Lynx target top seed as WNBA regular season nears conclusion
With the season more than three-quarters complete, the Lynx have secured a playoff berth and a winning streak of 14 in their last 15 games, while the playoff picture for the remaining spots tightens.
The Minnesota Lynx are positioning themselves for the No. 1 seed in the 2026 WNBA playoffs following a significant victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. The win contributes to a dominant run for the Lynx, who have now secured 14 victories in their last 15 games.
As the regular season enters its final quarter, the competitive landscape has shifted significantly. The 2026 WNBA regular season officially concludes on 24 September, but the calendar includes a multi-week hiatus from 31 August to 16 September to accommodate the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Berlin, Germany, from 4 to 13 September.
In terms of actual games played, the season is more than three-quarters complete. Every team has contested at least 33 games, with the Seattle Storm having played 37. The Minnesota Lynx and the Las Vegas Aces have already clinched their playoff spots, while the Seattle Storm and the Connecticut Sun have been officially eliminated from contention.
The structure of the 2026 season, influenced by expansion, has resulted in the eight playoff teams being largely determined earlier than in previous years. The Dallas Wings currently hold eighth place, maintaining a five-game lead over the ninth-place Portland Fire. The Fire would require a significant turnaround to secure the final playoff position.
Despite the top and bottom of the standings solidifying, the middle of the playoff pack remains highly contested. The Lynx are competing against the Golden State Valkyries for the No. 1 seed, while only two games separate the No. 3 Aces from the No. 7 New York Liberty. The final standings for these positions remain fluid until the regular season concludes on 24 September.
