The WNBA will implement a best-of-seven series for the Finals, starting next season, as announced by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during a media briefing prior to Game 1 of the Finals between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. Engelbert also revealed that the league will adopt a 1-1-1 format for the best-of-three first round, ensuring every playoff team has at least one home game.
The regular season will see an increase from 40 to 44 games. The league has been using a best-of-five format for the Finals since 2005, while the structure varied from best-of-three from 1998 to 2004 and a single-game format in 1997.
The new best-of-seven series will employ a 2-2-1-1-1 format, where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, and the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6. Engelbert stated, “This will give our fans a championship-series format they are accustomed to seeing in other sports.”
The semifinals will remain in the best-of-five format. The first round’s rules have evolved over time, with the previous structure not guaranteeing home games for all playoff teams. Engelbert noted that the league’s switch to charter flights for all games would aid in accommodating these playoff format changes.
In addition, Engelbert announced the expansion draft for the WNBA’s 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries, set for November 17 at 5 p.m. on ESPN, with the team selecting fifth in each round of the standard draft in April. The Valkyries, who recently appointed Natalie Nakase as their head coach, are scheduled to commence play next season.
With the regular season having moved to 40 games in 2023, the additional four games and potential for extended playoffs suggest the league will likely continue into October, starting mid-May. The schedule will also need to account for international events such as the Summer Olympics and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which are absent next season, making this an ideal time for playoff modifications.
Engelbert emphasized the league’s growth and the increasing demand for WNBA basketball as reasons for implementing these changes.
The league’s future includes the addition of two more expansion teams in 2026, based in Toronto and Portland, while Engelbert confirmed plans for one more team by 2028, targeting a total of 16 teams.
Following a noteworthy draft class this season, featuring WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the league has gained more viewership and media attention. However, this has also led to challenges, including a rise in negative social media commentary.
Engelbert faced criticism from some players and the players’ association for previous comments made on CNBC that were seen as inadequately addressing adverse discourse surrounding the league. She later apologized and reaffirmed the WNBA’s commitment to player protection.
“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.”
Addressing the league’s approach to social media, Engelbert assured that the WNBA would work collaboratively with the players’ association, exploring technological resources, prioritizing mental health, physical security, and increasing monitoring. She acknowledged the ongoing need for advocacy and support for players who have faced such challenges for an extended period.