WNBA playoffs 2026: Which teams have clinched berths - ESPN

The 2026 WNBA regular season wraps up Sept. 24, but teams are already clinching spots in the postseason.

Here's a look at the teams that have clinched playoff berths. We'll add seeds as they are determined.

How they got here: A year ago, Golden State became the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its first season. Now the Valkyries are going for a second straight year. With Monday's home win over Dallas, Golden State became the third team in 2026 to secure a postseason berth. Defense and depth lead the way, as the Valkyries — who clinched with 10 regular-season games remaining and a 25-9 record — give up the fewest points per game in the WNBA. Gabby Williams (14.6 PPG, 1.6 SPG), who joined Golden State as a free agent in the offseason, is one of the most impactful players on a new team this season. Fellow forward Janelle Salaun, the Sixth Player of the Year front-runner, ranks second on the team with 13.1 points per game despite coming off the bench. Guard Veronica Burton (12.3 PPG) rounds out the double-digit scorers.

Key stat: The Valkyries are 19-4 since June 9 after starting the season 6-5. Golden State has won six consecutive games — the longest current win streak in the league. (Stats through games as of Aug. 17.)

How they got here: The Aces became the second team to clinch a postseason berth, beating the Mystics on Aug. 13 to move to 24-11 with nine regular-season games remaining on their schedule. Last season, Las Vegas needed a second-half surge to turn around its season, ultimately winning the program's third WNBA championship. A'ja Wilson remains the engine — averaging a league-best 26.1 points as well as 9.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals, and shooting 52.3% — but the