The 2026 WNBA Finals are scheduled to begin Saturday, October 17, 2026, as the league’s top two remaining teams compete for the WNBA championship. The Finals will feature a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games crowned champion.
Basketball fans looking for the 2026 WNBA Finals start date, game times, television schedule and streaming options can find the key information below.
When Do the 2026 WNBA Finals Start?
The 2026 WNBA Finals begin on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with Game 1 of the championship series.
Here are the key details:
- Start Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Game 1: Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries
- Reported Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Reported Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
- Reported TV Channel: NBC
- Reported Streaming: Peacock
- Series Format: Best-of-seven
The championship series could extend through Saturday, October 31, if all seven games are necessary.
2026 WNBA Finals Schedule
The 2026 WNBA Finals are scheduled to take place in October, with a maximum of seven games determining the league champion.
| Game | Date |
|---|---|
| Game 1 | Saturday, October 17 |
| Game 2 | To be confirmed |
| Game 3 | To be confirmed |
| Game 4 | To be confirmed |
| Game 5* | If necessary |
| Game 6* | If necessary |
| Game 7* | Saturday, October 31 |
*Games 5, 6 and 7 will only be played if necessary.
Additional game dates, start times and broadcast details should be checked against the official WNBA schedule.
Who Is Playing in the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The championship matchup is listed as the Atlanta Dream against the Golden State Valkyries, with Golden State hosting Game 1.
The Finals will determine which franchise finishes the 2026 season as WNBA champion.
Where to Watch the 2026 WNBA Finals
Fans looking to watch the 2026 WNBA Finals on television or online should check the official broadcast listings for each game.
Game 1 is listed for NBC and Peacock, with a reported start time of 3:30 p.m. ET on October 17.
Broadcast coverage and streaming availability may vary by game, so viewers should confirm the latest schedule before tipoff.
How Many Games Are in the WNBA Finals?
The WNBA Finals use a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games becomes the WNBA champion.
The series can finish in as few as four games or extend to a deciding Game 7.
A team that wins the first four games completes a sweep, while a series tied at three games apiece requires a winner-take-all seventh game.
When Will the 2026 WNBA Champion Be Crowned?
The 2026 WNBA champion will be crowned once either team records its fourth victory in the Finals.
If the championship series reaches seven games, the deciding contest is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date does the 2026 WNBA Finals start?
The 2026 WNBA Finals are scheduled to start Saturday, October 17, 2026.
What time is Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals?
Game 1 is listed for 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
What channel is the 2026 WNBA Finals on?
Game 1 is listed for NBC, with streaming coverage on Peacock. Fans should verify the broadcast schedule for subsequent games.
How many games are played in the WNBA Finals?
The WNBA Finals are a best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games claiming the championship.
When is Game 7 of the 2026 WNBA Finals?
A potential Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, if necessary.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 WNBA Finals begin Saturday, October 17, launching the final stage of the WNBA season. With the championship decided in a best-of-seven series, basketball fans could see up to seven games before the league crowns its 2026 champion.
Fans can follow the latest WNBA Finals schedule, results, game times and television coverage as the championship series unfolds.
Editor’s note: The matchup, Game 1 tipoff time, venue and broadcast details above should be independently verified against the official WNBA schedule before publication.