Aces vs Valkyries: Your Complete Guide to the 2026 WNBA Playoff Series

Aces vs Valkyries: Your Complete Guide to the 2026 WNBA Playoff Series

The Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries are meeting in the 2026 WNBA semifinals, and the series has already delivered a major surprise. If you are searching for the Aces vs Valkyries schedule, where to watch, or player stats, this guide covers everything in one place.

In this post, you will find the full series schedule, viewing options for the US and international fans, a look at key players on both sides, and answers to common questions.

Aces vs Valkyries Series Overview

The Golden State Valkyries finished the 2026 regular season with the second-best record in the WNBA at 32-12. The Las Vegas Aces finished third with a 27-13 record. Because the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx were eliminated in the first round, the Valkyries now hold home-court advantage for the rest of the postseason.

This is only the Valkyries' second season in the league. They have already made history by winning their first-ever playoff series after rallying from 16 points down against the Dallas Wings. The Aces, on the other hand, are chasing their fourth title in five seasons and are the defending champions.

What Happened in Game 1?

Golden State won Game 1 by a score of 71-60 at Chase Center in San Francisco. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Kiah Stokes added 14 rebounds and three blocked shots.

For the Aces, A'ja Wilson scored 24 points, but she made only 8 of her 21 shot attempts. Chelsea Gray contributed 16 points, and Jackie Young added 11. Las Vegas also lost guard Jewell Loyd to a left leg injury early in the third quarter, which affected their rotation.

Aces vs Valkyries Schedule: Full Series Dates and Times

The semifinals are a best-of-five series. The first team to win three games advances to the WNBA Finals. Here is the full schedule with Eastern Time (ET) start times.

• Game 1: Sunday, October 4 — Golden State won 71-60 (at Chase Center, San Francisco)
• Game 2: Wednesday, October 7 — 9:30 PM ET (at Chase Center, San Francisco)
• Game 3: Friday, October 9 — 9:30 PM ET (at Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas)
• Game 4 (if needed): Sunday, October 11 — Time TBD (at Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas)
• Game 5 (if needed): Wednesday, October 14 — Time TBD (at Chase Center, San Francisco)

All games are available on NBC or NBC Sports Network and stream on Peacock.

Time Zone Conversion for International Fans

If you are watching from outside the United States, here is how the 9:30 PM ET start time converts to other time zones.

• Singapore (SGT): 9:30 AM the next day
• Brazil (BRT): 10:30 PM
• Hong Kong (HKT): 9:30 AM the next day
• Netherlands (CET): 3:30 AM the next day
• India (IST): 7:00 AM the next day

Always double-check with your local listings because daylight saving changes can shift these times.

Where to Watch Aces vs Valkyries

In the United States, the primary broadcast partners for this series are NBC and NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). Every game also streams live on Peacock, NBC's streaming service.

Options for US Viewers

1. Peacock: The most reliable option for streaming every game in the series. A subscription is required.
2. NBC or NBCSN on TV: Check your local cable or satellite provider for channel numbers.
3. Live TV streaming services: Services that carry NBC channels, such as Fubo, may include the games depending on your plan and region.
4. WNBA League Pass: This may offer access to some games, but national broadcasts are often subject to blackout restrictions. Check the official WNBA app for availability.

Options for International Viewers

Outside the United States, WNBA games are often available through the WNBA League Pass app or through local sports broadcasters. Availability varies by country. In some regions, the games may be shown on cable sports networks or through streaming platforms that carry US sports content.

A simple way to check is to visit the WNBA official website and look for the international viewing guide. If a game is not available in your region, live score updates and highlights are usually posted on the official WNBA social media channels shortly after key plays.

Important: Do not use or share unauthorized streaming links. Use official sources to support the league and avoid legal or security risks.

Aces vs Valkyries Player Stats and Key Matchups

Understanding the key players on both sides helps you follow the series more closely. Here are the names to know and what they bring to the court.

Golden State Valkyries Players to Watch

• Gabby Williams: The engine of the Valkyries' offense. She scored 25 points in Game 1 and is a constant threat to drive, shoot, and create for others.
• Kiah Stokes: A defensive anchor. Her 14 rebounds and three blocks in Game 1 set the tone for Golden State's league-leading defense.
• Kaitlyn Chen: A spark off the bench. She scored 11 points in Game 1 and provided fresh energy when the starters needed rest.
• Veronica Burton: The starting point guard. She struggled in Game 1 but remains a key playmaker for the team.
• Tiffany Hayes: A veteran scorer who can heat up quickly. She had 18 points in the first-round clincher against Dallas.

Las Vegas Aces Players to Watch

• A'ja Wilson: The reigning MVP and the WNBA's leading scorer. She averaged over 25 points per game during the regular season. Even in a tough Game 1, she scored 24 points.
• Chelsea Gray: An elite playmaker who controls the pace. She had 16 points in Game 1 and is one of the best passers in the league.
• Jackie Young: A five-time All-Star who fills the stat sheet. She averaged 18.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists during the regular season.
• Jewell Loyd: A key reserve and scorer. Her injury status is a major factor for the Aces going forward. She was listed as doubtful for Game 2.

How the Teams Compare

The Valkyries win with defense. They allowed the fewest points per game in the WNBA (75.1) and have the best defensive rating in the league. They play at a slow pace and force opponents into difficult shots.

The Aces win with offense. They scored the fourth-most points per game (90.6) and have the third-best offensive rating. When their shots are falling, they are very hard to beat.

The battle between the Valkyries' defense and the Aces' offense is the story of this series. If Las Vegas can speed the game up and get easy baskets, they have a strong chance. If Golden State controls the tempo and keeps the score low, the Valkyries have the edge.

Common Mistakes Fans Make When Following This Series

Here are a few things to avoid so you do not miss any of the action.

• Assuming the higher seed will always win. The Valkyries are the No. 2 seed, but the Aces are the defending champions and finished the regular season with seven straight wins. This series is closer than the seedings suggest.
• Forgetting the time zone conversion. If you are watching from Asia or Europe, the games start early in the morning. Set an alarm or record the game so you do not miss it.
• Relying on unofficial streams. Unauthorized streams can be unreliable and may expose your device to security risks. Use official broadcasters or Peacock.
• Ignoring injury updates. Player availability can change quickly. Check the official WNBA injury report or reliable sports news sources before each game.
• Missing the pre-game shows. Broadcasters often share lineup news and injury updates during the pre-game segment. Tuning in a few minutes early can give you useful context.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aces vs Valkyries series score?

Golden State leads the series 1-0 after winning Game 1 by a score of 71-60 on October 4.

Where can I watch Aces vs Valkyries games?

In the United States, the games are shown on NBC and NBC Sports Network, and they stream on Peacock. International viewers should check the WNBA official website for regional broadcast information.

When is the next Aces vs Valkyries game?

Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7 at 9:30 PM ET at Chase Center in San Francisco.

How many games are in the Aces vs Valkyries series?

The semifinals are a best-of-five series. The first team to win three games advances to the WNBA Finals.

Who are the key players for the Aces and Valkyries?

For the Aces, A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young are the players to watch. For the Valkyries, Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, and Kaitlyn Chen have been the standouts so far in the playoffs.

Conclusion

The Aces vs Valkyries series is a clash between the defending champions and the league's best defense. Golden State has home-court advantage and a 1-0 lead. Las Vegas has championship experience and one of the most dominant players in the world in A'ja Wilson.

To follow every game, check the schedule above, tune in on NBC or Peacock, and keep an eye on injury updates. Whether you are watching from the United States or from Singapore, Brazil, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, or South Asia, this series is worth staying up for.

For more WNBA coverage and playoff analysis, explore our other posts:

• [INTERNAL LINK: WNBA playoff bracket explained]
• [INTERNAL LINK: A'ja Wilson career highlights]
• [INTERNAL LINK: Golden State Valkyries first season recap]

For official schedules and stats, visit the [EXTERNAL LINK: WNBA official website] or the [EXTERNAL LINK: NBC Sports WNBA page].

Suggested Blogger Labels

• WNBA Playoffs
• Las Vegas Aces
• Golden State Valkyries
• WNBA Semifinals 2026
• Where to Watch WNBA
• Aces vs Valkyries
• WNBA Schedule
• Basketball

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