WNBA

How the WNBA playoffs work: Size, format, start date and more to know

Seven teams have officially qualified for the WNBA playoffs so far.

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The field for the 2024 WNBA playoffs is nearly set.

Seven teams have officially qualified for the postseason, with the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury being the latest additions to the field.

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Indiana, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, is heading to the playoffs for the first time since all the way back in 2016. Phoenix, meanwhile, will return to the postseason after missing out last season.

There's now just one playoff spot still up for grabs with just a couple weeks left in the regular season So, as battles for that final postseason berth and playoff positioning heat up, here's what to know about the WNBA postseason:

How many games are in the WNBA regular season?

Each team plays 40 games in the regular season.

When does the WNBA regular season end?

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The final day of the 2024 regular season is Thursday, Sept. 19.

When do the WNBA playoffs start?

The WNBA playoffs are slated to begin on Sunday, Sept. 22.

How many teams make the WNBA playoffs?

The top eight teams in the WNBA -- regardless of conference -- make the playoffs.

What teams are in the WNBA playoffs so far?

These seven teams have qualified for the playoffs so far:

  • New York Liberty
  • Connecticut Sun
  • Minnesota Lynx
  • Las Vegas Aces
  • Seattle Storm
  • Indiana Fever
  • Phoenix Mercury

How do the WNBA playoffs work?

The WNBA playoffs seed teams based on regular-season record, with the top team owning the No. 1 seed.

In the first round, the matchups by seed are 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, and 4 vs. 5.

How many games are in a WNBA playoff series?

The first round of the playoffs features a best-of-three format where the higher seed hosts the first two games of the series. Should the series go the distance, the lower seed hosts the decisive Game 3.

The semifinals and WNBA Finals both have a best-of-five format where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2 and 5.

When are the WNBA Finals?

The full WNBA Finals schedule hasn't been released yet. However, a potential decisive Game 5 will take place no later than Sunday, Oct. 20, according to the WNBA.

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