The New York Liberty have reached the WNBA Finals for the second year in a row, defeating the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, in four games in the semifinals. They will go up against the Minnesota Lynx, who are making their first Finals appearance since 2017 after overcoming the Connecticut Sun in a five-game semifinal series.
The Liberty have participated in the WNBA Finals five times previously but have yet to claim a championship. Conversely, the Lynx are aiming to return to their previous success, having secured four titles between 2011 and 2017.
Here are the details for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals:
When is Game 1 of the WNBA Finals?
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Liberty and Lynx is set to begin on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
How to watch Game 1 of the WNBA Finals
The game will be televised on ESPN, featuring Ryan Ruocco as the play-by-play commentator, with Rebecca Lobo as the analyst and Holly Rowe as the sideline reporter. Viewers can also stream the matchup on ESPN+ or the ESPN App, as well as Fubo.
Liberty vs. Lynx head-to-head
The Lynx have the advantage in their head-to-head encounters, having won two of the three regular-season games against the Liberty. Their most recent matchup occurred on September 15, where the Lynx won 88-79 at Barclays Center.
Path to the WNBA Finals for New York Liberty
First round (best-of-three): No. 1 Liberty vs. No. 8 Dream
Game 1: Liberty 83, Dream 68
Game 2: Liberty 91, Dream 82
Liberty advance 2-0
Semifinals (best-of-five): No. 1 Liberty vs. No. 4 Aces
Game 1: Liberty 87, Aces 77
Game 2: Liberty 88, Aces 84
Game 3: Aces 95, Liberty 81
Game 4: Liberty 76, Aces 62
Liberty advance 3-1
Path to the WNBA Finals for Minnesota Lynx
First round (best-of-three): No. 2 Lynx vs. No. 7 Phoenix Mercury
Game 1: Lynx 102, Mercury 95
Game 2: Lynx 101, Mercury 88
Lynx advance 2-0
Semifinals (best-of-five): No. 2 Lynx vs. No. 3 Connecticut Sun
Game 1: Sun 73, Lynx 70
Game 2: Lynx 77, Sun 70
Game 3: Lynx 90, Sun 81
Game 4: Sun 92, Lynx 82
Game 5: Lynx 88, Sun 77
Lynx advance 3-2
Historical Titles
The New York Liberty are still in pursuit of their first championship title. They reached the WNBA Finals last year but fell to the Aces in four games. The Liberty have made five previous Finals appearances (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2023) without securing a championship.
The Minnesota Lynx have four WNBA titles, winning their championships in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017, and made six Finals appearances in total during that period. This year marks their first championship appearance since their last title in 2017.
WNBA Finals, Game 1 betting odds
According to BetMGM, the Liberty are favored to win the championship, with a money line of Liberty (-300) and Lynx (+240).
2024 WNBA Finals schedule
Game 1: Thursday, Oct. 10: Lynx at Liberty; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 13: Lynx at Liberty; 3 p.m. (ABC)
Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 16: Liberty at Lynx; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 4*: Friday, Oct. 18: Liberty at Lynx; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 5*: Sunday, Oct. 20: Lynx at Liberty; 8 p.m. (ESPN)
(* if necessary)
BetMGM is a leading source for sportsbook odds year-round. Please note that all gambling activities must comply with local laws and regulations.