The WNBA has announced that starting next year, the Finals will be expanded to a best-of-seven format, moving away from the current best-of-five structure. This decision aims to provide fans with a championship series format that is more in line with other major sports leagues. The league's Commissioner stated that the change will offer a more exciting and competitive experience for both players and spectators.
Under the new format, the better-seeded teams will have the advantage of hosting the first, second, fifth, and seventh games of the series. Additionally, adjustments will be made to the opening round to ensure that the lower-seeded team will have at least one home game, with the higher-seeded team hosting the first and, if necessary, the third game.
The WNBA's commitment to providing top-notch facilities and amenities for its players was highlighted, with the league utilizing charter flights throughout the season, including the playoffs, to facilitate seamless travel between cities.
Furthermore, the league's draft lottery is scheduled for November 17, with the newly added Golden State Valkyries team set to have the fifth overall pick. The Commissioner also addressed the concerning trend of increased social media attacks targeting players, emphasizing the need for collaboration with the players' union to address this issue effectively, potentially leveraging technology and mental health resources.
The WNBA celebrated a successful regular season marked by record attendance and viewership numbers. A total of 2,353,735 fans attended games, the highest figure in 22 years, with teams collectively achieving 154 sellouts compared to 45 in the previous season. The average attendance per game surged to 9,807 in 2024, a significant increase from the previous season's 6,615. Additionally, a record 22 regular-season telecasts garnered at least 1 million viewers, underscoring the growing popularity of the league.
Rookie standout Clark made a notable impact on the league, contributing to the heightened interest and engagement among fans. The Indiana Fever set a new single-season home attendance record with 340,715 fans, surpassing the previous record set by the New York Liberty in 2001. The Commissioner described the 2024 season as a transformative period for the WNBA, citing statistics that demonstrate the league's growth and success, particularly in live game viewership.
