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WNBA playoff series are best-of-three in the first round, best-of-five in the semifinals and best-of-seven in the Finals. The higher seed hosts more games in every round. Eight teams qualify from across the league, and tied regular-season records are settled using the WNBA’s ordered tiebreakers.
How many games are in each WNBA playoff series?
The first team to reach the required number of wins advances or becomes champion. Later games are played only if the series is still undecided.
| Round | Series format | Wins needed | Higher seed hosts | Lower seed hosts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First round | Best-of-three | 2 | Games 1 and 3 | Game 2 |
| Semifinals | Best-of-five | 3 | Games 1, 2 and 5 | Games 3 and 4 |
| Finals | Best-of-seven | 4 | Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 | Games 3, 4 and 6 |
The hosting pattern is often written as a sequence: 1-1-1 for the first round, 2-2-1 for the semifinals and 2-2-1-1-1 for the Finals. The numbers indicate how many consecutive games each team hosts, starting with the higher seed. A slot listed for a potential later game is used only if necessary. These are the league-published 2026 formats. WNBA postseason FAQ
Who has home-court advantage?
The higher seed in a matchup hosts more games. In the first round, that means the higher seed hosts Game 1 and, if needed, Game 3; the lower seed hosts Game 2. The format gives both teams at least one home game if the series reaches its full three games.
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The WNBA changed the first-round order effective in 2025. Previously, the higher seed hosted the first two games and the lower seed hosted Game 3. The league said the revised arrangement was intended to guarantee each team a home game, citing discussions with team presidents, coaches, general managers and the Competition Committee. WNBA announcement, October 10, 2024
The Finals expanded from best-of-five to best-of-seven beginning in 2025. The semifinals remain best-of-five, with the higher seed hosting the first two games and a potential fifth game. WNBA announcement, October 10, 2024
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How do teams qualify and get seeded?
The top eight teams qualify based on regular-season records, regardless of conference. Seeding is league-wide rather than determined separately within each conference. The first-round bracket pairs No. 1 with No. 8 and No. 4 with No. 5 in one half; No. 2 faces No. 7 and No. 3 faces No. 6 in the other half. Winners advance within their half of the bracket, and teams are not reseeded after the first round. WNBA postseason FAQ WNBA playoff format
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If teams finish with tied regular-season records, the league’s published order for resolving ties that affect playoff qualification or home-court advantage is:
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- Better head-to-head record.
- Better winning percentage against all teams that finish the season at .500 or better.
- Better point differential in head-to-head games: points scored minus points allowed.
- Better point differential against all opponents: points scored minus points allowed.
For a tie involving more than two teams, teams are eliminated at each step. If one or more teams are eliminated, the procedure restarts at the first criterion for the remaining tied teams. The WNBA’s published standings text lists these four criteria but does not state a further fallback if all four fail to separate the teams. WNBA standings and tiebreakers
Quick Recap
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- Caitlin Clark Signature Series Official: Her Signature Series, personally designed and endorsed by the icon herself
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