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The WNBA’s eight playoff teams are seeded by their regular-season records across the league, not by conference. The bracket is fixed: No. 1 plays No. 8 and No. 4 plays No. 5 in one half; No. 2 plays No. 7 and No. 3 plays No. 6 in the other. The first round is best-of-three, the semifinals best-of-five, and the Finals best-of-seven.
How many teams make the WNBA playoffs?
Eight teams qualify based on their regular-season records across the league. Conference affiliation does not determine entry: teams are ranked in one league-wide standings table, and the top eight advance. The WNBA’s 2026 bracket and 2026 playoff FAQ provide the current rule summary.
How are WNBA playoff seeds determined?
Teams are seeded by regular-season record. If teams are tied, the league’s standings rules apply these criteria in order:
- Better record in head-to-head games.
- Better winning percentage against teams that finished 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.
For a tie among more than two teams, the league applies the criteria to eliminate teams where possible. If a team or teams are eliminated at a step, the process restarts at the first criterion for the teams still tied. The official WNBA standings page lists the tiebreak rules.
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What is the WNBA playoff bracket?
The bracket pairs teams by seed, with no conference split:
| Bracket half | First-round matchups |
|---|---|
| One half | No. 1 vs. No. 8; No. 4 vs. No. 5 |
| Other half | No. 2 vs. No. 7; No. 3 vs. No. 6 |
Winners advance within their half of the bracket. Teams are not reseeded after the first round, so each side follows its original bracket path. The league’s format announcement describes the bracket and no-reseeding rule; its original Finals length was later changed.
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How long is each playoff series?
The format in effect from the 2025 season onward gives each round a different maximum length:
| Round | Series format | Home-court order |
|---|---|---|
| First round | Best-of-three | 1-1-1: higher seed hosts Games 1 and 3; lower seed hosts Game 2. |
| Semifinals | Best-of-five | 2-2-1: higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, and 5; lower seed hosts Games 3 and 4. |
| Finals | Best-of-seven | 2-2-1-1-1: higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7; lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6. |
A team advances by winning the required number of games: two in the first round, three in the semifinals, and four in the Finals. The WNBA confirmed the first-round home pattern and best-of-seven Finals in its 2025 format announcement.
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How does home court work in the WNBA playoffs?
The higher seed gets more home games in every round, but the schedule differs by series length. In the first round’s 1-1-1 pattern, both teams are guaranteed a home game if the series reaches three games. In the longer rounds, the higher seed hosts the opening games and, if needed, the final game or games shown in the table above. Seeding therefore affects both the initial matchup and the location of more games.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to know about the 2026 postseason
The WNBA’s 2026 postseason began September 27 with the top eight teams entering the three-round bracket. The 2026 schedule lists 44 regular-season games per team, a format introduced for the 2025 season. For current pairings, scores, and advancement status, check the official 2026 bracket; those details change as series are played. The league’s first-round preview lists game broadcasters, but availability can vary by game and market.
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- Composite Pebbled Channels: Composite channels are pebbled instead of smooth, creating a consistent texture over the entire surface of the ball for unparalleled control
- WNBA Official: Wilson is the official basketball of the WNBA. This ball features official WNBA branding coupled with the iconic Wilson script
- Pure Feel Cover: Indoor/Outdoor pro-level feel and durability is great for play or collecting autographs
- Caitlin Clark Signature Series Official: Her Signature Series, personally designed and endorsed by the icon herself
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