WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced significant changes for the league starting in 2025. The WNBA Finals will adopt a best-of-seven series format, departing from the best-of-five format that has been in place since 2005. Engelbert made this announcement during a media briefing prior to the Finals between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx.
Additionally, the playoff format for the first round will be changed to a 1-1-1 structure for the best-of-three series, ensuring that all playoff teams get at least one game on their home court. The regular season will also expand from 40 to 44 games.
Engelbert highlighted that the best-of-seven series will follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format, where the higher-seeded team hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, while the lower-seeded team hosts Games 3, 4, and 6. The semifinals will remain a best-of-five format.
The playoff format has evolved over time, with previous structures not guaranteeing home games for every team. Engelbert expressed that moving to charter flights this season would facilitate these playoff changes.
She also shared that the expansion draft for the league’s 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries, is scheduled for November 17 at 5 p.m. on ESPN. The Valkyries will have the fifth pick in every round of the regular draft planned for April. Their new head coach, Natalie Nakase, was also introduced.
The expanded regular season will likely push the conclusion of the WNBA season later into October, as it typically starts around mid-May. Engelbert stated that with international events like the Summer Olympics and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup not occurring next year, the time was right to implement these playoff changes, which have been in discussion for some time.
Alongside these developments, the WNBA is preparing for two additional expansion teams debuting in 2026, located in Toronto and Portland. Engelbert reaffirmed the league’s ambition to expand to 16 teams, matching the highest number it has ever had.
The league has seen increased media attention and viewership due to prominent players such as Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. However, this growth has also been met with challenges, including a rise in negative remarks on social media.
Engelbert faced criticism last month for comments made during a CNBC interview that some players and the players’ association felt did not adequately address issues of racism and misogyny in discussions surrounding the league. Following this, Engelbert apologized and emphasized the WNBA’s commitment to safeguarding its players from hate speech.
“The hateful speech and threats directed at our players are troubling,” Engelbert stated. “That type of conduct is not representative of the WNBA’s character or fan base. As a league, we stand united in condemning racism and all forms of hate. The WNBA is committed to inclusivity and diversity.”
Regarding measures against social media abuse, Engelbert mentioned ongoing collaboration with the players’ association and efforts to approach the issue through various means, including technology, mental health initiatives, and security improvements. She acknowledged that there is more work to be done and expressed the league’s dedication to listening to players and stakeholders while actively condemning hateful behavior.