WNBA sets 2026 playoff schedule dates

The WNBA released the 2026 playoff schedule on Wednesday. The first round, a best-of-three series, opens with four games on Sunday, Sept. 27. The semifinals, a best-of-five series, tip off Sunday, Oct. 4. The WNBA Finals, a best-of-seven series, open Saturday, Oct. 17.

In the first round's 1-1-1 format, the better seed hosts Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 3. The semifinals use a 2-2-1 format, where the better seed hosts Games 1, 2 and, if necessary, Game 5. The Finals employ a 2-2-1-1 format, with the better seed hosting Games 1, 2 and, if necessary, Games 5 and 7.