Here are our instant reactions to all four first-round WNBA playoff series. What are your initial predictions?

The 2026 WNBA playoffs are officially underway, with the league confirming all four first-round series scheduled to commence on Sunday, September 27. The matchups promise compelling narratives and pivotal moments as teams vie to advance and redefine their postseason trajectories.

The opening slate includes a notable rematch between the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx and the eighth-seeded New York Liberty—two teams that faced off in the 2024 WNBA Finals. Despite the Lynx holding the superior seed, the Liberty secured the regular season series 2-1, including a recent victory just a week prior, underscoring the unpredictability surrounding this encounter. Speculation has arisen regarding Minnesota’s strategic choices during the season, which some interpret as an attempt to avoid this matchup, while New York appeared to pursue it intentionally.

Minnesota enters the playoffs with a sense of urgency intensified by the uncertain contract status of star player Napheesa Collier, who will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Bolstering their confidence was a dominant finale win against the Indiana Fever, suggesting the Lynx remain serious contenders. Conversely, the Liberty underwent a significant coaching transition after last year’s first-round exit, replacing championship-winning coach Sandy Brondello with Chris DeMarco, a basketball strategist from the NBA. The outcome of this series could influence New York’s offseason decisions profoundly, potentially affecting roster composition and strategic direction.

Another pivotal first-round series features the Golden State Valkyries against the Dallas Wings. Golden State clinched this advantageous matchup by closing the regular season strongly, including a 17-4 stretch highlighted by a key win over the Los Angeles Sparks, with Gabby Williams playing a critical role. The Valkyries will need continued high-level performances from Williams to navigate this series successfully and potentially make a deeper playoff run.

The Wings, often considered the underdogs in this pairing, possess dangerous offensive weapons in Paige Buckets and Arike Ogunbowale. Their capacity to deliver clutch performances injects uncertainty into the series and offers hope that they could challenge the favored Valkyries.

Defending champions Las Vegas Aces open their title defense against the Indiana Fever, a team that pushed them to the brink in last year’s semifinals. The Aces enter the playoffs on a seven-game winning streak, signaling formidable form, while the Fever arrive after a difficult loss to a near-full-strength Lynx squad. This series is expected to be intensely physical, with notable matchups including South Carolina centers A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston. Boston’s recent injury flare-up casts some doubt on her availability, but historically she has posed significant challenges for Wilson, adding another layer of intrigue.

Veteran presence on both teams further intensifies this contest. Players like DeWanna Bonner and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton bring experience and championship know-how, which could be decisive in tight moments. Their three-point shooting prowess might ultimately swing the balance in what promises to be a fiercely competitive series.

The final first-round pairing features the Minnesota Lynx against the Indiana Fever, a matchup complicated by the Lynx’s recent struggles and injuries. Satou Sabally’s absence due to concussions has hampered Minnesota’s momentum at a critical juncture. Both teams face pressure to validate their postseason aspirations and restore confidence in their ability to contend for the championship.

Across the league, the Mystics have made a notable mark by winning 26 games for the second time in franchise history, despite being the youngest team ever assembled in the WNBA. Their youth and renewed focus position them as a team to watch as the postseason unfolds.

While television scheduling for the opening games remains unconfirmed, fans can expect an action-packed start with multiple games televised across major networks, including ABC and USA Network. The playoff atmosphere is set to intensify as the league’s top talents and emerging stars collide in pursuit of the ultimate prize.

As the 2026 WNBA playoffs begin, the combination of veteran leadership, rising stars, strategic coaching changes, and physical matchups promises a gripping postseason. Each series carries implications not only for immediate advancement but also for offseason strategies and the evolving landscape of the league.