Paige Bueckers’ first WNBA playoffs starts when her Dallas Wings visit the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday, Sept. 27 (9 p.m., USA/CNBC).
Dallas, seeded seventh, has won seven of its last eight regular-season games heading into the postseason. The Wings have grappled with injuries to key players such as Azzi Fudd and Alanna Smith down the stretch of the season, but have played well with Bueckers, Jessica Shepard and Arike Ogunbowale leading the way.
Shepard does it all and is making a strong case to win the league’s Most Improved Player. She leads the WNBA in triple-doubles this season with six, and she’s the only player in the history of the WNBA to average at least 14 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in a single season.
Ball movement is the
key to the Wings’ success, as they lead the league in assists and assist-turnover ratio.
Meanwhile, the second-seeded Valkyries are powered by the WNBA’s best defense, leading the league in defensive rating, points allowed and 3-point defense. Coach Natalie Nakase’s team also tops the WNBA in total 3-pointers made this season. Golden State also averages the least amount of turnovers per game with 11.5.
Led by Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton, the Valkyries also have a deep bench anchored by veteran Tiffany Hayes.
Golden State is 3-0 against the Wings this season with an average margin of victory of 12.3 points.
Here’s everything you need to know about the opening round best-of-three series:
What time is Valkyries vs Wings?
The No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries face the No. 7 seed Dallas Wings in the first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 27
- Time: 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT)
- Location: Chase Center (San Francisco)
What TV channel is Dallas vs Golden State on today?
The first-round matchup between the Wings and Valkyries on Sunday, Sept. 27, will be broadcast on USA Network with a simulcast on CNBC.
- Channel: USA Network, CNBC
Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings first round schedule
- Sunday, Sept. 27: Game 1 | 9 p.m. ET (USA/CNBC)
- Wednesday, Sept. 30: Game 2 | 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Friday, Oct. 2: Game 3 (if necessary) | TBD
2026 WNBA playoffs bracket
WAKE UP! The bracket is set, and it's time to win a championship ⏰️🏀
— USA TODAY Studio IX (@usatstudioix) September 25, 2026
🔗 Here's a look at the WNBA playoffs: https://t.co/sccYis7nLJ
Who do you have taking home the title? pic.twitter.com/p74Yskyrl4
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Golden State Valkyries vs Dallas Wings: Time, TV, stream for WNBA playoffs
