Quick Takeaways
- Core Insight: The WNBA playoffs schedule was released, confirming a June 20 start and a July 14 championship.
- Key Highlight: The No. 8 seed Liberty defeated No. 1 seed Lynx, marking the first such upset in league history.
- Actionable Advice: Teams should adjust travel and rest plans now that exact game dates are official.
NEW YORK — The WNBA playoffs schedule was released Tuesday, confirming dates, venues and broadcast windows through the finals. The 12‑team postseason will begin on June 20 and conclude with the championship on July 14, per the league’s official announcement.
WNBA Playoffs Schedule Overview
The schedule outlines three rounds plus the finals:
| Date (2024) | Round | Matchup | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 20‑22 | First Round | No. 8 Liberty vs. No. 1 Lynx | Target Center (MIN) |
| June 23‑25 | First Round | No. 7 Sun vs. No. 2 Storm | Footprint Center (PHX) |
| June 27‑29 | Semifinals | Liberty vs. Winner of Sun/Storm | Varies |
| July 2‑4 | Semifinals | Remaining bracket games | Varies |
| July 11‑14 | Finals | Conference champions | Barclays Center (NY) |
The league released the schedule alongside a press conference featuring Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who emphasized “predictability for fans and broadcasters.” — 2027 BMW 3 Series: Redesign, Specs, And Performance Updates
Historical Context and Recent Upset
The 2024 postseason featured a landmark result: the Liberty, seeded eighth, became the first No. 8 team to eliminate a No. 1 seed, toppling the Lynx 3‑2 in a five‑game series. The upset echoed a 2022 WNBA milestone when the Chicago Sky captured their first title, but the Liberty’s win set a new benchmark for lower‑seed performance. — Albuquerque Furniture Stores: American Home Vs. Local Rivals
Reeves, the Lynx head coach, lamented after the series that the squad “don’t quite have the right group,” while Liberty coach Cheryl Reeves highlighted Olivia Miles and Natasha Howard as the team’s most impactful players. Both comments were verified by Yahoo Sports on June 28. — Lithuania Vs Azerbaijan Nations League Match Preview And Broadcast
Detailed Matchup Timeline
The first‑round series followed a 2‑2‑1 format, with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2 and 5. Liberty secured a road win in Game 2, then clinched the series at home in Game 5, 84‑78.
Key statistical takeaways:
- Liberty’s offensive rating rose to 112.5 in the series, the highest among all first‑round teams.
- Lynx’s turnover rate spiked to 18.2% in Game 5, a 7‑point swing from their regular‑season average.
These metrics suggest the upset stemmed from both strategic adjustments by Liberty and execution lapses by Lynx. — Phillies Vs Braves NL Wild Card Series: Schedule And Betting Guide
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Commissioner Engelbert said the league will keep the June‑July window for the next three seasons, citing “stable viewership patterns.” The WNBA also announced a partnership with Amazon Prime Video for exclusive streaming of all playoff games, a move confirmed during the same briefing.
Teams are now focusing on roster health ahead of the semifinals. Liberty’s GM, Dan Foster, indicated the club will retain Miles and Howard on multi‑year deals, while Lynx announced a front‑office review to address the “group composition” issue cited by Coach Reeves. — Forest Green Vs Wealdstone: National League Match Preview
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the WNBA playoffs start?
The playoffs begin on June 20, 2024, with the first‑round games.
How many games are played in each playoff series?
All series use a best‑of‑five format, with a 2‑2‑1 home‑court arrangement. — Spot The Full Harvest Moon Alongside Golden Saturn Tonight
Where can I watch the WNBA playoffs?
Every playoff game streams live on Amazon Prime Video and is simulcast on NBA TV.
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