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The 2026 WNBA Playoffs are here. First Round Game 1s tipped off Sunday 27 September and delivered a genuine upset, dominant statement wins, and one Aussie-vs-Aussie series that will define this postseason for Australian basketball fans. New York Liberty (#8 seed) stunned Minnesota Lynx (#1) in Game 1 — a legitimate upset. Las Vegas dominated Indiana behind A’ja Wilson. Atlanta edged Washington in the Aussie vs Aussie clash (Isobel Borlase over Georgia Amoore). Golden State Valkyries routed Dallas. Here’s the state of the WNBA Playoffs after Game 1s.
Final playoff seeding
Western Conference
- Minnesota Lynx — 33-11 — #1 overall seed
- Golden State Valkyries — 32-12 — #2 overall
- Las Vegas Aces — 31-13 — #3 overall
- Dallas Wings — 27-17 — #7 overall
Eastern Conference
- Atlanta Dream — 30-14 — #4 overall
- Washington Mystics — 28-16 — #5 overall
- Indiana Fever — 28-16 — #6 overall
- New York Liberty — 26-18 — #8 overall
First Round Game 1 results (Sunday 27 September)
#8 Liberty def. #1 Lynx — THE UPSET
The genuine shock of the opening day. New York Liberty — the #8 overall seed — beat the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of their first-round series. Minnesota were the regular-season juggernaut at 33-11 with Napheesa Collier as MVP favourite. But the Liberty — with Jonquel Jones cleared to play despite a preseason ankle roll — delivered. Aussie Rebecca Allen a genuine factor for the Liberty.
#3 Aces def. #6 Fever — A’ja Wilson dominates
A’ja Wilson led the Las Vegas Aces to a dominant Game 1 win over Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. Wilson’s efficiency and Wilson’s presence on both ends of the floor overwhelmed Indiana. Aussie Stephanie Talbot on the Aces bench, playoff rotation minutes.
#4 Dream def. #5 Mystics — the Aussie clash
The Aussie-vs-Aussie storyline is officially live. Atlanta Dream edged Washington Mystics in Game 1 — Isobel Borlase’s Dream over Georgia Amoore’s Mystics. Game 2 shifts to Washington. This is the highest-stakes Aussie-vs-Aussie WNBA playoff matchup in league history.
#2 Valkyries def. #7 Wings — expansion team continues
The Golden State Valkyries routed the Dallas Wings in Game 1. Aussie Alanna Smith and Dallas now face a genuine hole — down 1-0 with games 2 and 3 (if needed) on the road at the expansion Cinderella. Golden State continue their dream first-year run.
Aussie playoff scorecard
- Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings, #7) — LOSS Game 1 to Valkyries. Game 2 later this week.
- Isobel Borlase (Atlanta Dream, #4) — WIN Game 1 over Mystics. 1-0 up in series.
- Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics, #5) — LOSS Game 1 to Dream. Game 2 shifts to Washington.
- Stephanie Talbot (Las Vegas Aces, #3) — WIN Game 1 over Fever. 1-0 up.
- Rebecca Allen (New York Liberty, #8) — HUGE WIN Game 1 over Minnesota. 1-0 up in massive upset.
Game 2s this week
All four Game 2s tip off later in the week. If any team wins their Game 2, they advance to the semifinals. If both teams win one each, Game 3 (elimination) is played on Sunday.
Storylines heading into Game 2s
Can the Liberty complete the upset? The Lynx are the #1 seed for a reason. Napheesa Collier will respond. But home-court advantage is now with New York in the series.
Aussie vs Aussie Game 2. Borlase leads 1-0 in the series but Amoore’s Mystics have home-court advantage in Washington for Game 2. If Dream sweeps in Washington, Amoore’s playoffs end. If Mystics force a Game 3, the series returns to Atlanta.
A’ja Wilson vs Caitlin Clark’s Fever. Clark had a quiet Game 1. Her Game 2 response will define whether Indiana can extend the series.
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How to watch WNBA playoffs in Australia
WNBA on Kayo Sports (via ESPN Australia). Every game via WNBA League Pass. For the full playoff schedule with AEST tip-offs and confirmed broadcasters, use our live TV Guide.
What’s next?
Playoff results accurate as of Sunday 27 September 2026 US time. All times AEST. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.