off against a Connecticut Sun team that's rebuilding with veteran Brittney Griner and young stars in Leila Lacan, Aneesah Morrow, Saniya Rivers, Aaliyah Edwards and Diamond Miller. The Sun is relocating to Houston in 2027.

Las Vegas Aces @ Los Angeles Sparks

When: 6 p.m. ET
Live TV: USA Network, Local listings

Fans can watch A'ja Wilson again in this one, as well as watch rookie Ta'Niya Latson make her WNBA regular-season debut.

Phoenix Mercury @ Golden State Valkyries

When: 8:30 p.m. ET
Live TV: Local listings
Live streaming: WNBA League Pass

Fans can get a chance to watch Laeticia Amihere a second time on Sunday evening.

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