Liberty vs. Mercury Live Tonight: Odds, Start Time & How to Watch the WNBA Clash of Streaking Rivals (Aug 1, 2026)

On Saturday afternoon, August 1 2026, the New York Liberty travel to the desert to face the Phoenix Mercury in a nationally televised WNBA clash with major postseason implications. As the teams emerge from the final TV timeout, New York leads 79-73 with 5:10 left in the fourth quarter. Tip-off was 12 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET) and the broadcast is airing on ABC; live streams are available via the ESPN App and WNBA League Pass. This is the third and final regular-season meeting. New York claimed the first two—84-74 on May 27 and 75-68 on June 5—to set up a potential season sweep. Entering today, the Liberty (16-13) sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, while the Mercury (11-18) are clinging to the final Western play-in spot after a three-game win streak. Stars to Watch • Breanna Stewart: 12 PTS, 10 REB—another double-double in progress. • Sabrina Ionescu: 24 PTS, 8 AST, 5-of-5 FT—pace-setting from deep. • Jonquel Jones: 14 PTS, 7 REB—owning the paint. • Kahleah Copper: 21 PTS on 54 % shooting—energizing Phoenix backcourt. • DeWanna Bonner: 18 PTS, 7 REB—veteran firepower. What’s at Stake • Liberty: A win moves them to 17-13 and tightens an already crowded Eastern race. • Mercury: Victory would stretch the win streak to four and keep Portland and Los Angeles at bay for the West’s final berth. How to Follow Live • TV: ABC • Stream: ESPN App, WNBA League Pass • Live stats & win probability: ESPN Gamecast Quick Facts • Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ • All-time series: Liberty lead 24-23 • Last Phoenix meeting: Sept 19 2025 – Mercury 79, Liberty 73 Refresh for real-time score swings, highlight videos and full post-game analysis once the final buzzer sounds—this Liberty vs Mercury showdown is shaping up as one of the weekend’s must-watch WNBA games.