As the thrilling 2024 WNBA standings regular season edges toward its conclusion, the competition among the league’s 12 teams intensifies, with only eight spots available for the coveted playoff bracket. This season, the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx have distinguished themselves as the pinnacle of excellence, demonstrating formidable prowess on the court. However, the Las Vegas Aces, led by their dynamic center and MVP frontrunner A’ja Wilson, remain a potent threat to any team’s championship aspirations. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever, invigorated by the exceptional play of Caitlin Clark—the top pick in the 2024 draft—are peaking at precisely the right moment. In tandem, rookie sensation Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky are fighting to maintain their competitive edge and secure a playoff berth. With the final regular-season games scheduled for September 19, the stage is set for the playoffs to ignite on September 23.
2024 WNBA Playoff Format: A Closer Look
The first round of the playoffs is scheduled to commence on September 22, featuring a series of four best-of-three matchups among the eight qualified teams. The victors of these series will advance to the semifinals, which will be contested in a best-of-five format. The journey culminates in the 2024 WNBA Finals, also a best-of-five series, where the ultimate champion will be crowned.
In the initial playoff round, the higher-seeded team will host the first two games of the series. Should the series extend to a decisive third game, the home-court advantage will shift to the lower-seeded team. For the subsequent rounds, the higher seed will host Games 1, 2, and 5, while the lower seed will host Games 3 and 4. This structure aims to balance the competitive dynamics and ensure that the series remains engaging and unpredictable.
Historical Evolution of the WNBA Playoff Format
The WNBA playoffs have undergone significant transformations since their inception. In 1997 and 1998, the playoffs featured just four teams, with single-elimination games in 1997 and best-of-three series in 1998. The postseason expanded to include six teams in 1999 and further to eight teams in 2005, a year that introduced the first best-of-five series in the WNBA standings Finals.
The format experienced another evolution in 2016, when the top two teams earned automatic berths to the semifinals. The No. 3 and No. 4 seeds began in the second round, while the remaining four teams started in the first round. This iteration featured single-elimination games for the first and second rounds, with best-of-five series for the semifinals and Finals.
The most recent change came in 2022, which saw the playoffs adopt the current format. This involves eight teams competing in best-of-three series in the first round, and best-of-five series in both the semifinals and Finals. This structure aims to balance excitement with fairness, ensuring that the best teams advance through the stages of the playoffs.
Why the Shift to a Best-of-Three Series in the First Round?
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert provided insight into the rationale behind the transition to a best-of-three series for the first round in a statement from 2022. “Following extensive discussions with our competition committee and the playoff subcommittee we formed in 2021, it became apparent that while the previous single-elimination format created a win-and-advance atmosphere, the new best-of-three series format would offer greater opportunities to build and showcase rivalries, with all playoff-eligible teams participating,” Engelbert explained.
This adjustment may slightly diminish the likelihood of unexpected upsets, but it significantly enhances the chances of seeing the league’s top teams in the Finals. allowing a more comprehensive contest in the initial round, the new format aims to reward consistency and skill, ultimately leading to a more compelling and competitive playoff series.
Key Players to Watch
As the playoffs approach, several players are expected to be pivotal in determining the outcome. A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces continues to be a dominant force, while Caitlin Clark’s burgeoning talent with the Indiana Fever could make a significant impact. Angel Reese’s performances with the Chicago Sky and other standout athletes across the league will undoubtedly influence the playoff dynamics.
The final stretch of the regular season promises to be exhilarating, with teams jockeying for position and preparing for what promises to be an intense playoff battle. Fans should stay tuned for the concluding games of the regular season and the forthcoming playoffs, which will showcase the pinnacle of women’s basketball talent and competition.