WNBA standings update: Playoff picture, remaining schedules and key games as 2026 season resumes
The WNBA returns Thursday with all eight playoff teams confirmed but every seed still unsettled. Here is the complete standings update, remaining schedule and postseason picture.
The 2026 WNBA playoff picture is still evolving as the season resumes. The Minnesota Lynx hold a commanding lead with a 31-9 record, followed closely by the Golden State Valkyries at 29-11. Las Vegas Aces sit in fourth place with a 27-13 record, while Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever are tied at fifth with a 26-14 record. Six teams tie for the sixth seed: New York Liberty, Washington Mystics, and Dallas Wings.
The playoff field is set, with eight teams guaranteed a spot in the postseason. With eight regular-season games remaining, the remaining schedule will determine the final bracket. The Lynx have a significant advantage in the race for the top seed, needing only two wins to eliminate Golden State's path to first place. Golden State holds a favorable schedule with four games against eliminated teams.
Las Vegas also has four eliminated opponents left on their schedule. Atlanta and Indiana's positions hinge on their subsequent matchups against the top four seeds. New York faces a challenging schedule with three games against top-seeded teams. Dallas has the best opportunity to climb the standings as every remaining opponent has been eliminated.
Action resumes Thursday with five games, including Atlanta vs. Connecticut, Washington vs. Chicago, Los Angeles vs. Dallas, Phoenix vs. Portland, and Las Vegas vs. Seattle. The postseason begins Sunday, with the top eight teams participating in a best-of-three format followed by best-of-five series in the semifinals and finals.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
