How to Watch Liberty vs. Dream in the 2026 WNBA Semifinals on DIRECTV: Schedule, Channels and Streaming
Both of these teams swept their way into the final four. The No. 8 New York Liberty became the first No. 8 seed in WNBA history to knock out a No. 1 seed, beating the Lynx 91-75 and 87-71. The No. 4 Atlanta Dream beat the Mystics 92-77 and 93-75 to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2018. Their best-of-five WNBA semifinal starts Sunday, October 4, in Atlanta.
As of Friday morning, the league had not announced the tip time or the network for Game 1. Sunday's two semifinal openers are set for ABC and for NBC and Peacock, and this series will get one of those windows. Here's what we know, and how to be ready on DIRECTV either way.
Liberty vs. Dream semifinal schedule
Atlanta, the higher seed, hosts Games 1, 2 and, if necessary, 5. Tip times are to be announced.
| Game | Date | Matchup | TV options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sun., Oct. 4 | Liberty at Dream | ABC, or NBC and Peacock (TBD) |
| Game 2 | Wed., Oct. 7 | Liberty at Dream | ESPN, or Peacock and NBCSN (TBD) |
| Game 3 | Fri., Oct. 9 | Dream at Liberty | ESPN2, or Peacock and NBCSN (TBD) |
| Game 4* | Sun., Oct. 11 | Dream at Liberty | ABC, or NBC and Peacock (TBD) |
| Game 5* | Wed., Oct. 14 | Liberty at Dream | ESPN, or Peacock and NBCSN (TBD) |
*If necessary. Games 3 and 4 are at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. On each semifinal date, the league's schedule has one game on the ESPN side (ABC, ESPN or ESPN2) and one on the NBC side (NBC, Peacock and NBCSN). We'll know which side this series lands on when the league posts tip times. For the full bracket, see our 2026 WNBA playoffs guide.
What channel is Liberty vs. Dream on DIRECTV?
Save these channels now so you're covered whichever network gets the series.
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Included with |
|---|---|---|
| ABC | Local station (varies by market) | Core packages where locals are offered |
| NBC | Local station (varies by market) | Core packages where locals are offered |
| ESPN | 206 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| ESPN2 | 209 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| Peacock | App | Separate subscription |
| NBCSN | Not carried | Stream those games on Peacock |
To find your local ABC or NBC station, search the network name in your guide, or see what channel ABC is in your area and what channel NBC is in your area. Want us to confirm your locals? Call 1-855-690-9884.
How to watch on DIRECTV either way
If the series is on the ESPN side
Games 1 and 4 would be on your local ABC station, Game 2 and Game 5 on ESPN (206) and Game 3 on ESPN2 (209). DIRECTV says eligible customers whose package includes ESPN can activate ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost, which lets you stream ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN on ABC in the ESPN app.
If the series is on the NBC side
Games 1 and 4 would be on your local NBC station and Peacock. Games 2, 3 and 5 would stream on Peacock and air on NBCSN, which isn't in DIRECTV's lineup, so Peacock is the way to watch those. Peacock is a separate subscription, and DIRECTV lets you add Peacock Premium through your DIRECTV account.
Series preview
- Recent edge to Atlanta: the Dream won two of three regular-season meetings, and both wins came in Brooklyn in the final week, 95-84 on September 21 and 83-65 on September 23. New York won in Atlanta in June.
- Records: Atlanta finished 30-14 and New York 26-18.
- Defense first: Atlanta's Angel Reese was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday. Allisha Gray scored 22 points in the clincher against Washington, and Jordin Canada added 19 points and 11 assists.
- New York's stars: Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones each scored 21 in the Game 2 win at Barclays Center, and the Liberty held Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles to 16 points in two games.
- What's at stake: New York is chasing its third Finals trip in four years. Atlanta hasn't been to the Finals since 2013 and is still looking for its first title.
The rest of the playoffs
The other semifinal has the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, who beat Indiana in Game 3, against the winner of Friday night's Game 3 between the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings. The WNBA Finals start Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, and every Finals game streams on Peacock.
Make sure ABC, NBC and ESPN are all set before Sunday. Compare DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
When does Liberty vs. Dream start?
Game 1 is Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Atlanta. The tip time had not been announced as of Friday morning, October 2.
What channel is Liberty vs. Dream Game 1 on?
It will be on either ABC or NBC and Peacock. The league hasn't said which semifinal gets which network yet. On DIRECTV, both ABC and NBC are on your local stations.
Can I watch NBCSN on DIRECTV?
No. NBCSN isn't in DIRECTV's lineup right now. Semifinal games simulcast on NBCSN also stream on Peacock.
Where are Games 3 and 4?
At Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday, October 9, and, if needed, Sunday, October 11.
Is the semifinal best-of-five?
Yes. It's a 2-2-1 format, with Atlanta hosting Games 1, 2 and 5.
Playoff questions? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 2, 2026. The network and tip time for each game had not been announced and are subject to change. Channel lineups, carriage, packages and prices vary by address and may change. WNBA, ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.