WNBA playoffs semifinals preview breaks down Dream vs Liberty, Aces vs Valkyries

The 2026 WNBA playoffs semifinals will feature intense matchups between the Atlanta Dream and New York Liberty, as well as the Las Vegas Aces and Golden State Valkyries. Both sets of teams are vying for the championship title.

The Atlanta Dream, led by WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese, are making their first appearance in the semifinals since 2018. They will take on the No. 8-seeded New York Liberty, who upset the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a first-round sweep. The Dream face a challenging task in avenging their 2024 loss to the Liberty and reaching the Finals for the first time since 2013.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces, the defending champions, will face the No. 2-seeded Golden State Valkyries. A’ja Wilson, the Aces' four-time MVP, has been the team's standout player, averaging 32 points per game in their opening-round victory over the Indiana Fever. The Aces have made it to the semifinals eight consecutive times, and with Wilson, Gabby Young, and Chelsea Gray forming a "Big 3" known for their high-stakes performance, they are favored to make a deep playoff run.

The Valkyries, however, have the best defense in the league and a strong home record at the Chase Center, which could prove crucial in the best-of-five series.