Since its inception in 1996, the WNBA and its players have delivered unforgettable moments, iconic comebacks, and big-time performances.
The 2023 WNBA season has been the most thrilling year to date. We watched two “super teams” in the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and newly-stacked New York Liberty battle it out. Multiple single-season records fell, partly due to this year’s longer 40-game season. Alyssa Thomas recorded an insane number of triple-doubles for the Connecticut Sun.
But none of that matters anymore with the arrival of the WNBA playoffs. While the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty remain favorites to win a title, the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics are talented enough to beat anybody, and the Chicago Sky has hit their stride at the right time. Get ready for some exciting upsets.
All the action of the 2023 WNBA playoffs will get underway on Wednesday, September 13. The Semifinals will start on September 24, and the Finals will begin on October 8.
In this article, we’ve rounded up all the info you need to enjoy the WNBA postseason, including breakdowns on the format of the WNBA playoffs, a look at the playoff bracket for 2023, full game schedule details, and more.
What is the Format for the WNBA Playoffs?
Beginning with the 2022 season, the WNBA introduced a new playoff format that will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Firstly, the updated postseason structure now includes three rounds of series play using a best-of-3-5-5 format.
The eight teams with the highest winning percentages in the regular season qualify for the playoffs and are seeded based on their record.
Matchups in Round 1 in a best-of-three series are then as follows:
- No. 1 seed vs. No. 8 seed (winner advances to Semifinals to play the winner of No. 4 vs. No. 5 series)
- No. 2 seed vs. No. 7 seed (winner advances to Semifinals to play the winner of No. 3 vs. No. 6 series)
- No. 3 seed vs. No. 6 seed (winner advances to Semifinals to play the winner of No. 2 vs. No. 7 series)
- No. 4 seed vs. No. 5 seed (winner advances to Semifinals to play the winner of No. 1 vs. No. 8 series)
The four winning teams from Round 1 then advance to a best-of-five Semifinals series. The two winners of the Semifinals series will then meet in the WNBA Finals, a best-of-five series, to determine the WNBA Champion.
As you can see, no teams receive byes to start the postseason in the WNBA. To win a WNBA championship, a team must win eight games (2 in Round 1, 3 in the Semifinals, and 3 in the Finals).
Learn more: How many games are in a WNBA season?
WNBA Playoff Eligibility: How Many Teams Make the WNBA Playoffs
Eight of the WNBA’s 12 teams in 2023 (see our WNBA teams map) advance to the postseason and make the WNBA playoffs. Regardless of their conference, the eight teams that qualify have the highest winning percentages over 40 regular-season games.
The teams that make the playoffs are seeded from one to eight in order of their record in the regular season.
WNBA Playoffs Bracket and Standings
It took until the final day of regular season play, but the 2023 WNBA playoffs are locked in! The 8 WNBA teams in the 2023 playoffs include:
- Las Vegas Aces
- New York Liberty
- Connecticut Sun
- Dallas Wings
- Atlanta Dream
- Minnesota Lynx
- Washington Mystics
- Chicago Sky
ROUND 1
(1) Las Vegas Aces vs. (8) Chicago Sky
(2) New York Liberty vs. (7) Washington Mystics
(3) Connecticut Sun vs. (6) Minnesota Lynx
(4) Dallas Wings vs. (5) Atlanta Dream
When Do the WNBA Playoffs Start?
The 2023 WNBA Playoffs begin on Wednesday, September 13. The league’s top 8 eight teams will battle it out in Round 1 in a best-of-three series, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2.
(1) Las Vegas Aces vs. (8) Chicago Sky
Game 1: Chicago at Las Vegas, 10 p.m. ET, September 13 (ESPN)
Game 2: Chicago at Las Vegas, 3 p.m. ET, September 17 (ABC)
Game 3 (if needed): Las Vegas at Chicago, TBD, September 20 (ESPN)
(2) New York Liberty vs. (7) Washington Mystics
Game 1: Washington at New York, 7:30 p.m. ET, September 15 (ESPN2)
Game 2: Washington at New York, 7 p.m. ET, September 19 (ESPN)
Game 3 (if needed): New York at Washington, TBD, September 22 (ESPN2)
(3) Connecticut Sun vs. (6) Minnesota Lynx
Game 1: Minnesota at Connecticut, 8 p.m. ET, September 13 (ESPN2)
Game 2: Minnesota at Connecticut, 1 p.m. ET, September 17 (ESPN)
Game 3 (if needed): Connecticut at Minnesota, TBD, September 20 (ESPN)
(4) Dallas Wings vs. (5) Atlanta Dream
Game 1: Atlanta at Dallas, 9:30 p.m. ET, September 15 (ESPN2)
Game 2: Atlanta at Dallas, 9 p.m. ET, September 19 (ESPN)
Game 3 (if needed): Dallas at Atlanta, TBD, September 22 (ESPN2)
Learn more: How long are WNBA games?
Where and How to Watch WNBA Playoffs
The ESPN family of networks, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, will broadcast all WNBA Playoff games. You’ll need a cable subscription with these channels or a live TV streaming service like Sling TV, YouTubeTV, Hulu+LiveTV, and FuboTV to watch WNBA playoff games.
If you miss the live broadcast of a game or don’t mind watching a game that isn’t live, you can also watch recordings of all of the WNBA playoff games after they’re over through WNBA League Pass. League Pass costs $34.99 and allows you to watch postseason recordings on the WNBA App on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android smartphone, Android Tablet, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku.
WNBA Playoffs Round 1 TV Schedule:
Game 1s: Wednesday, September 13
- No. 6 Minnesota Lynx at No. 3 Connecticut Sun, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- No. 8 Chicago Sky at No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 1s: Friday, September 15
- No. 7 Washington Mystics at No. 2 New York Liberty, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- No. 5 Atlanta Dream at No. 4 Dallas Wings, 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Game 2s: Sunday, September 17
- No. 6 Minnesota Lynx at No. 3 Connecticut Sun, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- No. 8 Chicago Sky at No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 2s: Tuesday, September 19
- No. 7 Washington Mystics at No. 2 New York Liberty, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- No. 5 Atlanta Dream at No. 4 Dallas Wings, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 3s (if necessary): Wednesday, September 20
- No. 1 Las Vegas Aces at No. 8 Chicago Sky, TBD (ESPN)
- No. 3 Connecticut Sun at No. 6 Minnesota Lynx, TBD (ESPN)
Game 3s (if necessary): Friday, September 22
- No. 2 New York Liberty at No. 7 Washington Mystics, TBD (ESPN)
- No. 4 Dallas Wings at No. 5 Atlanta Dream, TBD (ESPN)
WNBA Semifinals TV Schedule:
Game 1s: Sunday, September 24
- No. 3 Connecticut Sun at No. 2 New York Liberty, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- No. 4 Dallas Wings at No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Game 2s: Tuesday, September 26
- No. 3 Connecticut Sun at No. 2 New York Liberty, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- No. 4 Dallas Wings at No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Game 3s: Friday, September 29
- No. 2 New York Liberty at No. 3 Connecticut Sun, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- No. 1 Las Vegas Aces at No. 4 Dallas Wings, 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Game 4s (if necessary): Sunday, October 1
- No. 1 Las Vegas Aces at No. 4 Dallas Wings, 3 p.m. ET ABC)
- No. 2 New York Liberty at No. 3 Connecticut Sun, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 5s (if necessary) Tuesday, October 3
- No. 4 Dallas Wings at No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
- No. 3 Connecticut Sun at No. 2 New York Liberty, 10 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
WNBA Finals TV Schedule:
Game 1s: Sunday, October 8
- No. 2 New York Liberty at No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 2s: Wednesday, October 11
- No. 2 New York Liberty at No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 3s: Sunday, October 15
- No. 1 Las Vegas Aces at No. 2 New York Liberty, 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 4s (if necessary): Wednesday, October 18
- No. 1 Las Vegas Aces at No. 2 New York Liberty, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 5s (if necessary) Friday, October 20
- No. 2 New York Liberty at No. 1 Las Vegas Aces, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
WNBA Teams to Watch: Storylines and Contenders
We’re in for an exciting September and October. Let’s dive into the intriguing narratives and the lineup of teams that will vie for a Championship in this year’s WNBA playoffs.
Las Vegas Aces Pursue Back-to-Back Glory
The Las Vegas Aces, holding the coveted No. 1 seed, aim to become the first team to clinch back-to-back championships since the early 2000s when the Los Angeles Sparks achieved this feat. With a roster stacked with talent and a championship pedigree, the Aces are undoubtedly the team to beat in 2023.
See more: Top 10 A’ja Wilson Shirts
New York Liberty is Peaking at the Right Time
The New York Liberty have found their rhythm at just the right moment. Their impressive late-season surge, going 13-2 across August and September, culminated in a thrilling victory over Las Vegas to capture the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup. In addition, the Liberty’s newfound chemistry and stacked lineup make them a formidable contender poised for a deep playoff run.
Chicago Sky a Showcase in Resilience Amidst Change
The Chicago Sky’s journey to the playoffs is marked by resilience and adaptability. Despite a midseason head-coaching change when James Wade departed for the NBA, the Sky advanced to the postseason for the fifth consecutive year, a franchise record.
Connecticut Sun Are (Not So) Dark Horse Contenders
Somehow, the Connecticut Sun has flown under the radar throughout the season, but they possess the talent and versatility to emerge as champions. Double-double and triple-double sensation Alyssa Thomas is a force to be reckoned with, and with support from her teammates, the Sun is prepared to prove that they are a team to watch in the playoffs.
Learn more: What is a double double in basketball?
Washington Mystics Look to Defy Adversity
The Washington Mystics faced their fair share of challenges during the regular season, including significant injuries to key players. However, the return of stars like Elena Delle Donne and Ariel Atkins has injected renewed hope and vitality into the team. Despite setbacks, the Mystics are determined to defy the odds and make a strong playoff push.
Dallas Wings on a Rollercoaster Ride
The Dallas Wings have been a rollercoaster team, matching winning and losing streaks since August. Their unpredictable performances make them a wildcard in the playoffs, capable of causing upsets on any given night. With the potential to catch fire, the Wings are a team that no opponent can underestimate.
WNBA Playoff Venues and Locations
In-person is the best place to be as the WNBA Playoffs unfold. Here, we look closer at the venues hosting the 2023 WNBA Playoff games and offer guidance on securing your tickets.
Atlanta Dream Playoff Venue and Ticket Information
The Atlanta Dream will host Game 3 of Round 1 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park (2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA) if they win either Game 1 or Game 2 at Dallas. Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.
Chicago Sky Playoff Venue and Ticket Information
As the eighth seed, the Chicago Sky can host the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 of Round 1 if they can win in either Game 1 or Game 2 in Las Vegas. This game will occur at Wintrust Arena (200 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL). Tickets for the Game 3 of Round 1 are available now from Ticketmaster.
Connecticut Sun Playoff Venue and Ticket Information
All Connecticut Sun home playoff games are played at Mohegan Sun Arena (1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT). Round 1 tickets are available to buy now from Ticketmaster.
Dallas Wings Playoff Venue and Ticket Information
Dallas Wings’ will host their home playoff games at College Park Center, a multi-purpose arena at the University of Texas at Arlington (600 S Center St, Arlington, TX 76019). Tickets for Round 1 Games are available to buy from AXS.
Las Vegas Aces Playoff Venue and Ticket Information
Game 1 of the Las Vegas Aces’ Round 1 series will be at T-Mobile Arena (The Park Vegas, 3780 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV). The remainder of the team’s postseason home games will take place at Michelob ULTRA Arena (Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV). Tickets for Round 1 Games and the WNBA Semifinals are on sale and can be purchased from AXS.
Minnesota Lynx Playoff Venue and Ticket Information
The Minnesota Lynx must win at least one of two Round 1 games against Connecticut to host home playoff games. Games will occur at Target Center (600 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN). Tickets are available now from AXS.
New York Liberty Playoff Venue and Ticket Information
New York Liberty home playoff games will take place at Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY). Tickets for Round 1 Games are on sale and can be purchased from Ticketmaster.
Washington Mystics Playoff Venue and Ticket Information
The Washington Mystics could host Game 3 of their first-round matchup against New York if they win either Game 1 or Game 2. The game would occur at Entertainment & Sports Arena (1100 Oak Dr. SE, Washington, DC). Tickets are not yet on sale.
Ways to Get Involved If You Can’t Go to Games
There’s nothing better than experiencing a WNBA Playoff game in person, but there are other exciting ways to get involved. The WNBA Playoffs are a great time to connect with an incredible fan community that passionately supports the teams and the league. And if you’ve been interested in getting into the W, it’s the perfect time to find your favorite team or player.
Here are some ways to show your unwavering support and become integral to the WNBA Playoff experience.
Official Hashtags: #WNBAPlayoffs #MoreThanGame
Use the official WNBA Playoffs hashtags to join the conversation and connect with fellow fans. Whether you’re sharing your thoughts on a bad call, expressing your admiration for a standout play, or simply soaking in the excitement, these hashtags are your ticket to being part of the action. Use #WNBAPlayoffs to keep up with the latest news, scores, and highlights, and embrace #MoreThanGame to celebrate the profound impact of women’s basketball on and off the court.
Engage with Other Fans
By being an active part of the WNBA’s online community, you can connect with fans who share your passion for the league and players. Stay updated with posts from official WNBA accounts, players, and fan pages. Share your favorite moments, debate key matchups, and participate in polls.
Here are a few of our favorite X (Twitter) and Instagram accounts to get you started.
X (Twitter) Accounts:
- Women’s Hoopz (@WBBWorldwide)
- Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory)
- The Next Hoops (@TheNextHoops)
- The IX (@TheIXNewsletter)
Instagram Accounts:
- WNBA (@wnba)
- Girls Talk Sports TV (@girlstalksports.tv)
- Made for the W (@madeforthew)
- HighlightHER (@highlighther)
Join a Local Watch Party
Watching the WNBA Playoffs is better when you do it with fellow fans. Keep an eye out for watch parties organized by local fan groups. These gatherings allow you to immerse yourself in the playoff atmosphere and surround yourself with like-minded fans who share your passion for the W.
Historical WNBA Playoff Moments
To get you excited for the WNBA Playoffs, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable moments from previous WNBA playoffs.
1. The Shot (1999)
In Game 2 of the 1999 WNBA Finals, with 2.4 seconds remaining on the clock and her team trailing by two, New York Liberty guard Teresa Weatherspoon received an inbound pass, pivoted, took a couple of dribbles, and drained a 50-foot shot at the buzzer. This shot secured a victory for the Liberty and forced a Game 3.
2. Diana Taurasi’s Heroics (2014)
Diana Taurasi, one of the most prolific scorers in WNBA history, added another chapter to her legacy during the 2014 playoffs. In a thrilling Western Conference Finals matchup against the Chicago Sky, Taurasi made an astonishing off-balance, game-winning shot with 14.3 seconds remaining in Game 3. Her clutch performance propelled the Phoenix Mercury to a championship title.
3. The Seattle Storm’s Dominance (2018)
The Seattle Storm’s 2018 playoff run was a masterclass in teamwork and execution. Led by the league MVP Breanna Stewart and legendary point guard Sue Bird, the Storm dominated the playoffs, culminating in a Finals victory over the Washington Mystics. As a result, this championship marked Seattle’s third title and solidified it as one of the WNBA’s greatest franchises.
4. Tamika Catching’s Farewell Championship (2012)
The 2012 playoffs were a fitting end to the illustrious career of Indiana Fever’s Tamika Catchings. After several heartbreaks in previous postseasons, Catchings and her team rallied to claim their first championship. Her leadership and tenacity were on full display as the Fever upset the favored Minnesota Lynx, giving Catchings the championship ring she had long pursued.
5. The Houston Comets: A Historic Dynasty (2000)
The Houston Comets, led by the legendary trio of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, achieved an unprecedented feat by winning the first four WNBA championships (1997-2000). In addition, their dominance and thrilling playoff performances set a standard for excellence in the league’s early years.
More WNBA Facts
Discover answers to common questions about the WNBA, including how many dunks have there been in the WNBA? Or take a look at our comprehensive WNBA guide for everything WNBA.
