Unlike most pro sports leagues where playoff berths are decided by divisional or conference standings, the W’s top eight teams (out of 12) qualify for the three-round postseason regardless of conference.
Teams are competing for championship glory and cash. Every player in the playoffs receives a bonus postseason paycheck. Teams eliminated in the first round receive $1.6K per player, a second-round exit secures $3.1K per player while championship runners-up bag $7.7K each.
The matchup: The No. 1 seed Liberty have only lost four games since the Olympic break and are firing on all cylinders as they hoop for the franchise’s elusive first title. That’s right, the Liberty are the only original WNBA franchise yet to win a championship. They’ve come this close, finishing as runners-up five times (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2023).
Players to watch: The Libs have star power up and down their roster, led by two-time WNBA champ Breanna Stewart, three-time All-Star Sabrina Ionescu, and 2021 league MVP Jonquel Jones. But Betnijah Laney-Hamilton anchors the Big Apple’s defense — her tenacity is integral for this seafoam superteam’s success.
Keys to success: Snagging a first-round series win might be as easy as showing up for the Libs — NY has the deeper roster, more playoff experience, and some extra motivation to avenge their 3–1 loss to the Las Vegas Aces in last year’s final.
The matchup: The hottest team in the WNBA? The Minnesota Lynx, who are heading into their first-round series as winners of 14 of their last 16 games. Minnesota’s different from the W’s other top contenders though: They’re not a superteam nor do they have a lot of postseason experience. So what are they? A team that simply finds a way to win.
Players to watch: For the Lynx, it’s the three-prong attack of Napheesa Collier, Bridget Carleton, and Kayla McBride. Both Carleton and McBride can shoot the lights out while Collier’s averaging a team-high 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game.
Keys to success: On paper, the Lynx are a better all-around team: They boast one of the league’s most fearsome defenses thanks to Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith, their offense is built around all five players on the floor, and their coach, Cheryl Reeve, has hoisted four WNBA championships and this year’s Commissioner’s Cup.
The matchup: The Sun secured the No. 3 seed with their season-finale blowout win over the Chicago Sky, booking themselves a first-round ticket against Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and the suddenly surging Indiana Fever. The Sun are 3-1 against Indiana this season with the Fever taking the most recent meeting by a mere four points.
Players to watch: Partners-in-hoops (and in life) DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas lead a Sun attack that also boasts Brionna Jones and defensive juggernaut DiJonai Carrington (who’ll be competing against her possible fiancée NaLyssa Smith). Bonner leads all Sun scorers with 15.1 points per game, but the Sun are all about that total team approach.
Keys to success: Connecticut’s biggest advantage is their postseason experience. Their core group has gone deep into the playoffs, making at least the semifinals for the last five years — but now it’s time to shake off that bridesmaid reputation for good.
The matchup: The Aces were bogged down by injuries in the early part of the season, a big reason why the two-time defending champs only managed a No. 4 seed. But Vegas has been on an absolute heater to end the year, winning nine of their last 10 games to start their three-peat quest on a high note.
Players to watch: To say A’ja Wilson has been remarkable this season would be an understatement: She’s the first WNBA player to reach 1K points in a season, set the WNBA single-season rebounding record, and has the second-best efficiency rating of any basketball player ever. All hail.
Keys to success: Wilson has undoubtedly been that girl for the Aces all season. Vegas has both firepower and experience with the likes of Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray, but they’ll go as far as the league’s likely MVP can carry them.
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