Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers looks on during the second quarter between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie’s Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Unrivaled Playoffs Begin

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Calvin Shaw | Last updated Feb 28, 2026 10:09 PM ET

Unrivaled finished a competitive regular season, and postseason play begins! Last year, we saw the inaugural season champions, Rose, take home the title after a shocking run led by Finals MVP Chelsea Gray and defensive anchor Angel Reese. Will they defend their crown?

First Round Matchups

Last year, the playoff format included only the semi-final matchups, then the championship in a single-game elimination series. This year, two more teams will enter the postseason, with the top seeds receiving a bye week.

The first of the two matchups today in the Sephora Arena in Miami, Florida, will feature Vinyl versus Laces, where we will see a defensive battle between these two teams.

The second of the two matchups gives us the defending champion Rose taking on postseason newcomers Breeze. The showdown will feature a star matchup of 2026 Unrivaled MVP candidates, Chelsea Gray battling Paige Bueckers after their controversial battle in the Unrivaled 1-on-1 Tournament.

Vinyl v. Laces @ 8:30 PM ET

Breeze v Rose @ 9:45 PM ET

Top Seeds Waiting

Unrivaled top-seeded Phantom, led by Kelsey Plum sit one ahead of two-seeded Mist after ending the regular season on a 7-game winning streak. The Unrivaled season was much more competitive in comparison to the domination of Lunar Owls last year.

The Lunar Owls’ only loss of the season occurred in the championship game, where they lost to Rose. The Lunar Owls are without last season’s Unrivaled MVP and 1-on-1 Tournament winner, Napheesa Collier.

A season-ending injury in the WNBA postseason loss to the Phoenix Mercury, in a heartbreaking series loss for Collier’s Minnesota Lynx, has cost her the Unrivaled season.

End Of My Unrivaled Playoffs Rant

My prediction is that we will see Vinyl take down the third-seeded Laces in an upset, thanks to their defensive efforts and sharp shooting in the clutch. Rose will take down the Breeze in a one-sided battle where the Breeze cannot overcome the offensive prowess of Chelsea Gray as she eyes the repeat for this club.

A semi-final matchup of Rose taking on Mist will occur next, and the top-seeded Phantom will battle the scrappy Vinyl bunch.

The WNBA season may not seem promising. Therefore, tune into the first round tonight on truTV to catch the exciting and intense action that will take place prior to Monday’s semi-finals matchups!

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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