Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty opens the WNBA Playoffs first round as a best-of-three series. The No. 1-seeded Lynx host the No. 8-seeded Liberty beginning Sunday, September 27, at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty is a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals, which the Liberty won in five games. Minnesota finished the regular season with a league-best 33-11 record and earned home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. New York finished 26-18 and secured the final playoff spot.
Lynx vs Liberty Schedule
The complete Lynx vs Liberty schedule uses a 1-1-1 format.
*If necessary
Minnesota hosts Games 1 and 3 if needed. New York hosts Game 2 at Barclays Center.
How to Watch Lynx vs Liberty
How to watch Lynx vs Liberty coverage is straightforward:
Fans looking for Lynx vs Liberty TV options can catch Game 1 on ABC and Game 2 on USA Network and CNBC. Streaming is available through the respective network apps and services that carry those channels. Live scores and updates are available on official WNBA platforms.
Regular-Season Series
- New York won two of three meetings against Minnesota in 2026.
- The Liberty’s wins included a 93-81 victory in Minneapolis on September 18.
- Minnesota finished with the league’s best record at 33-11.
- New York finished 26-18 and claimed the final playoff berth.
- Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty starts with a clean slate in the postseason.
Key Storylines for Lynx vs Liberty
- Minnesota holds home-court advantage after finishing 33-11 and will host Game 1 and a potential Game 3.
- The Liberty already showed they can challenge Minnesota by winning the regular-season series 2-1.
- This is a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals, when New York defeated Minnesota in five games.
- Napheesa Collier will be a key player as the Lynx look to advance.
- Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones headline the Liberty lineup with championship experience.
Series Preview
- Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty carries extra weight as a Finals rematch.
- The short best-of-three format in this WNBA Playoffs first round matchup makes every possession critical.
- Minnesota will look to use its home crowd and top overall seed to take control early.
- New York enters with recent success against the Lynx and proven playoff experience.
- The winner advances to the best-of-five WNBA semifinals in early October.
- The 2026 WNBA Finals are scheduled to begin October 17 as a best-of-seven series.
2026 WNBA Playoffs First Round Matchups
All four series in the WNBA Playoffs first round begin Sunday, September 27.
What Happens Next?
The winner of Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty moves into the best-of-five WNBA semifinals. Minnesota would retain home-court advantage in the next round if it advances.
Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty Game 1 tips off Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis as the top-seeded Lynx begin their postseason run against a Liberty team that won the regular-season series 2-1.
FAQ
When does the Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty series start?
Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty Game 1 is Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 p.m. CT at Target Center in Minneapolis.
What is the Lynx vs Liberty schedule?
The Lynx vs Liberty schedule lists Game 1 on Sept. 27 in Minneapolis, Game 2 on Sept. 29 in Brooklyn, and Game 3 (if necessary) on Oct. 1 back in Minneapolis.
How to watch Lynx vs Liberty?
How to watch Lynx vs Liberty is clear: Game 1 on ABC, Game 2 on USA Network/CNBC, and Game 3 TV still TBD.
Who has home-court advantage?
Minnesota holds home-court advantage as the No. 1 seed and hosts Games 1 and 3 of Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty.
What is the series format?
Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty is a best-of-three series with a 1-1-1 hosting arrangement.
