Updated: August 1, 2026
The 2026 WNBA season has entered a crucial phase following All-Star Weekend, with playoff positioning, the trade deadline and an approaching international break creating urgency across the league. Each team is playing a 44-game regular-season schedule, with the top eight teams qualifying for the playoffs regardless of conference.
The Minnesota Lynx currently hold the league’s strongest record at 22-6. They have combined consistency with an impressive 15-1 conference record and entered the latest standings on a seven-game winning streak. Minnesota’s ability to win both at home and on the road has made it the early favorite for the top playoff seed.
The Golden State Valkyries have emerged as one of the season’s most compelling stories. Golden State sits second at 19-8 and had won nine of its previous 10 games in the latest official standings. The expansion franchise’s rapid rise has added an unexpected contender to a field that already includes several established championship teams.
The defending champion Las Vegas Aces remain firmly involved at 18-8. With A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and an experienced coaching staff, Las Vegas has the talent and postseason experience to challenge Minnesota despite showing some inconsistency during the first half of the season.
The Dallas Wings are close behind at 18-9. Dallas entered the All-Star period in excellent form, driven by a productive roster featuring Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard. The Wings’ ability to maintain that momentum will determine whether they secure home-court advantage during the opening round.
Indiana is another team demanding attention. The Fever stand at 17-10, and Caitlin Clark delivered one of the season’s defining performances shortly before the All-Star break by recording 45 points and 10 assists in fewer than 30 minutes. Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell provide additional scoring and interior strength, making Indiana a serious postseason threat.
Atlanta, New York and Washington currently occupy the remaining playoff positions. The Dream are 16-10, the Liberty 15-12 and the Mystics 14-12. New York remains particularly dangerous despite its uneven regular-season form because it won the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup and has an experienced core led by Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones.
The Portland Fire, Toronto Tempo and Los Angeles Sparks are among the teams chasing the final playoff position. Their margin for error is shrinking, especially because the regular season will pause from August 31 through September 16 for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Teams must build momentum before the break and then quickly regain rhythm when league play resumes.
The WNBA trade deadline is August 2 at 3 p.m. ET, giving contenders one final opportunity to strengthen their rosters. Teams may seek shooting, frontcourt depth or additional defense before preparing for the postseason.
The regular season resumes after the international break on September 17 and concludes September 24. The playoffs begin September 27 with a best-of-three first round involving the top eight teams.
With Minnesota leading, Golden State exceeding expectations and several teams separated by only a few games, August could determine both the playoff field and the championship favorite.
