As the 2026 WNBA postseason begins, oddsmakers and basketball experts have made distinct categories in which each of the 2026 WNBA championship contenders belong.
From top-seeded giants to high-value dark horses, the race for the 2026 WNBA Championship features an exciting group of blue-chip veterans and upstart powerhouse teams.
2026 WNBA Championship Odds Overview
Who are the favorites and long shots ahead of the opening round? Bookmakers have posted opening championship odds. Notice the obvious divide: top shelf and long shot.
Minnesota lands the top overall seed as well as favorites to win it all at +115, after finishing the season with the best record in the league at 33-11. The third-seeded Las Vegas Aces trail at +475 after a hot finish with their fourth appearance in five seasons, while the second-seeded Golden State Valkyries are at +600.
The Atlanta Dream are No. 4 at +750 after a record-setting 30-14 season, and the No. 5 Indiana Fever (No. 5 at +950) believe that Caitlin Clark can lead the way to a long postseason run.
Completing the field are the eighth-seeded New York Liberty (+1400) with veterans Stewart, Ionescu and Jones, the sixth-seeded Washington Mystics (+6500) as first-round underdogs versus Atlanta, and the seventh-seeded Dallas Wings (+8000) with Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard.
Breaking Down the Top Championship Contenders
- Minnesota Lynx: The Odds-On Favorite
Minnesota (33-11) was the No. 1 overall seed after an even mix of offense and offense, built around all-Rookie Team selection Olivia Miles (19.8 PPG, 6.0 APG) with veteran forward leader Napheesa Collier and catalyst guard Kayla McBride. With a strong interior presence in defender Natasha Howard, the Gophers were among the best in the nation in both offensive prowess and steal rate.
- Las Vegas Aces: playoff pedigree & value
Top contenders While Minnesota sits atop the board, sportsbooks are recommending Las Vegas Aces (+475) as the best bet of value on the board. Led by nine-time MVP candidate A’ja Wilson, three-time champions bring playoff experience to finish games under pressure late in the game.
- Golden State Valkyries: Historic Expansion Run
During their first season, the Golden State Valkyries earned the No. 2 seed with a 32-12 record. Golden State, led by an aggressive defense that held opponents to 78.8 points per game, the fewest in the league, depends on perimeter defense and three-point shooting in large volume.
First-Round Dark Horses & Key Matchups
Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty The No. 8 seed Liberty (26-18) are a tough draw for Minnesota in the opening round. With Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones in the lineup, New York has enough to derail top-seeded teams if they can get control in the paint.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever Indiana’s explosive offense-behind Caitlin Clark-against Las Vegas’ defensive discipline and veteran depth.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings- Dallas strides into a showdown with Paige Bueckers and rebound hog Jessica Shepard in tow to face the league-best defense of Golden State.
