Each WNBA team still has a handful of regular season games remaining but the playoff picture is becoming more clear by the day. And it appears the league, which has never gotten more attention, may benefit from an elite first-round matchup featuring the biggest rivalry in the sport.
All eight WNBA playoffs sports have been clinched and all that remains is jockeying for better seeds. Yahoo Sports shared what current matchups would be if the postseason started today and one particular series stands out.
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The Atlanta Dream, at 25-13, are in possession of the No. 4 spot. Right behind them is the Indiana Fever at 25-14 and in possession of the No. 5 seed.
So all the pieces are currently in place for an epic battle between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. WNBA ratings and interest have skyrocketed this season and such a series would ensure the playoffs saw viewership explode even more.
Again, with the caveat that things can change and new matchups can emerge, WNBA executives must be rubbing their hands together in anticipation.
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Rare is the occasion where pitting the two rivals from the same draft class against each other does not create drama. There’s already a long and spicy history between the to superstars. Add in the dynamic of having to win or go home and tensions are going to be sky-high.
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Projected WNBA playoff matchups
No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 Dallas Wings
No. 2 Golden State Valkyries vs. No. 7 Washington Mystics
No. 3 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 6 New York Liberty
No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 5 Indiana Fever
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese playoff history
Clark made the playoffs with the Fever during her rookie year in 2024 but did not do enough to earn her team a win as the Connecticut Sun breezed to a 2-0 series victory. The sharpshooting Clark averaged 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in that short span. She was injured for her team’s run to the semifinals last season and was not able to get on the court.
This will be Reese’s first time participating in the postseason.
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