The Washington Mystics (17-12) control their playoff destiny with a five-game lead and 16 games remaining, though their youth makes closing out the season uncertain. They can reach 29 wins with a 12-4 finish and hold tiebreakers over contenders with head-to-head games against the Phoenix Mercury (three), Los Angeles Sparks (twice), Chicago Sky (twice), and Portland Fire.

The Sparks (11-18) traded Kelsey Plum to the Mercury for a 2027 first-round pick and Monique Akoa Makani. Despite a 3-11 stretch, veterans Nneka Ogwumike, Ariel Atkins, Dearica Hamby, and Erica Wheeler keep Los Angeles in the conversation. Coach Lynne Roberts emphasizes pace and ball movement to compensate for Plum's absence. The Sparks would need to win 14 of 16 to reach 25 wins, a mark that secured postseason berths in 2025.

The Mercury (12-20) made an aggressive push with Plum's arrival, but face eight playoff teams in their final 13 games. The Sky (12-19) have played .500 ball recently but need a 14-0 finish for 25 wins. Expansion teams Portland Fire (11-19) and Toronto Tempo (10-20) have combined for 12 straight losses. The Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, Golden State Valkyries, Dallas Wings, Indiana Fever, Atlanta Dream, and New York Liberty have essentially clinched the other seven spots.