Find out how the WNBA Playoffs work. We take a look at the WNBA Playoffs format, playing schedule, and exactly how many teams make the cut each season.
There’s nothing like the buzz of the Playoffs! Fans can watch the best of the best fight it out for a spot in the coveted WNBA Finals.
At the start of the 2024 season, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced a few changes to the WNBA Playoffs format for 2025, though; now, games will follow the tradition of other major pro leagues to give every team a fair chance at victory.
So, exactly how does the WNBA Playoffs system work? And how many teams make the WNBA Playoffs each season? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the WNBA Playoff format?
The WNBA Playoffs work by eliminating teams in a bracket-style tournament. Each franchise will play a minimum of 8 games and a maximum of 15 games. The Playoffs are split into 3 key rounds: the First Round, the Semi-finals and the Finals. Let’s take a closer look.
WNBA Playoff First Round
The First Round is a best-of-3 series between 8 qualifying WNBA teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences. It now uses a fair 1-1-1 format for 2025.
Previously, the higher-seeded team played the first 2 games on their home court, and the lower-seeded team only hosted game 3 if the series was tied. This led to unfair winner-takes-all games for the highest-ranking franchises.
The new format ensures each team gets to play at least one game at home before elimination. The higher-seeded team will host games 1 and 3. The lower-seeded team will host game 2.
WNBA Playoff Semi-finals
Next comes the WNBA Playoff Semi-finals. This round is a best-of-5 series contest, with a 2-2-1 format. The higher-seeded team has home court advantage for games 1, 2 and 5. The lower-seeded team hosts games 3 and 4. Games 4 and 5 won’t go ahead if one team wins their first 3 games.
WNBA Playoff Finals
From 2025, the WNBA Playoff Finals will be played as a best-of-7 series for the very first time. The final round will use a 2-2-1-1-1 playing format, similar to the NBA. This means the higher-seeded teams have home court advantage for games 1, 2, 5 and 7, whereas lower-seeded teams host games 3, 4 and 6.
The new WNBA Playoff format ensures a fairer system for all franchises. Instead of higher-seeded teams barrelling through on a home court advantage, all teams will now get a chance to play at home.
How many teams make the WNBA Playoffs?
Typically, the top 8 teams from the regular season make the WNBA Playoffs each year. These teams are then seeded based on their records. This will determine how many home court games each team plays in the postseason. Once the Playoffs start, teams won’t be reseeded.
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Which WNBA teams have the most Playoff appearances?
The teams with the most WNBA Playoff appearances are:
Minnesota Lynx (13)
New York Liberty (3)
Las Vegas Aces (3)
Seattle Storm (3)
Indiana Fever (2)
Phoenix Mercury (1)
The New York Liberty won their first championship at the 2024 WNBA Playoffs, which was the last time the Playoff Finals were a best-of-5 series. To learn more about the stars that helped their team to the Playoffs, explore our other blogs covering the best WNBA players of all-time and the most marketable WNBA players of 2025.
What is the 2025 WNBA Playoffs schedule?
The WNBA Playoffs start after the regular season comes to an end. Postseason games typically take place between August and October, depending on the season. Let’s take a closer look at the WNBA Playoffs schedule for 2025, including Finals dates and where to watch.
When do the WNBA Playoffs start?
For the 2025 season, the WNBA Playoffs start on 14 September. This comes after the regular season ends on 11 September. You can watch the WNBA Playoffs in the UK via TNT Sports.
When are the WNBA Finals?
The WNBA Playoff Finals are slated to take place on 17 October 2025. Only the top 2 teams will battle it out to see who will be crowned champion.
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