Overview
- The eight‑team playoff bracket is finalized and the postseason opens Sunday, Sept. 27 with all four Game 1s scheduled that day in a back‑to‑back television window.
- First‑round matchups are No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 New York Liberty, No. 2 Golden State Valkyries vs. No. 7 Dallas Wings, No. 3 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever, and No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 5 Washington Mystics.
- The league confirmed the format: a best‑of‑three first round, best‑of‑five semifinals and a seven‑game Finals played 2‑2‑1‑1‑1 with the full calendar running through late October if needed.
- Game 1 broadcast windows on Sept. 27 are Minnesota vs. New York at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, Las Vegas vs. Indiana at 4 p.m. ET on ABC, Atlanta vs. Washington at 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video, and Golden State vs. Dallas at 9 p.m. ET on USA/CNBC.
- Coverage notes highlight competitive balance and star narratives — such as Napheesa Collier and rookie Olivia Miles for Minnesota and A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark for Las Vegas/Indiana — and warn that injuries or international commitments could still alter rosters and impact outcomes.