On Sunday, Sept. 27, the playoffs for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) kicked off, pitting eight teams head-to-head in a series of games to decide the winner of the 2026 season. With many of the season award-winning players in the playoffs, these eight teams have a lot to offer.
The No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx is led by the unanimous Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles and Coach of the Year Cheryl Reeve. Miles leads the team with 19.8 points and six assists a game, and surrounding her are quick guards, such as Kayla McBride, to share the ball and play in their pick-and-roll scheme, snaking through defense to get mid range shots.
The No. 8 New York Liberty is the leading team in defensive rebounds and have strong forwards, including Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, to match up against the more powerful opponents. Stewart, a two-time league MVP, dropped 34 points with two steals and blocks on the Lynx in Game 1 of the series between Minnesota and New York; this was two points off the franchise record, while the rest of the team generated good shot attempts with intricate playcalls and ball movement. The Liberty’s strengths were on full display as they eliminated the Lynx in Game 2 on Sept. 29, the first time a No. 1 seed was eliminated by a No. 8 seed in WNBA playoffs history.
Reigning champions, No. 3 Las Vegas Aces, play a fast-paced offense designed to allow drives to the basket. The 3-time Associated Press WNBA Player of the Year A’ja Wilson leads the Aces with 26.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, commanding the attention of the defense. This helps create great opportunities for her teammates to score as they fight for their fourth championship in five years.
Star point guard Caitlin Clark and the No. 6 Indiana Fever are the leading team in field goal percentage, generating the most points per game. However, with their star player Aliyah Boston coming off of a flare-up in the right leg in the last game of the regular season, the Fever are looking for some help from their other players while Boston continues to heal from her injury.
The No. 2 Golden State Valkyries are the definition of an all-around team, and they are my personal pick for the team that wins it all. Like their men’s counterpart, the Golden State Warriors, the name of the game is the 3-point shot. The Valkyries currently lead the league in 3-point shots attempted and made. However, unlike their counterparts, the Valkyries turn the ball over the least due to their deep rotation of guards that can handle the ball.
The No. 7 Dallas Wings have a deadly guard duo, with 2025 Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale to couple up with Jessica Shepard, who was recently named the 2026 Most Improved Player of the Year. They attempt the most field goals of any team by running plays to get shots in the middle of the paint, which is usually set up with a screen by Shepard.
The No. 5 Washington Mystics are a different story. Instead of the modern 3-point hunting that most teams seek, the Mystics boast strong players that play gritty defense and get to the rim and the free throw line. Behind their center Shakira Austin’s 17 points and 9.5 rebounds a game, they attempt the most free throws and secure the second most rebounds per game. They also have the highest shot frequency under the basket, an anecdote of their playstyle.
Last but not least, the No. 4 Atlanta Dream show off a unique identity. On defense, they create chaos on the perimeter, leading the league in steals and finishing the possession by securing rebounds and loose balls. The 2026 Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese, who was traded this year to the Dream, bolsters both ends of the court, averaging 16.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and adding 1.8 steals to the mix.
With the goal of winning the championship, teams will have to navigate injuries, off nights from star players and unexpected challenges, giving all eight teams an opportunity to clinch the title.
While much of the postseason may have already unfolded by the time this issue goes to print, the remaining games will showcase the adjustments coaches make to counter their opponents. That constant back-and-forth between strategy and execution could ultimately shape who emerges as champion.