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The first round of the WNBA playoffs 2026 results delivered one of the biggest upsets the league has seen, plus two series that went the distance. New York became the first No. 8 seed ever to knock out a No. 1, Golden State won the first playoff series in franchise history, and Las Vegas needed a deciding game to get past Indiana. Atlanta was the only home side to sweep without fuss. Off the court, the league handed out four major awards, with Minnesota and Atlanta among the big winners.
Liberty write the history books against Minnesota
The eighth-seeded Liberty had already stolen Game 1 in Minneapolis 91-75 on 27 September behind 34 points and 12 rebounds from Breanna Stewart. Back at Barclays Center on Tuesday, they finished the job 87-71 and never trailed. Stewart added 21 and Jonquel Jones posted 21 points and 13 rebounds. Minnesota’s season ended despite a league-best 33-11 record, with Napheesa Collier held to 12 and 14 points across the two games and rookie Olivia Miles shooting just 4-of-20 for the series.
Aussie Rebecca Allen played 11 minutes in Game 2 and blocked Collier’s turnaround jumper within seconds of checking in. Anneli Maley did not play.
Valkyries rally past Dallas, Ogunbowale sets a record
Golden State cruised in Game 1, 104-80, but Dallas forced a decider with a 108-100 overtime win at home on Wednesday as Arike Ogunbowale poured in 45 points, a WNBA playoff record. In Friday’s Game 3 at Chase Center, the Wings led by 16 in the second half before the Valkyries clawed back to win 77-73. Gabby Williams scored 19, all but two after half-time, including the go-ahead jumper with 1:17 left. Veronica Burton had 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and Tiffany Hayes added 18 off the bench. Coach Natalie Nakase went down on the sideline late in the game and was helped off afterwards, but she was cleared to coach Sunday.
It is the first series win in the franchise’s short history, coming in just its second season.
Wilson drags the Aces past the Fever
Las Vegas won Game 1 at home 102-85, but Indiana hit back 99-89 in Indianapolis on Tuesday as Caitlin Clark posted 27 points and 15 assists before fouling out. A’ja Wilson answered with 36 in Thursday’s 94-83 Game 3 win, finishing the series with 96 points. Aussie Stephanie Talbot chipped in nine points and five rebounds in the Game 2 loss.
Semifinals tip off
Sunday brought two Game 1 wins for the home sides. Atlanta beat New York 92-82, turning 21 Liberty turnovers into 32 points and winning the third quarter 32-15. Jordin Canada scored 25 (20 after half-time) and DeWanna Bonner 23, while Sabrina Ionescu top-scored with 27 for New York. The Dream lost leading scorer Allisha Gray to a left hand injury in the second quarter. In San Francisco, the Valkyries smothered the Aces 71-60, out-rebounding them 52-25 as Williams posted 25 points and 11 rebounds. It was Las Vegas’s lowest score of the season, and Jewell Loyd left with a left leg injury. Talbot missed the game with a leg injury of her own.
Other storylines
- Angel Reese (Atlanta) won Defensive Player of the Year with 46 of 74 votes, after a season that included WNBA single-season records for total rebounds (521) and double-doubles (32).
- Olivia Miles was the unanimous Rookie of the Year after scoring 790 points, a league rookie record. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve won Coach of the Year for the fifth time.
- Dallas forward Jessica Shepard was named Most Improved Player after averaging 14.5 points and 11.1 rebounds.
- Golden State’s Janelle Salaün became the first unanimous Sixth Player of the Year, setting reserve records for points (509) and threes (93).
- Atlanta beat Washington 92-77 and 93-75. It was the franchise’s first series win since 2016.
- Opals forward Alanna Smith’s injury-hit season ended with Dallas’s exit.
What it means
Two best-of-five semifinals are set: No. 4 Atlanta against No. 8 New York, and No. 2 Golden State against the No. 3 and defending champion Las Vegas. Both higher seeds hold home court and a 1-0 lead.
Atlanta’s big worry is Gray’s hand. The Aces have to fix their rebounding fast, and Loyd’s leg is a concern too.
How to watch in Australia
- WNBA League Pass streams every game.
- Kayo Sports streams a selection of games via ESPN.
- Prime Video streams selected games.
- Every WNBA game with AEDT times and confirmed AU broadcasters: USA Sports TV Guide
- Full rundown of platforms and prices: How to Watch WNBA in Australia 2026
One email per day at 7:00pm AEDT. Tomorrow’s WNBA games with confirmed AEDT times, exact broadcasters, and pick of the day. Free.
What’s next?
- Live US Sports TV Guide
- How to Watch WNBA in Australia 2026
- Previous WNBA Wrap — 27 September 2026
- Next WNBA Wrap — 11 October 2026
Results accurate as of 4 October 2026 US time. All times AEST (AEDT from Sunday 4 October). Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.