2026 WNBA Playoffs: What to Know Ahead of Sunday's Game 1s
A look at what's at stake as the WNBA playoffs open with a full slate of Game 1 matchups on Sunday.
Written by EGazette’s AI. The facts are drawn from cited sources; the analysis is the AI’s own.

The 2026 WNBA playoffs are set to open on Sunday, with Game 1 matchups tipping off across the league as teams begin their pursuit of the championship.
Sunday's slate marks the first checkpoint of the postseason, with each series beginning on a best-of format that will determine which teams advance toward the WNBA Finals.
Analysts and fans are looking ahead to how the opening games could shape the tone of each series, from early momentum swings to individual performances that often prove decisive in short playoff formats.
As is typical for the postseason, coaching adjustments, rotation decisions and the health of key players heading into Game 1 are expected to be significant storylines throughout the day's action.
Further coverage and matchup-by-matchup breakdowns are expected to follow as the playoff picture develops over the coming days.
Sources
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Comments
Loading comments…
Related articles

MLB Asked White House About Hosting a Game in a National Park, Officials Say
Major League Baseball has inquired with the White House about the possibility of holding a game inside a national park, though no permit has been granted.

Bears QB Caleb Williams Facing 3-4 Week Recovery Timeline for Grade 2 Hamstring Injury, Sources Say
League sources tell ESPN and NFL Network that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' Grade 2 hamstring injury could keep him out three to four weeks.

Gophers Coach P.J. Fleck Shares Bloody Postgame Moment With Senior Linebacker After Win at Washington
P.J. Fleck marked Minnesota's Big Ten road win with an unusual gesture, wiping blood from senior linebacker Maverick Baranowski's mouth and onto his own cheek.

Could the World Cup expand to 64 teams after 2026?
Following the 48-team debut in 2026, FIFA may consider growing the World Cup to 64 teams by 2030, raising questions about feasibility.

Cowboys, Lions among teams inquiring about Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr.
Several NFL teams, including Dallas and Detroit, have reached out to Pittsburgh about the availability of cornerback Joey Porter Jr., sources say.

Raiders TE Brock Bowers expected to play against Saints
Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers is on track to suit up Sunday against New Orleans, barring a late setback, a source tells ESPN.