Games to Watch: 2026 Season

Three matchups this season that will test Arizona, searching for their first win since 2024

By Desiree Camacho

LP Aragon (Arizona) throws a backhand around her Utah Wild defender in their 2025 matchup.

The Arizona Sidewinders are heading into the 2026 season looking to bounce back from 2025 and build a strong foundation for coming seasons. On the schedule are several compelling matchups that will test the team and offer the opportunity to show their growth. From competitive rivalries to first-time matchups, here are the must-watch games of the season. 

Utah Wild @ Arizona Sidewinders | March 14, 2026

The Arizona Sidewinders and Utah Wild have been closely matched throughout the years, with only a one point differential in their three matchups thus far. Arizona has a 2-1 record against Utah, with victories over the team in 2022 and 2024, but most recently took a loss in 2025. This season the Wild have 18 rookies, a stark comparison to the Sidewinders veteran roster, which has just four rookies. Will the youth on the Wild be able to outrun the Sidewinders, or will experience and chemistry be the ultimate advantage? 

Arizona Sidewinders @ Los Angeles Astra | April 12, 2026

Los Angeles Astra is returning to the Western Ultimate League after playing in the Premier Ultimate League for the 2025 season. During their season in the PUL, the team had a 1-5 season record and placed fifth among their division. This will be LA and AZ’s first matchup since 2023. Historically, Astra have held the advantage, leading the series with the Sidewinders 2-1. However, the teams have an even point differential, highlighting how competitive these matchups have been. Astra will be looking to reestablish themselves in the league they started in, while the Sidewinders look to gather wins after a tumultuous 2025 season. 

Arizona Sidewinders @ Oregon Soar | May 2, 2026

This season will mark Oregon Soar’s second year in the league, and their first meeting with the Sidewinders. Both teams enter the season in similar positions, having both finished last season with an 0-6 record. However, the Soar are returning their head coach from last season, while the Sidewinders go in a new direction under first-year Head Coach Daphne Russell. Will familiarity give Soar the edge, or will a fresh mindset turn the page for the Sidewinders? 

The 2026 Arizona Sidewinders season kicks off March 14 against the Utah Wild. Season and single game tickets are on sale now, and all games will be free to watch on the WUL YouTube channel.