WNBA 2026 Preseason Final Four Games Set to Conclude Sunday Slate
The league's top franchises prepare to close the 2026 preseason with a four-game schedule featuring notable player returns and strategic venue shifts.
The 2026 WNBA preseason is set to conclude on Sunday with a four-game slate that brings together the league's most prominent franchises. The schedule features the Washington Mystics hosting the Atlanta Dream, the New York Liberty facing the Connecticut Sun, and the Portland Fire welcoming the Los Angeles Sparks. In a significant venue change, the Las Vegas Aces will travel to the University of Texas to meet the Dallas Wings.
Player availability remains the central focus for observers across the matchups, with several key stars expected to return or face injury-related uncertainties. For the Washington Mystics, Kiki Iriafen and Lauren Betts are expected to play, although the full rotation is unavailable due to Shakira Austin's reconditioning status. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream hope Naz Hillmon will be available, which could allow the team to field their current best five of Hillmon, Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Jordin Canada.
The New York Liberty face a similar situation regarding their frontcourt dynamics. Satou Sabally is listed as questionable but is expected to play, which would permit the first perspective of the Sabally-Breanna Stewart-Jonquel Jones frontcourt. However, other key contributors remain absent, limiting the assessment of the team's cohesion. Across the Atlantic, the Connecticut Sun remain without Leïla Lacan and Nell Angloma, who are still overseas, leaving Aneesah Morrow to face a tough test against the Liberty's size.
In Austin, the Las Vegas Aces are considered complete enough that minor exhibition results will not alter opinions, with the focus remaining on larger matters. In contrast, the Dallas Wings are incomplete as Arike Ogunbowale and Awak Kueir are absent. Alanna Smith is questionable with a quad issue, but Jessica Shepard is expected to make her debut for the franchise.
The Los Angeles Sparks are set to have all players available, marking Nneka Ogwumike's re-debut. Her availability should shed light on Cameron Brink's potential role within the squad. Finally, the Portland Fire will see Bridget Carleton scheduled to play after missing the first preseason game. Carleton faces significant expectations as the No. 1 expansion draft pick, placing pressure on head coach Alex Sarama to demonstrate how he intends to maximise the selection.
