2026 WNBA playoffs bracket, schedule: First-round matchups set after Valkyries rally for No. 2 seed

Key Points:

• The 2026 WNBA season marked a historic milestone with a significant salary cap increase from $1.5 million in 2025 to $7 million in 2026, following a contentious labor battle, alongside the addition of two expansion teams and standout rookies like Olivia Miles.
• Record-breaking performances defined the season, including Kelsey Mitchell surpassing the single-season points record, Olivia Miles breaking the rookie scoring record, Caitlin Clark achieving a historic 40-point, 10-assist game, Angel Reese setting a single-game rebounding record, and Marina Mabrey tying the single-game scoring record.
• The playoff bracket is set with the top eight teams across the league competing, starting with a best-of-three first round beginning Sunday, September 27, featuring matchups such as the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 New York Liberty and No. 2 Golden State Valkyries vs. No. 7 Dallas Wings.
• The postseason format includes higher seeds hosting the first and potential third games in the first round, a best-of-five semifinals, and a best-of-seven Finals series for only the second time in WNBA history, promising an intense and extended playoff period.
• Fans can follow the playoffs across various networks including ABC, ESPN, NBC, USA, Prime, and streaming platforms like fubo, with games scheduled from late September through the end of October.