The 2024 WNBA playoffs are approaching with the Las Vegas Aces aiming for their third consecutive championship. The competition will be tough this year in the postseason. The first round of the playoffs kicks off on Sunday, September 22 with a best-of-3 series format. So, how does home court advantage work in the WNBA’s best-of-3 format?
In each series, the team with the higher seed gets home court advantage. The format is 2-1, meaning the higher seed hosts the first two games. If a Game 3 is necessary, the series shifts to the lower seed’s home court.
This puts pressure on the higher seed to secure the series win in two home games. Playing a decisive Game 3 on the road is not ideal. While hosting the first two games is an advantage, there’s little margin for error.
Previously, the WNBA had single-game elimination first rounds, but switched to series for a more competitive atmosphere. It allows teams a chance to bounce back from tough games.
While other leagues have longer series, the WNBA’s best-of-3 setup creates pressure in each game with a second chance for teams. The New York Liberty hold the best record, likely to be the No. 1 seed, with six other teams clinching postseason berths.
The No. 8 playoff spot is up for grabs, with only Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks eliminated. Washington, Chicago, and Atlanta are vying for the final spot, with tiebreakers potentially coming into play.
Washington currently holds the No. 8 seed with two games left in the season. Tiebreakers may determine the final postseason spot among Washington, Chicago, and Atlanta.
