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It's time to crown a champion.
After a long summer of competition, the WNBA regular season is over, and the field has been cut down to eight teams remaining in the hunt for a title. This season has seen its fair share of storylines and drama, but now that's all in the past as the focus zeroes in on winning it all.
There are plenty of familiar faces back in the postseason. The Las Vegas Aces are on the prowl for the club's fourth title in a span of five years, taking home the trophy last year, as well as in 2022 and 2023. Led by superstar and MVP frontrunner A'ja Wilson, there is no luck involved in the Aces' success — it's a team out in full force looking to solidify itself as one of the sport's greatest dynasties.
But there are newcomers as well. There is the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx, led by rookie sensation Olivia Miles, who is hoping her first season ends in gold. The Golden State Valkyries, in only their second season as a WNBA club, are looking to quickly add a ring to their freshly carved cupboard.
Of course, there are also the pending playoff debuts for some of the faces of the league, such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. After dominating the postseason scene in college, these young phenoms have a chance to showcase their skills under the brightest lights in women's basketball.
So, who is the most likely team to win it all? Sporting News predicts the 2026 WNBA playoffs, from breakout stars and underperformers to the title winners.
MORE: Full WNBA playoff picture, matchups
WNBA playoff picks, predictions 2026
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Which bottom seed is the biggest threat to win it all?
Emily Dozier, Associate Editor: The Liberty may be the No. 8 seed in this year's playoffs, but everyone knows to watch out for the Commissioner's Cup Champions. New York still rosters a dominant trio in Stewart, Ionescu and Jones, who each have the ability to take over a game in the blink of an eye. With a little extra confidence heading into the playoffs, the Liberty will find their rhythm easily and threaten the top-seeded Lynx.
Carlan Gay, Assistant Managing Editor: It’s the Liberty. So many picked them to be in the Finals, and they certainly have the talent to find a way there. Stewie is having an all-WNBA season, and if they can just stay healthy, they can figure it out.
Steph Noh, Senior Writer: The Mystics. They’re playing free and loose, with a young roster and few expectations. That has allowed them to secure a franchise record in wins and bring a formidable defense that should translate well to the playoffs. They’re hitting their stride at the right time.
Cate Schiller, Global Content Coordinator: Even though they're one of the most hyped franchises in the league, I could see the Fever flying under the radar this postseason. This team pushed the eventual champion Aces to the brink of elimination in last year's playoffs, and that was without Caitlin Clark. When healthy, the trio of CC, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston is unstoppable, and we know they're hungry for a title.
David Suggs, Content Producer: It feels like heresy to label the Liberty as dark horses. They have championship pedigree and added real verve to a talent-laden roster in the offseason. Injuries and spotty performances from key players have left them in the cellar of postseason-bound sides. And yet, with past WNBA and Finals MVPs Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones leading the way, New York still looks capable of mounting a lengthy playoff run. Stewart has been a force since returning from the World Cup, averaging 26 points in three September fixtures. Sabrina Ionescu has had a sour campaign and Satou Sabally’s absence will hurt. But Stewart and Jones are good enough to spearhead the Liberty to glory. They proved as much at this year’s Commissioner’s Cup final.
Dan Yanofsky, Content Producer: The Washington Mystics are a real problem. As the youngest team in the playoffs, Washington’s core is full of superstars in the making. Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Shakira Austin, dubbed the C.I.A., form a dynamic trio. They have the height to bully players on the inside. Having exceeded expectations during the regular season, watch out if momentum favors Washington.
Which top-three seed is overrated and why?
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Dozier: I wouldn't use "overrated" to describe the Valkyries as they earned every bit of success they had this regular season. However, is Golden State ready for a playoff run? The regular season and the postseason are different games, a lesson this squad learned last year, but I'm not convinced Golden State's postseason won't have issues. The Valks need to turn defense into offense if they want to advance onward.
Gay: First off, none of them are overrated, so I’ll reframe and say the least likely to win it all. As much as I love their culture, identity, and Ballhalla — it’s the Valks. The defense is championship calibre, but when the 3s aren’t falling, the offense leaves a lot to be desired. I think they’re one more offseason away from breaking through.
Noh: The Aces. They’re the defending champs, they have the best player in the league in A’ja Wilson, and they have proven that they can win it all multiple times. But they’ve struggled against the Lynx, going 1-2 in that matchup.
Schiller: I hate to bet against a dynasty, but I have to go with the Aces. I have no doubt that A'Ja Wilson will bring her playoff magic back, but when comparing the top seeds, Las Vegas gives me the most pause. With NaLyssa Smith out for the season and Stephanie Talbot seemingly stunted on offense, the 'Big 3' will be forced to carry a huge load.
Suggs: The Valkyries possess the league’s greatest defense. Their offense is far less imposing, however. Natalie Nakase’s side is lacking in the attacking firepower typically associated with the sport’s elite rosters. Gabby Williams flaunted her scoring gifts in the first half of the World Cup final. But the roster around her lacks consistent shot-makers. The Valkyries also rarely get to the charity stripe, posting the fifth-worst free-throw rate in the league. Golden State recorded 111.6 points per 100 possessions in the regular season, the sixth-best mark in basketball. Just two teams in the past 20 years have won the WNBA title after finishing outside of the top-five in offensive rating in the regular season (2006 Shock, 2021 Sky). The Valks have their work cut out for them if they want to join that illustrious list.
Yanofsky: I don’t want to doubt Golden State, but I don't believe the Valkyries are there just yet. They have the talent, including Sixth Player of the Year candidate Janelle Salaun and Gabby Williams. However, a missing piece may expose them come playoff time.
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Who will be the breakout playoff star no one has heard of yet?
Dozier: After missing plenty of time with a foot injury, Leonie Fiebich is back just in time. The German is having her best season despite her time away, and the Liberty will need all the help they can get to advance as the No. 8 seed. New York fans know Fiebich and know what kind of game she is capable of, and if she can turn it on when it matters, she'll be the breakout star opponents hate to see coming.
Gay: Shakira Austin. She’s deserving of Most Improved Player this season, but that award will likely go to Jessica Shepard. Austin has been a beast for the Mystics all year — the problem is no one was watching Washington play!
Noh: Veronica Burton. The high-flying Valkyries point guard has a game that shines whenever you watch her. She contributes great defense, playmaking, and timely buckets that could swing several playoff games. She’s a playoff riser that has been a major component of Golden State’s faster-than-expected ascent into the top tier of teams.
Schiller: Golden State's Janelle Salaun is perfectly positioned to have a breakout postseason. Salaun's been a reliable addition to the offense, averaging 13 points per game off the bench, and she's already a frontrunner for Sixth Player of the Year in just her second season. Though the Valkyries typically lean on Gabby Williams, Salaun might be a clutch weapon in the big moments.
Suggs: Pauline Astier has made a marked impact in her maiden WNBA season, carving out a role as the Liberty’s lead guard alongside Ionescu. With the Oregon product struggling, I think New York will look to Astier to power its backcourt. She’s an accomplished offensive player who has quietly emerged as one of the league’s best drivers. If the Liberty are to make their title hopes materialize, Astier will have to be at her best.
Yanofsky: It’s not hard to believe the Dallas Wings could go far in the playoffs. While Paige Bueckers could lead the team in points, don’t forget about triple-double machine Jessica Shepard. Having a breakout season, Shepard could be a key piece to the Wings’ success.
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Which two teams will make it to the WNBA Finals?
Dozier: I predict the finals will be an Aces versus Lynx showdown. Call it a boring top-seeded matchup, but the last time I doubted the Aces, they won their third title in four seasons. You simply can't turn away from Vegas. On the other side, I'm ready to see Minnesota back to a championship appearance. With Collier now back in action, I have no doubt she'll take the Lynx back to the title game.
Gay: I’m being stubborn here and sticking with the Dream, and I’ll say Vegas gets back to the championship round.
Noh: My Finals pick is the Lynx vs. the Aces. Las Vegas’ biggest obstacle to the Finals will be the Valkyries, whom they have dominated during the regular season. And it’s hard to pick against the Lynx despite their recent slump.
Suggs: With just a handful of games separating the first and eighth seeds, this year’s playoff field feels as open as it has been in recent memory. Ultimately, though, the cream rises to the top. The Lynx and Aces have Grade-A talents littered across their rosters. They’re somewhat diametrically opposed to one another — Minnesota has been anchored by its young, brash supernova, while Las Vegas gets its strength from its veteran core, namely A’ja Wilson. And yet, they feel the most capable of hoisting the championship trophy. They’ll emerge out of the mire to compete for the WNBA crown.
Schiller: The Lynx and the Fever. Both teams will overcome the disappointing shortcomings of past seasons and reignite a Midwest matchup in the 2026 Finals.
Yanofsky: Las Vegas Aces and Minnesota Lynx.
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Who will win the WNBA Finals?
Dozier: While I don't think it will come easily, I think this year is finally Minnesota's time to shine. They were great all season long, but with Collier back in full swing, they're somehow even better. The Lynx have a fiery yet composed roster, which includes one of the best WNBA rookies ever in Olivia Miles. If she can translate her regular season play to the postseason, there's no doubt she'll bring the trophy back for her team.
Gay: Again, being stubborn since I picked them at the start of the season and saying the Dream. They’ll miss Bri Jones and really need a great playoff run from Jordin Canada, but I think they'll find a way somehow.
Noh: The Lynx. Yes, they have hit their first three-game skid since the 2023 season. They’ve had some rough patches incorporating Napheesa Collier back into the rotation. And they haven't responded well to heightened physicality in their most recent stretch of games. But they’ve been a dominant team during the regular season, with elite coaching and talent. They know how to beat the Aces, and they will have home-court advantage in that series.
Schiller: After nearly a decade, the Lynx will finally lift the coveted Championship Trophy. Rookie Olivia Miles has been the perfect addition to this Minnesota team, which was one missing puzzle piece away from a championship in 2024. Napheesa Collier has proven her value to the franchise time and time again, and we all know she has what it takes to bring a title back to Minneapolis.
Suggs: It just feels like the Lynx’s year, man. Between Minnesota’s heartbreak in its last Finals appearance, Cheryl Reeve’s tactics, Miles’ playmaking brilliance or the understated greatness of Collier, the Lynx are teeming with championship-caliber intangibles. Need a game-changing triple? Kayla McBride can offer them in droves. Yearning for a timely shot contest or swat? Natasha Howard is more than willing to foot the bill. There’s never been a better time for Minnesota to bring a title back to the Great Lakes than now.[4:03 PM]
Yanofsky: I predicted the Las Vegas Aces would win the WNBA Finals before the season. I still predict they will reach the Finals, but they will fall to Olivia Miles and the Lynx. Minnesota has all the key pieces, including a young, hot prospect in Olivia Miles, who is already in MVP form. A healthy Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride spell trouble for any team.
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Who will win WNBA Finals MVP?
Dozier: Olivia Miles practically did it all this year. Why not give her the Finals MVP? If the rookie is half as good in the playoffs as she was in the regular season, she won't have any trouble leading the Lynx to a title.
Gay: If the Dream wins it all, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard have to be elite. It’ll be one of the two; I’ll go with Gray.
Noh: Olivia Miles. Her swaggy play will make her a favorite amongst voters, and the rookie phenom has been unstoppable this season. When the Lynx have needed a lift, she has stepped up with her uncanny ability to get to the rim, pull up from 3, or hit a teammate with a perfect pass.
Schiller: Collier has been named Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Star five times. The only honor missing from her professional resume — besides a title — is Finals MVP, and I believe 2026 is her year. Phee has been a consistent two-way threat for Minnesota since 2019, and she's now stepped into an even more pivotal role as a veteran. Even when new faces join the franchise, it's understood that Napheesa Collier is the underlying force that keeps the whole machine running.
Suggs: I’ll go with Napheesa Collier here. Perhaps her gifts were somewhat blighted amid a lengthy injury absence and Miles’ breakout. But make no mistake: on her day, Collier is one of the few players who can make a reasonable case of being Wilson’s equal. She hasn’t been nearly as prolific as she was in prior campaigns. But her past postseason exploits suggest an upswing is coming; Collier averaged 23.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.9 blocks during the 2024 playoffs — the last time Minnesota made the Finals. With Miles in tow, those figures could swell. If they do, it will be hard to deny the UConn talent of the honor she so clearly desires.
Yanofsky: Kayla McBride. When she's on, there's nobody that can stop her. Olivia Miles, Courtney Williams, and Napheesa Collier can pass to her and she can drain shots into the hoop. McBride may make a true impact if the Lynx make the WNBA Finals.
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