2026 WNBA Playoffs Schedule is set as the regular season ends and the top eight teams move into the postseason. The Minnesota Lynx hold the No. 1 seed, followed by the Golden State Valkyries, Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream. Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings complete the field.
The WNBA playoffs 2026 open on Sunday, September 27, and continue through the WNBA Finals in late October. Here is the complete 2026 WNBA Playoffs Schedule with bracket, times and viewing information.
Current WNBA Playoffs 2026 Standings
All eight teams have clinched postseason spots. Seeding is based on overall regular-season record, regardless of conference.
How the WNBA Playoff Bracket Works
The WNBA playoff bracket uses a 1-through-8 seeding system:
- First round — Best-of-three (1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5)
- Semifinals — Best-of-five
- WNBA Finals 2026 — Best-of-seven
Higher seeds host the majority of games in each series.
2026 WNBA Playoffs First-Round Matchups
2026 WNBA Playoffs Schedule – First Round
*If necessary
2026 WNBA Playoffs Schedule – Semifinals
Best-of-five series
*If necessary. Exact matchups and tip times TBA after the first round.
WNBA Finals 2026 Schedule
Best-of-seven series
How to Watch WNBA Playoffs 2026
How to watch WNBA playoffs games across the 2026 WNBA Playoffs Schedule:
- NBC, Peacock and USA Network — Primary platforms for the WNBA Finals 2026 and select earlier rounds. Peacock carries every Finals game.
- ESPN networks — Cover portions of the first round and semifinals.
- Prime Video — Airs one first-round series.
- fubo — Carries ABC, ESPN, USA and other listed channels.
Most games are also available through network apps and major live-TV streaming services.
FAQ
When does the 2026 WNBA Playoffs Schedule start?
The 2026 WNBA Playoffs Schedule begins Sunday, September 27, with four first-round Game 1s.
How many teams make the WNBA playoffs?
Eight teams qualify based on regular-season record.
How does the WNBA playoff bracket work?
No. 1 plays No. 8, No. 2 plays No. 7, No. 3 plays No. 6 and No. 4 plays No. 5 in best-of-three first-round series. Winners advance to best-of-five semifinals, then the best-of-seven WNBA Finals 2026.
When are the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The WNBA Finals 2026 open Saturday, October 17, and can run through October 31 if necessary.
How to watch WNBA playoffs games?
Coverage airs on ABC, ESPN, NBC, USA Network, Prime Video and Peacock, with streaming available on those platforms and fubo.
