The WNBA Playoffs Primer

09/21/2021

By: Jeff Yoder

WNBA Playoffs Begin Thursday (Sept. 23) With Seeds 5-8 in Single Elimination Rounds

The WNBA regular season concluded over the weekend with a wild finish for the 8-seed. The New York Liberty (12-20) grabbed the final spot in the postseason on the final day thanks to a tiebreaker and losses by the L.A. Sparks (12-20) and Washington Mystics (12-20). The W’s playoff format is unique, and it starts with two single-elimination rounds before two best-of-five series between the final four teams. Here’s a look at what’s to come in the next month to crown a WNBA champion.

 

WNBA Playoff Bracket & Format

 

Round 1: Single Elimination

#6 Sky v. #7 Wings (Thurs. 8:00 pm ET)

#5 Mercury vs. #8 Liberty (Thurs. 10:00 pm ET)

 

Round 2: Single Elimination

#3 Lynx vs. Lower Seed (Sun. TBD)

#4 Storm vs. Higher Seed (Sun. TBD)

 

Semi-Finals: Best-of-5 Series

#1 Sun vs. Lower Seed (Begins Tues. Sept. 28)

#2 Aces vs. Higher Seed (Begins Tues. Sept. 28)

 

Finals: Begins Sun. Oct. 10

 

Full WNBA Playoff Bracket & Schedule

 

Additional Storylines

WNBA.com: Inside the W: Postseason Awards

ESPN: Liberty, Just 2-20 a Season Ago, Clinch Playoff Spot With Sparks & Mystics Losses