Big changes are coming to the WNBA! Starting next season, the WNBA Finals will move to a best-of-seven series. This change, announced by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, marks a major shift in how the league crowns its champions. For the first time in the league’s history, the Finals will adopt a structure that basketball fans are used to seeing in other major sports, like the NBA.
More Games, More Excitement:
The new best-of-seven Finals format will follow a 2-2-1-1-1 structure, giving the higher seed home-court advantage in Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. The lower-seeded team will host Games 3, 4, and 6. This setup ensures that every team gets a shot at playing in front of their home fans, providing a balanced and competitive atmosphere.
In fact, home games are becoming more of a focus across the board. Engelbert also revealed that the league will implement a 1-1-1 format for the first round of the playoffs, giving all playoff teams at least one home game. This adjustment will undoubtedly elevate the energy for each series and ensure that fans get to see their favorite teams in action on their home court.
Expansion of Regular Season and Playoffs:
The WNBA is on a path of growth, and that includes expanding the regular season. Starting next year, the regular season will be 44 games, up from 40 games in 2023. This addition means more opportunities for fans to enjoy top-level women's basketball while also setting the stage for even more competitive playoff series. The WNBA semifinals will remain a best-of-five format, providing a thrilling lead-up to the Finals.
More games may mean more wear and tear on players, but the WNBA has already taken steps to address this. The league’s shift to charter flights for all games this season has been a game-changer. Not only does it improve the overall travel experience for players, but it also ensures they are well-rested and ready to compete at the highest level, especially when it comes to the playoffs.
Golden State Valkyries Join the League:
As if the playoff changes weren’t exciting enough, the WNBA is also welcoming a new team! The Golden State Valkyries will officially join the league next season, and fans can expect to see them in action starting with the expansion draft on November 17, broadcasted live on ESPN. The Valkyries are bringing on coach Natalie Nakase, a former assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers, as they prepare for their inaugural season.
The expansion draft will be pivotal in shaping the Valkyries’ roster, and there’s a lot of buzz around which players will be selected. Engelbert confirmed that the Valkyries will pick fifth in every round of the 2024 WNBA Draft in April, adding further intrigue to their debut season.
And the growth doesn’t stop there. The WNBA has big plans for future expansions, with two more teams set to join the league in 2026 in Toronto and Portland. By 2028, the WNBA aims to have 16 teams—the largest in its history.
Growing Popularity, Growing Pains:
It’s no secret that the WNBA has been experiencing a surge in popularity. With Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark lighting up the court for the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese making waves with the Chicago Sky, the league is gaining more media attention than ever before. As viewership climbs, so does the league’s visibility on social media, though not all attention has been positive.
Last month, Engelbert faced backlash for comments she made during an interview on CNBC. Some players and the WNBA Players’ Association felt that she didn’t adequately address the racist, misogynistic, and homophobic attacks directed at WNBA players online. To her credit, Engelbert swiftly apologized to the players, acknowledging the need to better protect them from such hate.
In her recent media address, Engelbert reiterated that the WNBA stands firmly against all forms of discrimination. "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."
Action Against Social Media Hate:
The league isn't stopping at just words. Engelbert promised that the WNBA would take a multi-dimensional approach to tackle the issue, involving technology, mental health support, and physical security measures. “We’ve been meeting with some technology providers,” she explained, hinting at possible tech solutions to monitor and curb hate speech directed at players. Social media has been a double-edged sword for the league—while it's a fantastic platform for growing the WNBA’s audience, it’s also where much of the hateful rhetoric has been unleashed.
Engelbert assured that the league is fully committed to working with players and the players' association to address these ongoing issues. She emphasized the importance of listening to players' concerns and finding tangible ways to protect them both online and off. “There's no place in sports for this,” she declared, vowing that the league will continue to push back against hate speech and provide a safer environment for its players.
Balancing Growth with International Events:
With all these exciting changes happening in the WNBA, it’s important to remember that the league operates on a tight schedule. The WNBA typically starts its season in mid-May and runs through the summer, but the expanded regular season and longer playoff series may extend the season further into October. Engelbert admitted that balancing the schedule is no small task, especially with major international events like the Summer Olympics and FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup taking place every other year.
However, with no international tournaments on the calendar for 2024, Engelbert sees this as the perfect opportunity to roll out the new playoff structure. "It's a constant balancing of the schedule," she said. “The league’s growth and increased demand for WNBA basketball made this the ideal time to provide fans more opportunities to see the best players in the world compete at the highest level.”
A Bright Future for the WNBA:
The future is looking bright for the WNBA. From an expanded season to new teams and a revamped playoff format, the league is evolving in exciting ways. Fans will get more opportunities to watch their favorite players, while the league continues to stand firm against hate and foster an inclusive, supportive environment.
With the introduction of the Golden State Valkyries, the rise of young superstars, and ongoing efforts to protect players both on and off the court, it’s clear the WNBA is gearing up for a historic season. Buckle up—next year’s playoffs are going to be a wild ride!
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