The New York Liberty and Golden State Valkyries both sit at 2-0 to open the 2026 WNBA season, claiming the top two spots in ESPN's first Power Rankings. The Liberty opened with a dominant 106-75 victory over Connecticut before needing overtime to edge Washington 98-93. Breanna Stewart was exceptional in both contests, finishing with 54 points, 19 rebounds, six assists and five blocked shots despite missing key players Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally.

The Valkyries jumped eight spots from their preseason ranking of No. 10, opening with an 91-80 win at Seattle followed by a 95-79 victory over Phoenix. Forward Janelle Salaun led Golden State with 20 and 21 points, shooting a combined 14-of-26 (53.8%). The organization faced criticism for trading No. 8 pick Flau'jae Johnson to Seattle for Marta Suarez, only to then cut Suarez, with general manager Ohemaa Nyanin stating the move was made to maintain cap flexibility.

Dallas (1-0) landed at No. 3 after Arike Ogunbowale, Paige Bueckers and Odyssey Sims combined for 62 points in a 107-104 win at Indiana. Phoenix went 1-1 with an impressive 99-66 victory over defending champion Las Vegas before falling to Golden State. The Aces dropped from the top spot to No. 6 after the defending champions suffered the largest margin of defeat for a titleholder in a season opener. Chicago, Atlanta and Washington each won their openers, while Minnesota, Indiana and Los Angeles are still searching for their first victories.