The WNBA playoff field is loaded with talent. Legitimately, each of the eight teams in the postseason has a route to becoming champions. Of course, though, only one team will hoist the WNBA Championship Trophy at season's end. So, when are the playoff games, and who will come out on top?
WNBA postseason bracket
- Minnesota Lynx
- Golden State Valkyries
- Las Vegas Aces
- Atlanta Dream
- Washington Mystics
- Indiana Fever
- Dallas Wings
- New York Liberty
WNBA playoff schedule
All times are in ET time zone
First round
Sunday, Sept. 27:
- Liberty vs. Lynx, 2 p.m. (ABC)
- Fever vs. Aces, 4 p.m. (ABC)
- Mystics vs. Dream, 7 p.m. (Amazon Prime)
- Wings vs. Valkyries, 9 p.m. (USA.CNBC)
Tuesday, Sept. 29:
- Aces vs. Fever, 6:30 p.m. (Amazon Prime)
- Lynx vs. Liberty, 8:30 p.m. (USA/CNBC)
Wednesday, Sept. 30:
- Dream vs. Mystics, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
- Valkyries vs. Wings, 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Thursday, Oct. 1:
- Liberty vs. Lynx, TBD
- Fever vs. Aces, TBD
Friday, Oct. 2:
- Mystics vs. Dream, TBD
- Wings vs. Valkyries, TBD
Semifinals
Sunday, Oct. 4:
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (ABC)
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (NBC/Peacock)
Wednesday, Oct. 7:
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (ESPN)
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (Peacock/NBCSN)
Friday, Oct. 9:
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (ESPN2)
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (Peacock/NBCSN)
Sunday, Oct. 11:
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (ABC)
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (NBC/Peacock)
Wednesday, Oct. 14:
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (ESPN)
- 1/8 winner vs. 5/4 winner or 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner, TBD (Peacock/NBCSN)
Finals
- Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
- Game 2: Monday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. (USA/Peacock)
- Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. (USA/Peacock)
- Game 4: Saturday, Oct. 24 at 3:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
- Game 5: Monday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. (USA/Peacock)
- Game 6: Thursday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. (USA/Peacock)
- Game 7: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. (USA/Peacock)
Predictions
Article Continues BelowLynx vs. Liberty (round one)
The Lynx earned the one-seed after a fantastic season. Regular season success is nothing new for Minnesota, but the team hasn't been able to win the big one since the Maya Moore era. Recent iterations of the Lynx hadn't had Olivia Miles, though. The rookie just had arguably the best first season in league history. She broke the scoring record and, had it not been for A'ja Wilson having an A'ja Wilson season, she could have been in the running for MVP. The Lynx were “rewarded” as the one-seed with a matchup against the Liberty, though. This team has championship pedigree and one of the best players in WNBA history: Breanna Stewart. Even so, the Lynx have too much talent not to get it done in round one.
Prediction: Lynx in three
Valkyries vs. Wings (round one)
The Valkyries became the first expansion team to make the playoffs in their inaugural season last year. They are back again in 2026 and facing a young Wings team that most would consider a couple of years out from true contention. Golden State's incredible defense, in particular, could give the young team led by Paige Bueckers some problems. Even so, weird things can happen in a three-game series, and the Wings are loaded with talented scorers.
Prediction: Wings in three
Aces vs. Fever (round one)
The Aces have won three of the last four WNBA championships. They have the best player in the league, A'ja Wilson, who is quickly building a case as the best player in league history. Wilson is likely to win her fifth MVP award this year. The Fever have Caitlin Clark, though. The most hyped up prospect in league history has been really good since entering the WNBA. She was even third in scoring this year (only trailing Wilson and teammate Kelsey Mitchell). Injuries have prevented Clark from reaching her fullest potential so far, though. Perhaps vintage CC will come out in the postseason. That might be the only thing that can stop Wilson and the Aces.
Prediction: Fever in three
Dream vs. Mystics (round one)
The Dream vs. Mystics series will feature elite rebounding and defense. Of course, Angel Reese, Atlanta's star, is the poster child for those skills. Atlanta has the better shooters than their opponent, though. Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray can get hot from deep and help their team become the only one in the first round to get a sweep.
Prediction: Dream in two
Lynx vs. Dream (semifinals)
There are some really impressive star duos in the WNBA right now. None are better than Olivia Miles and Napheesa Collier, though. The former, despite being a rookie, is wise beyond her years and shouldn't be rattled in the postseason. The latter is ready to earn that WNBA championship that has eluded her. The Dream are a gritty team that will make each game competitive, but the Lynx should win this series handedly.
Prediction: Lynx in three
Fever vs. Wings (semifinals)
A lot of fans might not expect a Fever vs. Wings semifinals series, but these are two up-and-coming teams with long-term championship aspirations. Clark vs. Bueckers would feed families, but there is a lot more going on in this series than just those two star scorers/former number one picks. The Fever actually get more scoring pop from Kelsey Mitchell, and fellow former number one pick, Aliyah Boston, isn't far behind. The Wings have the versatile Jessica Shepard and the reliable Arike Ogunbowale. However, Azzi Fudd's season-ending injury will lead to Dallas falling short.
Prediction: Fever in four
Lynx vs. Fever (Finals)
A Lynx vs. Fever WNBA Finals series would be highly entertaining and extremely competitive. The Fever were the number one scoring team in the league this year. However, compared to Minnesota, they lack defensively. The season will conclude with the Lynx crowned as champions.
Prediction: Lynx become WNBA champions in six games