WNBA NewsWednesday, Sep 16, 2026

The WNBA playoff teams are set, but all eight seeds are up for grabs before the regular season ends Sept. 24.

Since no one is locked into a spot and every matchup is still malleable, here are the first-round matchups that are both realistic and enticing.

Tiffany Hayes: "We’re a real contender, so it’s making sure we know that going into (the playoffs)” The post How the Valkyries are leaning on their veterans ahead of the WNBA playoffs appeared first on The IX Sports.

Azzi Fudd is ready to do what she can for the playoff-bound Wings while rehabbing from arthroscopic knee surgery that ended the rookie season for the WNBA's No. 1 overall draft pick.

Mabrey will not require surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

Angel Reese defends Kiah Stokes. | Getty Images The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year conversation has largely been a footnote in the minds of the women’s basketball public. Are the usual, leading frontrunners actually the most deserving of this award? Two candidates stand out with the strongest case for this year’s DPOY award. Here’s more on those two contenders. In the comments, let us know who you think the WNBA’s best defender has been this season. Angel Reese (Atlanta Dream) When the sea...

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said interest in the WNBA's vacant commissioner role has surged since Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement earlier this month. Formal interviews have not yet begun, though calls about the opening continue to be received by the NBA. "I can tell by the calls I'm getting how much more attractive this job is and will be in 2027 than it was in 2019," said Silver. The hiring process will formally begin once the league selects a search firm, a step currently underway...

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. | Getty Images Almost two weeks ago, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that she would retire at the end of 2026. Her decision instantly sparked conversation and speculation about who would assume leadership of the WNBA. But, don’t expect a new commissioner to be named any time soon. In a press conference following this week’s NBA Board of Governors meetings, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicated that the process to determine Engelbert’s successor ...

A’ja Wilson. | NBAE via Getty Images The WNBA returns on Thursday night, and the final days of the season will give players one last chance to push their own agendas for regular season awards. The league’s most touted accomplishment, however, won’t see much competition for the third-straight year. A historic rookie season from Olivia Miles just wasn’t enough to stop an A’ja Wilson MVP three-peat. The real question is: Has A’ja also ended the GOAT conversation? In the comments, share your take...

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 29: Kiki Rice #1 of the Toronto Tempo and Maddy Westbeld #21 of the Phoenix Mercury dive for a loose ball during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on August 29, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images International play is nothing new...

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 19: Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings is defended by Cameron Brink #22 of the Los Angeles Sparks during the first half at College Park Center on July 19, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a weird, late-season jolt to the system in t...

Plum Benefits Or An Inconsequential Cameo? The post Bounced Out 2026: Phoenix Mercury appeared first on Ballislife.com.