2026 WNBA Playoffs: Experts Unanimously Pick Lynx to End Title Drought in Wide-Open Field

Key points

• The 2026 WNBA bracket is set with a historic seven-game gap between the top and bottom seeds, marking the tightest competition since the 2020 season.
• First-round matchups include No. 1 Minnesota vs. No. 8 New York, No. 2 Golden State vs. No. 7 Dallas, No. 3 Las Vegas vs. No. 6 Indiana, and No. 4 Atlanta vs. No. 5 Washington.
• All three CBS Sports experts and all four The Guardian contributors predict the Minnesota Lynx to win the championship, citing their depth, coaching, and the return of Olivia Miles.
• The Las Vegas Aces face a critical test against the Indiana Fever, with A'ja Wilson seeking a fourth title in five years despite missing NaLyssa Smith for the season.
• The Golden State Valkyries, the league's best defensive team, are predicted by some to reach the Finals, while the New York Liberty are viewed as a potential first-round upset threat.

Background

The 2026 season is the league's 30th anniversary, marked by expansion to two new teams and significant cultural debates. The regular season ended with a dramatic finish, where Gabby Williams' late three-pointer secured the No. 2 seed for the Golden State Valkyries over the Las Vegas Aces. This parity follows a 2025 season where the Aces won the title, and a 2024 season where the New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a controversial overtime game. The current playoff structure includes best-of-three first-round series and a best-of-seven Finals, the latter being a new format for the league.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports experts Adam Eargle, Isabel Gonzalez, and Jack Maloney unanimously pick the Minnesota Lynx to win the title, though they differ on semifinal paths. Eargle predicts the Lynx will face the Valkyries, while Gonzalez and Maloney see the Aces as the Finals opponent. The Guardian contributors also unanimously pick the Lynx, but offer more varied views on other teams. For instance, one contributor picks the Valkyries as champions, while another highlights the New York Liberty as a potential upset threat. All sources agree on the Lynx's strength but disagree on the viability of the Aces and Valkyries in the later rounds. The AP notes that all eight teams believe they have a legitimate shot at the title, reflecting the wide-open nature of the bracket.

Why it matters

The 2026 playoffs represent a pivotal moment for the WNBA, showcasing the league's growing competitiveness and depth. The unanimous prediction of the Lynx highlights the impact of Olivia Miles and Cheryl Reeve's coaching, while the tight seeding gap indicates a more balanced league. The outcome will determine whether the Aces can extend their dynasty or if a new era begins with the Lynx. Additionally, the performance of new stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the playoffs will shape the league's future narrative and commercial appeal.

What to watch

The first round of the 2026 WNBA playoffs begins on Sunday, September 27, with four best-of-three series. The Minnesota Lynx will host the New York Liberty, while the Golden State Valkyries face the Dallas Wings. The Las Vegas Aces will play the Indiana Fever, and the Atlanta Dream will host the Washington Mystics. The winners will advance to the semifinals, with the Finals scheduled for late October. Key watch points include the health of Olivia Miles, the performance of A'ja Wilson against the Fever, and the defensive prowess of the Valkyries.