WNBA Finals schedule 2026: TV Channels, start-time and dates for Postseason matchups

The 2026 WNBA Finals tip off on Saturday, October 17, in a best-of-seven series that could run as late as Halloween night.

Every game will air on either NBC or USA Network and stream live on Peacock. This marks a major step forward in the league’s media rights deals, with NBCUniversal taking a prominent role in broadcasting the championship series for the first time under the new multi-year agreement.

When do the WNBA Finals start?

The 2026 WNBA Finals begin on Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET. Game 1 will be broadcast on NBC and stream on Peacock. The series can extend as late as Saturday, October 31, if a decisive Game 7 is required.

How to watch the 2026 WNBA Finals

Fans can watch on traditional television via NBC (Games 1 and 4) and USA Network (all other games). Every game is also available to stream live on Peacock. Additional live TV streaming services that carry NBC and/or USA Network include Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV Stream.

How many games are in a WNBA Finals series?

The WNBA Finals use a best-of-seven format. The first team to win four games is crowned champion. The home-court advantage follows a 2-2-1-1-1 structure: the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary), while the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6 (if necessary).

What channel are the WNBA Finals on?

All 2026 WNBA Finals games will air on NBC or USA Network and stream live on Peacock:

Games 1 and 4: NBC and Peacock

Games 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7: USA Network and Peacock

2026 WNBA Finals TV Schedule, Dates, Start-times

All times Eastern, ET

Game 1

Saturday, October 17

3:30 p.m. ET

NBC | Peacock

Game 2

Monday, October 19

8:00 p.m. ET

USA Network | Peacock

Game 3

Thursday, October 22

8:00 p.m. ET

USA Network | Peacock

Game 4

Saturday, October 24

3:30 p.m. ET

NBC | Peacock

Game 5*

Monday, October 26

8:00 p.m. ET

USA Network | Peacock

Game 6*

Thursday, October 29

8:00 p.m. ET

USA Network | Peacock

Game 7*

Saturday, October 31

8:00 p.m. ET

USA Network | Peacock*If necessary

What is the WNBA Finals format for 2026 season.?

The 2026 WNBA Finals are contested in a best-of-seven series using the 2-2-1-1-1 home-court format. The higher remaining seed hosts the majority of potential games.

The two teams that advance from the semifinals (currently Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty and Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces) will meet for the championship.

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