After which there have been 4.
The 2026 WNBA semifinals are set, with the best-of-five collection starting on Oct. 4.
The motion will begin in Atlanta, the place the No. 4 seed Dream will face the No. 8 seed New York Liberty at 11 a.m. MST (2 p.m. ET) on ABC.
The Liberty shocked the league, changing into the primary No. 8 seed to get rid of a No. 1 in WNBA historical past, sweeping the Minnesota Lynx within the first spherical. The Dream swept the Washington Mystics en path to the semifinals.
Golden State will host the opposite matchup, going through the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Sport 1 is Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. MST (4 p.m. ET).
Each groups narrowly edged their first-round opponents. The Aces eradicated Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in a tightly contested Sport 3, whereas the Valkyries punched their ticket for the ultimate spot within the semifinals, defeating Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings in Sport 3 on Oct. 2.
Listed here are our predictions on who will attain the 2026 WNBA Finals and why:
No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 8 New York Liberty
The anticipated winner: Atlanta Dream.
Each groups handily defeated their opponents within the first spherical and have had loads of relaxation earlier than the semifinals.
Atlanta holds a slim edge on this collection due to its velocity.
The Liberty have one of many greater and most intimidating lineups within the WNBA, however the Dream can run down the Liberty with their sturdy guard play that includes Allisha Grey, Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada.
Protection Participant of the Yr Angel Reese will draw loads of consideration from New York within the publish, which may create some open pictures.
If Breanna Stewart continues her dominant play because the World Cup, the Dream will run into some hassle. But when Atlanta finds a technique to gradual her down, the Dream may head to its first Finals since 2013.
The Dream are -150 favorites to win this collection, per BetMGM, with the Valkyries at +125.
No. 2 s vs. No. 3 Las Vegas Aces
The anticipated winner: Las Vegas Aces.
The Valkyries gained home-court benefit for the collection, however the Aces maintain benefits in different areas.
Golden State’s stingy protection could have its hardest job in containing Las Vegas’ large three of A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Grey and Jackie Younger. The Valkyries appeared nice in Sport 1 towards the Wings, however confirmed fatigue in Sport 2, permitting Arike Ogunbowale to drop a WNBA-record 45 factors and drive a Sport 3.
The Aces have already proven their depth, with Jewell Loyd taking up the injured Stephanie Talbot’s spot within the beginning 5 in Sport 3 and hitting three 3-pointers.
Las Vegas will face the hardest atmosphere within the WNBA. Golden State had the most effective house document within the league, going 17-5.
The Aces are a slim -135 favourite to win this collection, per BetMGM, with the Valkyries at +115.
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