The Seattle Storm clinched the final spot in the WNBA postseason, snatching it at the last moment from the Los Angeles Sparks. With all eight playoff teams now confirmed, the most exciting time of the year for the league is about to begin.
The Minnesota Lynx dominated throughout the regular season, even without their superstar Napheesa Collier, who was sidelined by injury. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty, the team that stopped Minnesota’s run last year, struggled with inconsistency and a string of injuries, ultimately losing their home-court advantage for the opening round.
Joining them in the playoffs are the Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces, Phoenix Mercury, Golden State Valkyries, and Indiana Fever, all ready to make a push for the championship.
The Fever, however, face a tough challenge as they will be without two of their biggest stars, Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, both ruled out for the entire postseason. The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team, are making their first-ever playoff appearance, while the Las Vegas Aces come in red-hot, riding a 14-game winning streak. The defending back-to-back champions will attempt to repeat their 2022 and 2023 title runs, cementing themselves as one of the league’s modern dynasties.
Fans are on edge as they count down the hours to tip-off, with hopes that their team can reach the Finals. The postseason begins this Sunday, September 14, and if the Finals stretch to a decisive Game 7, it will take place on October 17.
First-round matchups
- Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 Golden State Valkyries
- Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 7 Seattle Storm
- Atlanta Dream vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever
- Phoenix Mercury vs. No. 5 New York Liberty
Championship odds
According to oddsmakers, these are the current championship odds for each team heading into the playoffs:
- Minnesota Lynx: +110
- Las Vegas Aces: +340
- New York Liberty: +350
- Atlanta Dream: +900
- Phoenix Mercury: +1500
- Seattle Storm: +5000
- Golden State Valkyries: +12500
- Indiana Fever: +20000
WNBA postseason format
The top eight teams from the regular season advance to the playoffs. The top four seeds earn home-court advantage for the first round, which follows a 1-1-1 format: the higher seed hosts Game 1 and a possible Game 3, while the lower seed hosts Game 2.
The semifinals shift to a best-of-five series, with the first team to win three games advancing. For the first time, the WNBA Finals will mirror the NBA format, with a best-of-seven series using the 2-2-1-1-1 structure.
Where to watch
All playoff games will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, giving fans multiple ways to follow every thrilling moment. With the stage set and the stakes higher than ever, it’s time to get ready to cheer for your favorite team and experience the excitement of the WNBA postseason.
The postseason schedule
- Sunday, Sept. 14
Series 1, Game 1: 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Series 2, Game 1: 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Series 3, Game 1: 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Series 4, Game 1: 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Tuesday, Sept. 16
Game 2: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 2: 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Wednesday, Sept. 17
Game 2: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 2: 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Thursday, Sept 18
Game 3 (if necessary): 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Game 3 (if necessary): 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Friday, Sept. 19
Game 3 (if necessary): 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Game 3 (if necessary): 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Sunday, Sept. 21
Semifinals Game 1: 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Semifinals Game 1: 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Tuesday, Sept. 23
Semifinals Game 2: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Semifinals Game 2: 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Friday, Sept. 26
Semifinals Game 3: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Semifinals Game 3: 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Sunday, Sept. 28
Semifinals Game 4 (if necessary): 1/5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Semifinals Game 4 (if necessary): 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Tuesday, Sept. 30
Semifinals Game 5 (if necessary): TBD (ESPNU)
Semifinals Game 5 (if necessary): TBD (ESPNU)
- Friday, Oct. 3
Finals Game 1: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Sunday, Oct. 5
Finals Game 2: 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Wednesday, Oct. 8
Finals Game 3: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Friday, Oct. 10
Finals Game 4: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Sunday, Oct. 12
Finals Game 5 (if necessary): 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Wednesday, Oct. 15
Finals Game 6 (if necessary): 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Friday, Oct. 17
Finals Game 7 (if necessary): 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
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