The 2026 WNBA Finals is a best-of-seven series, the format the league adopted in 2025. Here is how the Finals works, the home-court layout, when it starts, how to watch, and a free printable series tracker you can fill in as the games play out.
Last updated: September 5, 2026.
2026 WNBA Finals: Quick Facts
The Finals is a best-of-seven series (first team to four wins) played in a 2-2-1-1-1 home format, with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2, 5 and 7. The regular season ends Thursday, September 24, the playoffs begin Sunday, September 27, and the Finals begin Saturday, October 17, 2026, once the two semifinal winners are set.
2026 WNBA Playoff Format
| Round | Series | Home format |
|---|---|---|
| First round | Best-of-3 | 1-1-1 |
| Semifinals | Best-of-5 | 2-2-1 |
| Finals | Best-of-7 | 2-2-1-1-1 |
Seeding is 1 through 8 by regular-season record, regardless of conference. The higher remaining seed always holds home-court advantage, including the extra home games in the best-of-seven Finals.
When Is the 2026 WNBA Finals?
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Regular season ends | Thu, Sep 24, 2026 |
| Playoffs begin (first round) | Sun, Sep 27, 2026 |
| Semifinals | Best of 5, early to mid October |
| Finals begin | Best of 7, Game 1 Saturday, Oct 17 |
The Finals schedule is now set. Game 1 is Saturday, October 17, 2026, and the series runs through a potential Game 7 on Saturday, October 31 (all times Eastern).
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sat, Oct 17 | 3:30 p.m. | Higher seed |
| Game 2 | Mon, Oct 19 | 8:00 p.m. | Higher seed |
| Game 3 | Thu, Oct 22 | 8:00 p.m. | Lower seed |
| Game 4 | Sat, Oct 24 | 3:30 p.m. | Lower seed |
| Game 5 (if necessary) | Mon, Oct 26 | TBD | Higher seed |
| Game 6 (if necessary) | Thu, Oct 29 | TBD | Lower seed |
| Game 7 (if necessary) | Sat, Oct 31 | TBD | Higher seed |
How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Playoffs and Finals
National coverage is spread across several partners. In the first round, series air on the Disney networks (ESPN and ABC), USA Network and Prime Video; the semifinals are split between the Disney networks and NBC, Peacock and NBCSN. The WNBA Finals, presented by YouTube TV, airs across NBC, Peacock and USA Network. We will confirm each individual game window here as tip-off nears.
Printable 2026 WNBA Finals Series Tracker
Fill in the two teams and mark each game as the best-of-seven plays out. The tracker follows the 2-2-1-1-1 home format.
Download the printable 2026 WNBA Finals series tracker (PDF)
Full 2026 WNBA Playoff Bracket & Matchups
Want the whole postseason picture, seeds and first-round matchups? See our 2026 WNBA playoff schedule and printable bracket, updated as the field is set.
2026 WNBA Playoff Field and First-Round Matchups
All eight seeds are locked and the first round is underway. First-round series are best of 3, semifinals best of 5, and the Finals best of 7. Follow every game on our WNBA playoff series tracker.
| Matchup | Higher Seed | Lower Seed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 vs 8 | Minnesota Lynx (31-9) | New York Liberty (24-16) |
| 2 vs 7 | Golden State Valkyries (29-11) | Dallas Wings (24-16) |
| 3 vs 6 | Las Vegas Aces (27-13) | Indiana Fever (26-14) |
| 4 vs 5 | Atlanta Dream (26-14) | Washington Mystics (24-16) |
2026 WNBA Finals FAQ
Is the 2026 WNBA Finals best-of-seven?
Yes. The WNBA Finals expanded to a best-of-seven series starting in 2025, so 2026 is the second Finals in that format. The first team to four wins is champion.
When does the 2026 WNBA Finals start?
The playoffs begin September 27, 2026, and the Finals begin Saturday, October 17, 2026 (Game 1). A potential Game 7 would fall on Saturday, October 31.
What is the WNBA Finals home-court format?
The best-of-seven Finals uses a 2-2-1-1-1 format, with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2, 5 and 7.
