2026 WNBA Playoffs Bracket Picture, Standings As Sabrina Ionescu, Liberty Battle for Seeding

It has been something of an up-and-down season for the New York Liberty, but they are heading to the playoffs for the sixth year in a row.

New York clinched a spot in the postseason last Sunday night thanks to the Washington Mystics' win over the Portland Fire.

The Liberty are in a tight battle for seeding in the playoff bracket and are currently in the sixth seed in the WNBA standings after a Saturday win against the Chicago Sky.

Seed	Team/Record
1	Minnesota Lynx, 31-8
2	Golden State Valkyries, 28-11
3	Las Vegas Aces, 27-13
4	Indiana Fever, 26-14
5	Atlanta Dream, 25-14
6	New York Liberty, 24-16
7	Washington Mystics, 24-16
8	Dallas Wings, 23-16

If they remain in the sixth seed, the Liberty could be in store for a first-round matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, which are currently third.

Expectations are always high in New York with star power such as Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, as well as a recent track record that includes back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances in 2023 and 2024 and the championship in the second of those appearances.

They were high once again coming into the 2026 campaign, and they went nowhere when the Liberty got off to a red-hot 11-4 start. However, they went 2-8 in their next 10 games to fall all the way to 13-12.

The cold streak ended any realistic chance New York had to compete for the top seed and the home-court advantage that comes with it, although the team at least won the Commissioner's Cup with a victory over the Las Vegas Aces during that stretch.

It was a reminder of how dangerous the Liberty can be against any opponent when playing at their best, and they have been closer to that version of themselves of late with a 11-4 record since falling to 13-12.

With the trio of Stewart, Ionescu and Jones leading the way, New York is still a threat to reach the WNBA Finals regardless of what seed it ends up with in the playoff bracket.

All three playmakers have championships on their resume and the ability to take over a game at a moment's notice. Throw in the overall positional versatility with Ionescu directing the offense from the perimeter, Stewart making plays on the wing and Jones battling down low, and there is a lot for opposing defenses to deal with on a nightly basis.

Given their position in the standings, the Liberty are surely going to have to win some clutch games on the road if they are going to capture the WNBA title.

But they have the talent to do just that after clinching yet another playoff appearance.