The WNBA September 2026 schedule resumes on Thursday, September 17, following the break for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Teams return for the final stretch of the regular season before the playoffs begin on September 27.
The regular season ends on September 24. That leaves a short window for teams to finish their schedules and settle their places in the standings.
The WNBA’s official schedule announcement confirms the restart and postseason dates. Here is a guide to the games and dates to follow as league action returns.
WNBA September 2026: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| World Cup break ends | September 16 |
| Regular-season games resume | September 17 |
| Regular season ends | September 24 |
| First round of playoffs begins | September 27 |
| Semifinals begin | October 4 |
| WNBA Finals begin | October 17 |
The league’s official key dates page lists October 2 as the latest possible end of the first round. The semifinals can run through October 14, while the Finals can continue through October 31.
A series may finish before its last possible date if one team wins enough games. Therefore, fans should check individual game listings as each round develops.
Why Did the WNBA Take a Break?
The league paused from August 31 through September 16 around the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany. That event ran from September 4–13.
The pause allowed players to take part in international basketball before returning to their WNBA clubs. National teams and league teams are separate: players represent their countries at the World Cup and their clubs in the WNBA.
For example, Golden State’s September guide listed Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaün with France, Cecilia Zandalasini with Italy and Miela Sowah with Australia. Head coach Natalie Nakase was also part of USA’s coaching staff.
The Valkyries’ official fan guide outlines that international involvement.
Seattle Faces a Busy WNBA September 2026 Finish
Seattle returns with a home game against the Las Vegas Aces on September 17. The Storm then travels to Golden State and Las Vegas before closing its regular season at home against Dallas.
The Storm’s official schedule lists these four remaining games:
| Date | Seattle opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 17 | Las Vegas Aces | Home |
| September 19 | Golden State Valkyries | Away |
| September 20 | Las Vegas Aces | Away |
| September 23 | Dallas Wings | Home |
That includes games on consecutive days, September 19 and 20. It also puts Seattle against Las Vegas twice in four days.
For fans following the Storm, the schedule offers a clear way to track the closing week. Results from each game will add to the team’s final regular-season record.
Golden State Has Two Home Games in Two Days
The Valkyries host the Portland Fire on September 18, then welcome Seattle on September 19. Both games are at Chase Center.
Golden State’s September guide says the team has already secured a playoff place. It also confirms that Chase Center will host the franchise’s first playoff game at that arena.
In 2025, the Valkyries played their playoff home opener at SAP Center. This year’s venue gives fans another detail to watch as the postseason schedule takes shape.
Atlanta Also Has Four Games After the Break
Atlanta’s schedule includes four regular-season games after the World Cup pause. The Dream finishes with two road games against the New York Liberty.
Those games form the final part of Atlanta’s 44-game regular season. The club’s official schedule release outlines that closing stretch.
Following a team’s remaining opponents is useful alongside the standings. A record shows what has happened so far; the fixture list shows which games are still to come.
How the WNBA Playoffs Work in 2026
The top eight teams qualify, regardless of conference. The playoffs then use three rounds:
- First round: best of three games. A team needs two wins to advance.
- Semifinals: best of five. A team needs three wins.
- Finals: best of seven. A team needs four wins to become champion.
The WNBA’s schedule announcement confirms this format. A playoff seed is a team’s ranked position in the postseason field.
Meanwhile, the last regular-season games help determine that order. Fans should use the final standings and confirmed bracket when checking opponents.
How to Follow the Remaining Games
Use the official WNBA schedule to check current start times and viewing information. Match listings can change, and broadcast access depends on location.
If you are watching from Nigeria or another country outside North America, check the time zone shown on the listing. An evening game in the United States may fall on the next calendar day where you live.
For readers learning the sport, our guide to women’s basketball rules and positions explains the basics. Our comparison of women’s and men’s basketball rules offers more background.
The main dates to remember are September 17 for the return of games, September 24 for the regular-season finish and September 27 for the playoffs.
Featured image (archive): Shey Peddy defends Carla Leite at Chase Center on August 31, 2025. Photo: Sarah Stierch / Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
