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Dream Lock in 4th Seed as WNBA Playoff Bracket Narrows
Confirmed
In Short: The Atlanta Dream secured the No. 4 seed in the 2026 WNBA playoffs with a victory over the New York Liberty.
The Atlanta Dream clinched the No. 4 seed in the 2026 WNBA playoffs with a win over the New York Liberty on Wednesday, securing homecourt advantage for the first round.
With the Dream's victory, all eight playoff spots were officially filled, though the exact seeding for positions 2 through 8 remained uncertain until the regular season's final games on Thursday.
The Dream, who have won eight of their last nine games, now face the Liberty in their final regular-season game, with the Liberty holding the No. 8 seed.
The defending champions, the Golden State Valkyries, lost to the Fire on Wednesday, securing homecourt for the first round but dropping to either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed.
The New York Liberty, an original WNBA franchise celebrating 30 seasons, announced a new partnership with Fordham University, offering internships and volunteer opportunities for students.
The partnership aims to connect Fordham students with the Liberty and their parent organization, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, providing hands-on experience in business, operations, and sports management.
Swish Appeal photographer Christina Merrion captured the Dream's latest victory, highlighting the team's momentum heading into the playoffs.
The Liberty's partnership with Fordham will also expand the university's presence in Brooklyn and the tri-state area, with Ramses, the university mascot, set to attend games with a free co-branded t-shirt for all Rams in attendance.
The Liberty's guard Marine Johannès, along with other French players in the WNBA, exemplifies the league's international reach and talent.
The Dream's victory and the Liberty's final game on Wednesday will determine the exact seeding for both teams, with the Dream needing a win to secure the No. 4 seed and homecourt advantage.
What this adds
The Dream's win solidifies their playoff position, while the Liberty's fate remains tied to their final game.
The Valkyries' loss to the Fire means they will not secure the top seed, despite their strong record.
The Dream's recent success, including their franchise record 27th win, underscores their strong finish to the regular season.
Background
The Brewers, Rays, Yankees, and Dodgers have clinched spots in the 2026 MLB playoffs, with the Braves expected to join them soon.
What's confirmed
- With a victory over the New York Liberty, the Atlanta Dream locked up the No.
What's still developing
- Teams are listed in the order of which they clinched a playoff berth.
- But, with seven games left to be played, seeds 2 through 8 are up for grabs.
- With so much at stake, including homecourt for the top four seeds, let's take a look at each team's seeding scenario heading into games on Wednesday, Sept.
- In fact, France's roster features eight current WNBA players.
- “Partnering with the New York Liberty, an organization that exemplifies courage, community, and advocacy both on and off the court, offers a strong alignment with Fordham’s values,” said Justin Bell, Fordham’s vice president for marketing and communications.
- A new partnership between Fordham and the New York Liberty will open doors for students in the competitive sports and entertainment industry while bringing the University community together to give back to New York City.
- Against the Connecticut Sun, the Mystics notched win No. 27, a new franchise record that, as Beckett Harrison already explained, is a meaningful milestone for the WNBA’s youngest team.
- With two days remaining in the regular season, only one WNBA playoff seed is locked in.
- On Tuesday night, the WNBA delivered some delicious pre-playoff drama.
- Washington also established their seeding floor with their win, as they will not drop below the No.
- Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles stands on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the New York Liberty, Friday, Sept.
- Olivia Miles broke Caitlin Clark’s WNBA record for points by a rookie in a season on Sunday in the Minnesota Lynx’s 101-89 victory over the Connecticut Sun.