WNBA Playoffs 2026: 24-hour countdown to Sunday tip-off as Lynx and Valkyries lead eight-team charge
First round begins Sunday 27 September. Minnesota takes top seed at 32-10, Valkyries storm into year two, Fever visit Dream.
Why this postseason matters
The 2026 WNBA regular season is complete and the stage is set for postseason drama. On Sunday 27 September, eight franchises launch their campaigns in the best-of-three opening round, chasing the championship trophy across an expanded bracket format.
What actually happened
WNBA.com and ESPN confirmed the finalized seeding following a dramatic regular-season conclusion. The Minnesota Lynx enter as the No. 1 overall seed with a 32-10 record, anchored by their league-leading defensive efficiency and veteran depth. In just their second year of existence, the Golden State Valkyries captured the No. 2 seed at 31-11, establishing Chase Center as one of the toughest arenas in the league.
Defending champion Las Vegas Aces locked up the No. 3 seed at 29-13, aiming for their third title in four seasons behind A’ja Wilson. The Atlanta Dream claimed the No. 4 seed at 28-14, earning home-court advantage against Caitlin Clark and the fifth-seeded Indiana Fever (27-15) in what promises to be the most watched series of Round 1.
The opening-round matchups feature (1) Minnesota Lynx against (8) Washington Mystics, (2) Golden State Valkyries against (7) New York Liberty, (3) Las Vegas Aces against (6) Dallas Wings, and (4) Atlanta Dream against (5) Indiana Fever. The first round is best-of-three, the semifinals best-of-five, and the Finals best-of-seven.
What to watch next
Sunday’s quadruple-header tips off at Target Center when Minnesota hosts Washington, followed by Game 1 battles across the bracket. Twenty-four hours remain before the chase begins.
Sources
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