How to Stream the 2026 WNBA Playoffs and Asian Games Live Online
Two of fall 2026's biggest sporting events are running simultaneously, and cord-cutters have more options than ever to catch both without a traditional cable subscription. The 2026 WNBA Playoffs tipped off on September 27 and run through October 31, while the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, continue through October 4 — meaning sports fans face a genuinely packed viewing schedule this week.
WNBA Playoffs 2026: The Field and the Format
The postseason field is headlined by the No. 1-seed Minnesota Lynx and defending champion Las Vegas Aces, joined by the New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings, Washington Mystics and Golden State Valkyries — eight teams total competing for the title [1].
The bracket unfolds across three rounds: a best-of-three first round, best-of-five semifinals and a best-of-seven WNBA Finals [1]. If the Finals go the distance, the last game could fall on October 31.
Beyond the basketball itself, the WNBA postseason has become a cultural event in its own right. Past games have drawn celebrity attendees including Jason Sudeikis, Aubrey Plaza, Ciara and Russell Wilson, Alicia Keys and Spike Lee, among others [1].
Where to Watch the WNBA Playoffs on TV and Online
Broadcast rights for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs are spread across a wide range of networks: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, NBC Sports Network, USA Network and CNBC all carry games [1]. For viewers without a cable box, several live TV streaming services carry all or most of those channels.
DirecTV is one of the most comprehensive options, offering ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, NBC Sports Network, USA Network and CNBC alongside more than 90 other channels. Its entry-level "Entertainment" package starts at $59.99 per month for the first three months ($89.99 per month afterward), and new subscribers get a five-day free trial [1].
Fubo's "Pro" plan covers all the relevant WNBA channels and comes with more than 230 channels plus the ability to record over 1,000 hours of content. It's priced at $63.99 for the first month ($88.99 per month after that), with a five-day free trial available [1].
Sling's Orange + Blue plan, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, USA Network and CNBC, runs $69.99 per month — making it one of the more affordable live TV streaming options for the playoffs, though channel availability can vary by market [1].
Hulu + Live TV bundles access to more than 100 live channels with Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited starting at $89.99 per month, and includes unlimited cloud DVR. A three-day free trial is available for new subscribers [1].
For on-demand streaming platforms, Amazon Prime Video carries marquee WNBA games starting at $8.99 per month for the standalone service, with a 30-day free trial for new subscribers. A full Amazon Prime membership — which includes Prime Video — costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year [1].
Peacock serves as the home of WNBA games on NBC online, including the Finals, with an ad-free Premium plan at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year [1].
ESPN Unlimited streams all playoff games across ESPN's family of networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS and more — starting at $29.99 per month [1].
Finally, WNBA League Pass offers a dedicated option for the most devoted fans who want comprehensive postseason access [1].
Asian Games 2026: Nagoya Takes Center Stage
Meanwhile, roughly 20,000 athletes are competing across 43 disciplines at the 20th edition of the Asian Games, held this year in Nagoya in Japan's Aichi Prefecture [3]. The Games, which are held every four years for countries across Asia, kicked off on September 19 and run through October 4 [3].
Notable athletes to watch include Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala, whose women's tournament runs September 27 through October 3; Chinese Olympic swimming champion Pan Zhanle; Filipino Olympic gymnastics champion Carlos Yulo; and the Indian men's cricket team, the current holders of the Twenty20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup [3]. Cricket, diving and athletics (track and field) are also still being contested this week [3].
How to Watch the Asian Games in the U.S.
U.S. viewers have a straightforward path to the Asian Games through Willow TV, a streaming service best known for international cricket coverage that will also air live coverage of other sports and offer replays of past events [3]. Willow TV is available as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video or as part of Sling's Desi Binge Plus package — both priced at $10 — making it one of the most affordable sports streaming options this fall [3].
International feeds offer another route. Asian broadcasters airing the Games include CCTV5 in China, RTM in Malaysia, MeWatch in Singapore, and KBS and SBS in South Korea, all of which stream their coverage online [3]. Viewers in the U.S. can access those free streams by using a VPN such as ExpressVPN (starting at $2.99) and setting their location to one of those countries [3].
The 2026 Asian Games follow the Commonwealth Games, which were held in July for athletes from nations across the British Commonwealth [3].
What to Watch For
With the WNBA Playoffs first round already underway and the Asian Games entering their final stretch, this week represents peak viewing for fans of both basketball and international multi-sport competition. Key storylines to follow include whether the Las Vegas Aces can defend their championship, how Minnesota's top seed holds up under playoff pressure, and whether Alexandra Eala can make a deep run in the women's tennis draw in Nagoya. Streaming prices and free trial availability make this a relatively low-cost week to sample both events before committing to a subscription.