With only four days left in the WNBA 2026 regular season, the eight playoff teams are focusing on locking in their spots. The regular season concludes on Thursday, September 24, and the playoffs begin on Sunday, September 27.
Teams in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs
- Minnesota Lynx (32-10)
- Golden State Valkyries (31-11)
- Las Vegas Aces (29-13)
- Atlanta Dream (28-14)
- Indiana Fever (27-15)
- New York Liberty (26-16)
- Washington Mystics (26-16)
- Dallas Wings (26-16)
While these teams are confirmed for the playoffs, their exact positions remain undecided as the season winds down.
Playoff Scenarios for 2026
The Minnesota Lynx, leading the pack, need either one win or a loss by the Golden State Valkyries to secure the top spot. The Lynx hold the tiebreaker over the Valkyries by winning the season series 3-1. They face the Indiana Fever on Tuesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, the Valkyries are set to play against the Portland Fire on Tuesday and the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday.
The top four teams will have home court advantage in the first round. Only the Lynx and Valkyries have secured home court advantage so far. The Aces could clinch this advantage if the Dream lose by Monday night. The Dream need to win all remaining games or hope the Fever lose one to secure home court advantage. They are unable to clinch tonight against the Liberty.
WNBA Seeding and Tiebreaker Rules
The seeding process involves several criteria:
- Better head-to-head record
- Higher winning percentage against teams finishing at .500 or better
- Better head-to-head point differential
- Overall point differential against all opponents
For scenarios involving three or more teams, the WNBA eliminates as many teams as possible, starting over at each step for the remaining teams.
Broadcast Information
NBC and Peacock will stream several games during the Semifinals and Finals. For certain Finals games, Peacock will also simulstream USA’s network coverage.
| Game | Date | Time | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semifinals Game 1 | 10/4/26 | TBD | NBC, Peacock |
| Semifinals Game 2 | 10/7/26 | TBD | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Semifinals Game 3 | 10/9/26 | TBD | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Semifinals Game 4 | 10/11/26 | TBD | NBC, Peacock |
| Semifinals Game 5 | 10/14/26 | TBD | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Finals Game 1 | 10/17/26 | 3:30pm ET | NBC, Peacock |
| Finals Game 4 | 10/24/26 | 3:30pm ET | NBC, Peacock |
How to Watch WNBA on Peacock
Peacock will broadcast nationally televised WNBA games. This includes Peacock exclusives and nationally shared games across NBC and Peacock, comprising a total of 22 national games each season. Specific Playoff matches will also be streamed.
On-Air Talent
Coverage will feature Sue Bird and Cheryl Miller as studio analysts. Maria Taylor and LaChina Robinson will serve as studio hosts. The game analysts include LaChina Robinson and Sarah Kustok, while Zora Stephenson, Noah Eagle, and Michael Grady take up play-by-play duties. Ashley ShahAhmadi, Jordan Cornette, and Caroline Pineda will report from courtside.
Peacock Subscription Information
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