WNBA Sets 2026 Playoff Bracket for 8 Teams as First Round Opens Sunday

Q: Can the injury-plagued Liberty pull off a shocking first-round upset against the title-favorite Lynx in this 2024 Finals rematch?

Yes, but it would still be a real upset. New York is not a typical No. 8 seed. Even through an injury-disrupted season, the Liberty still have championship experience, star power in Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, and they won the regular-season series against Minnesota 2-1. They also just beat the Lynx 93-81 last week, and Minnesota enters the playoffs after a shaky stretch in which it lost four of five before the finale. That recent form is the clearest reason to think the matchup is more dangerous for the Lynx than a normal 1-vs.-8 series. The problem for New York is health and depth. Stewart was held out of the regular-season finale with left knee soreness, Jones left that game after twisting her left ankle, and Satou Sabally is out for the season. That is a major burden against the league’s most balanced team. Minnesota finished 33-11, owns home-court advantage, ranks near the top of the WNBA in both offensive and defensive efficiency, and now has a deep core built around Olivia Miles, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard and Napheesa Collier. Even with some late defensive slippage, the Lynx have been the league’s most consistent team over the full season. So the path is there for New York if Stewart and Jones are healthy enough, Ionescu controls tempo, and the Liberty’s veteran shot-making steals a game early. But based on form, depth and health, Minnesota remains the deserved favorite in this rematch.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Sep 25

Eight teams locked in the 2026 WNBA playoff field on Thursday, with four first-round series starting Sunday and the opener tipping at 2 p.m. ET on ABC.
Golden State clinched the No. 2 seed by rallying from 16 points down to beat Los Angeles, joining No. 1 Minnesota, No. 3 Las Vegas and No. 4 Atlanta as home-court hosts.
The matchups are Minnesota vs. New York, Golden State vs. Dallas, Las Vegas vs. Indiana and Atlanta vs. Washington.
Las Vegas-Indiana renews a familiar Fever No. 6 path for a third straight year, while Minnesota-New York revives the 2024 WNBA Finals matchup.
Atlanta-Washington adds two fresh postseason angles, with Angel Reese making her playoff debut and the Mystics returning to the field for the first time in 3 years.