The 2026 WNBA playoffs schedule is set, with the eight teams poised to begin their quest for the championship on Sunday, Sept. 27.
The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, who were the first team to clinch a postseason spot, will host the No. 8 seed New York Liberty to kick off Sunday's action at 2 p.m. ET.
The afternoon slate continues with the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, seeded No. 3 and aiming for their fourth WNBA championship in franchise history, hosting the No. 6 Indiana Fever.
The evening matchup features the No. 4 Atlanta Dream, who secured their playoff berth with a crucial win over Phoenix, hosting the No. 5 Washington Mystics.
The nightcap will see the No. 2 Golden State Valkyries traveling to face the No. 7 Dallas Wings, who are making
their first playoff appearance since 2023.
Here is a look at the WNBA first-round playoff schedule.
2026 WNBA playoff matchups
- No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 New York Liberty
- No. 2 Golden State Valkyries vs. No. 7 Dallas Wings
- No. 3 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever
- No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 5 Washington Mystics
2026 WNBA first round schedule
Sunday, Sept. 27: Game 1
- No. 8 New York Liberty at No. 1 Minnesota Lynx, 2 p.m. ET on ABC
- No. 6 Indiana Fever at No. 3 Las Vegas Aces, 4 p.m. ET on ABC
- No. 5 Washington Mystics at No. 4 Atlanta Dream, 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video
- No. 7 Dallas Wings at No. 2 Golden State Valkyries, 9 p.m. ET on USA Network
Tuesday, Sept. 29: Game 2
- No. 3 Las Vegas Aces at No. 6 Indiana Fever, 6:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video
- No. 1 Minnesota Lynx at No. 8 New York Liberty, 8:30 p.m. ET on USA Network
Wednesday, Sept. 30: Game 2
- No. 4 Atlanta Dream at No. 5 Washington Mystics, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
- No. 2 Golden State Valkyrie at No. 7 Dallas Wings, 9 p.m. ET on ESPN
Thursday, Oct. 1: Game 3 if necessary
- No. 8 New York Liberty at No. 1 Minnesota Lynx, TBD
- No. 6 Indiana Fever at No. 3 Las Vegas Aces, TBD
Friday, Oct. 2: Game 3 if necessary
- No. 5 Washington Mystics at No. 4 Atlanta Dream, TBD
- No. 7 Dallas Wings at No. 2 Golden State Valkyries, TBD
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 WNBA playoffs schedule, first-round matchups and how to watch
