The 2026 WNBA playoffs run from September 27 through October 31, featuring an eight-team bracket playing best-of-three, best-of-five, and best-of-seven series, PCMag reported. Streaming access is split across multiple networks and platforms, requiring viewers to use various subscription services to watch every matchup.
Atlanta Dream Leads New York Liberty in Semifinals
The Atlanta Dream holds a 1-0 lead over the New York Liberty in their best-of-five semifinal series following a 92-82 victory on Sunday, masslive.com reported. Starting guard Jordin Canada scored 25 points for the Dream, while DeWanna Bonner added 23 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. Bonner joined the team in August and has helped the squad secure an 8-0 record since her arrival. She replaced Allisha Gray, who left Game 1 with a hand injury and has been ruled out for Game 2.
New York guard Sabrina Ionescu tallied 27 points in Game 1, marking her highest scoring output since an August 1 game against the Phoenix Mercury, masslive.com noted. The Atlanta Dream host Game 2 on Wednesday, October 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, with a broadcast on ESPN. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.
Valkyries Lead Aces in Semifinal Series
The Las Vegas Aces continue their active postseason appearance streak against the Golden State Valkyries, who hold a 1-0 lead in their semifinal series, according to PCMag. Game 2 takes place on Wednesday, October 7, at 9:30 p.m. ET, with broadcasts available on NBCSN and Peacock. Game 3 follows on Friday, October 9, at 9:30 p.m. ET on the same networks.
Unlike the NBA, the WNBA does not separate its 15 teams into conferences for the postseason. Instead, the top eight teams regardless of conference reach the playoffs. This year’s field features four teams from the Eastern Conference and four from the Western Conference, including the Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries, Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever, Washington Mystics, Dallas Wings, and New York Liberty, PCMag reported.
Broadcast Rights Split Across Multiple Streaming Services
Playoff broadcast rights are split between ABC, ESPN, NBC, NBCSN, USA, Peacock, and Prime Video. Because coverage is fragmented, a single cable package may not cover every game. Live TV streaming services offer various regional and national sports tiers:
- DirecTV: Masslive.com notes that DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial for new users, with plans starting at $59.99 for the first month.
- Masslive.com lists FuboTV starting at $63.99 per month with a five-day free trial.
- Peacock: Peacock Premium costs $10.99 to $12.99 per month depending on the tier, providing access to select Wild Card and Semifinal games, with simulstreams for USA Network coverage during the Finals.
- YouTube TV: The standard plan costs $83 per month, but subscribers can select a $65 sports package covering ABC, ESPN, NBC, NBCSN, and USA.
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