2026 WNBA Playoffs First Round Matchups Set to Begin

Six of the eight teams from the previous year's playoffs have returned, including the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, who enter as the league's hottest team after concluding the regular season with seven consecutive victories. The Minnesota Lynx are the No. 1 seed for the second year in a row, while the Golden State Valkyries secured the No. 2 seed following a strong finish in their last regular-season game. The Aces take on the No. 3 seed, and the Atlanta Dream, as the No. 4 seed, make their fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

The playoff format allows for the top eight teams, regardless of conference, to qualify based on regular-season records. The postseason consists of three rounds: a best-of-three (1-1-1) First Round, a best-of-five (2-2-1) Semifinals, and a best-of-seven (2-2-1-1-1) Finals.

**No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 New York Liberty**

**Series Schedule:**

Game 1: @ MIN – September 27, 2 pm ET on ABC

Game 2: @ NYL – September 29, 8:30 pm ET on USA Network/CNBC

Game 3: (if necessary) @ MIN – October 1, time/network TBD

**Minnesota (33-11):** The Lynx finished the season strong, earning their second consecutive No. 1 seed. With standout performances from rookie point guard Olivia Miles, All-Stars Natasha Howard and Courtney Williams, and a career year from Kayla McBride, they closed out the regular season with a win, despite Miles missing the final two games due to injury.

**New York (26-18):** The Liberty endured a rollercoaster season, starting at 3-4 before winning eight straight, including a victory in the Commissioner’s Cup. However, they struggled towards the end, which culminated in consecutive losses, landing them in the No. 8 seed. Breanna Stewart remained a steady presence, averaging 20.8 points per game.

**Season Series:** Liberty 2–1

**Matchup:** Despite being a No. 1 vs. No. 8 matchup, the Liberty hold a 2-1 advantage in the season series against the Lynx. This series serves as a rematch of the 2024 Finals, which was closely contested. Watch for Stewart against Collier, a matchup with plenty of history.

**Stat to Watch:** Points off turnovers; the Lynx average 18.2 points per turnover, while the Liberty are last at 13.3.

**No. 2 Golden State Valkyries vs. No. 7 Dallas Wings**

**Series Schedule:**

Game 1: @ GSV – September 27, 9 pm ET on USA Network/CNBC

Game 2: @ DAL – September 30, 9 pm ET on ESPN

Game 3: (if necessary) @ GSV – October 2, time/network TBD

**Golden State (32-12):** The Valkyries improved significantly in their second season, now holding the top-ranked defense in the WNBA, allowing just 75.1 points per game. Their strong bench, averaging 35.9 points, has been a highlight this season.

**Dallas (27-17):** The Wings achieved the largest single-season turnaround in league history, improving from 10-34 to 27-17. Paige Bueckers leads the charge, supported by a career year from Jessica Shepard.

**Season Series:** Valkyries 3–0

**Matchup:** This series will test the Wings’ high-scoring offense against Golden State's top-ranked defense. Can Dallas establish its pace against the Valkyries' consistency?

**Stat to Watch:** Fast break points; the Wings lead the league while the Valkyries excel in preventing them.

**No. 3 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever**

**Series Schedule:**

Game 1: @ LVA – September 27, 4 pm ET on ABC

Game 2: @ IND – September 29, 6:30 pm ET on ESPN

Game 3: (if necessary) @ LVA – October 1, time/network TBD

**Las Vegas (31-13):** The Aces enter the playoffs after winning their last seven games and aim to replicate last season's success. A'ja Wilson remains a focal point, leading in both scoring and blocks.

**Indiana (28-16):** The Fever boast the highest-scoring offense in WNBA history and are looking to improve upon their previous playoff performance against the Aces.

**Season Series:** Fever 2–1

**Matchup:** This highly anticipated rematch from last year's semifinals could hinge on the health of key players. Expect a high-scoring series as both teams are among the highest scorers in league history.

**Stat to Watch:** Points scored, with the top three regular-season scorers in this matchup.

**No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 5 Washington Mystics**

**Series Schedule:**

Game 1: @ ATL – September 27, 7 pm ET on Prime

Game 2: @ WAS – September 30, 7 pm ET on ESPN

Game 3: (if necessary) @ ATL – October 2, time/network TBD

**Atlanta (30-14):** The Dream matched their franchise-best record and aim to improve their playoff results this year, riding momentum from a five-game win streak.

**Washington (28-16):** The Mystics turned their franchise around dramatically this season, led by a young squad. Their impressive record showcases a strong defensive foundation.

**Season Series:** Mystics 2–1

**Matchup:** Washington's strong defense meets Atlanta's high-powered offense, making this series potentially explosive. Watch for battles in the post between Reese and Austin.

**Stat to Watch:** Second-chance points, as both teams excel in grabbing offensive rebounds.