2026 WNBA Playoffs: Liberty Eliminate Top-Seed Lynx as First-Round Series Intensify

The New York Liberty dismantled the Minnesota Lynx in straight sets to open the 2026 WNBA playoffs, becoming the first team to punch a ticket to the best-of-five semifinals and immediately validating the league’s decision three years ago to expand the opening round beyond single-elimination games.

New York swept the top-seeded Lynx by winning 91-75 on the road before closing out the series with an 87-71 victory. The format grants the higher seed home-court advantage for Game 1 and a potential Game 3, meaning the Liberty had to win twice in Minnesota to advance without returning home. Their ability to do so underscores a shift in postseason dynamics; since the WNBA moved away from its previous single-game first-round format in 2022, lower seeds have increasingly found ways to leverage roster depth over a multi-game stretch rather than relying on a single upset performance.

While New York awaits its next opponent, the remaining three first-round matchups are at critical junctures heading into Wednesday and Thursday.

Caitlin Clark orchestrated a 99-89 victory for the sixth-seeded Indiana Fever over the Las Vegas Aces, knotting that series at one game apiece. Clark recorded 27 points and 15 assists in the win, forcing a decisive Game 3 scheduled for Thursday night in Las Vegas. The Fever’s ability to bounce back after dropping the opener 102-85 prevents the defending powerhouse Aces from coasting into the next round and sets up a high-stakes elimination game broadcast on the USA Network.

In the Western Conference, the second-seeded Golden State Valkyries hold a 1-0 advantage over the Dallas Wings following a 104-80 blowout. Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Dallas. The Valkyries, playing in only their second season since entering the league as an expansion franchise, are attempting to become one of the fastest teams in WNBA history to reach the conference finals. A sweep would cement their rapid organizational build as a legitimate championship threat rather than a novelty.

The fourth-seeded Atlanta Dream also took control of their bracket with a 92-77 win over the Washington Mystics. Atlanta travels to Washington for Game 2 on Wednesday evening, with a potential Game 3 looming Friday if the Mystics force a decider.

The winners of these four brackets will converge for the semifinals beginning Oct. 4. That round shifts to a 2-2-1 format, giving the higher remaining seed home-court advantage for Games 1, 2, and 5. Broadcast responsibilities expand significantly during this phase, with coverage split across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN, reflecting the massive media rights agreements that reshaped the league’s television footprint ahead of the 2026 campaign.

The WNBA Finals, structured as a best-of-seven series for the first time in league history, tip off Oct. 17. The championship round utilizes a 2-2-1-1-1 format. NBC and Peacock will carry the early weekend games, while USA Network and Peacock handle the midweek broadcasts. If the series extends to its maximum length, Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31.

Indiana and Las Vegas play their series-deciding Game 3 on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.