How many games are played in first round of WNBA playoffs?

The 2024 WNBA playoffs are just right around the corner with each team close to finishing the regular season. The playoffs are set to start on Sept. 22 with eight teams vying to be champions. There are four first-round series but how many games will be played?

In the current postseason format adopted in 2022, each first-round series will be a best-of-three with the winner advancing to the semifinals. The minimum number of games played in the first round is eight if all four winning teams sweep their series.

On the other hand, the maximum number of games that could be played in the first round is 12 games if all four series go the distance. The teams with the higher seed have the homecourt advantage as the first two games will be played on their home floor, with Game 3 if necessary, at the lower seed’s arena.

The first team to clinch a spot in the 2024 WNBA playoffs was the New York Liberty and they are expected to finish with the No. 1 seed. The Liberty have been the best team of the regular season and should be among the favorites to win it all this year.

Six other teams have already qualified for the postseason – the Minnesota Lynx, Connecticut Sun, Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury. The LA Sparks and Dallas Wings have been eliminated from contention for having two of the worst records in the WNBA.

Three teams are still battling for the eighth and final playoff spot – the Chicago Sky, Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics. The Sky currently have the advantage due to their record but will need to win their last five games or at least the majority of them to qualify.

Which team is favored to win the 2024 WNBA championship?

The New York Liberty are the favorites to win it all in the 2024 WNBA playoffs. The Liberty are a +150 betting favorite to take home their first championship in franchise history. They came up short against the Las Vegas Aces in last year’s Finals, losing in four games.

On the other hand, the Aces have the second-best odds (+340) to win their third championship in a row. They have struggled this season and are currently fourth in the standings. However, they still have a championship-caliber roster led by superstar A’ja Wilson.

Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx are currently in third place with +500 odds to win their first championship since 2017. The Connecticut Sun is fourth (+600) followed by the Seattle Storm (+1200), Indiana Fever (+1700) and Phoenix Mercury (+4500).

Some fans might take a chance on the Fever given how they have been playing since the 2024 Paris Olympics break. Caitlin Clark is their difference-maker alongside a bunch of stars such as Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell.

Who do you think will win the WNBA title this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.