The WNBA hopes to build on its success after having the most successful season in the league’s history. The game reached new heights and made national sports headlines in 2024 thanks to an influx of popular rookies, notably Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
This is why the WNBA believes that now is the time to give fans more action than ever, with changes to the regular season and their playoff structure.
Most significantly, the league is increasing the number of games in its regular season from 40 to 44. It will also change the playoff format, which has been in place since 2005, from a best-of-five series to a best-of-seven tilt.
The league is expected to have a significant year in 2025. It will grow to include the Golden State Valkyries as a new team, and welcome a new group of well-liked rookies, including UConn star guard Paige Bueckers.
With Comcast and NBC joining the mix and the league acquiring new expansion teams in Toronto and Portland, 2026 will be an even more significant season.
The WNBA’s three primary partners should be especially pleased with the expanded Finals. Between 2026 and 2036, ESPN will broadcast five WNBA Finals, while NBC and Amazon will broadcast three a piece.’
Is Caitlin Clark leaving WNBA?
Yes, Caitlin Clark is ready for a break from the blaring spotlight.
Clark said, “It is like everybody’s always watching your every move, no matter what you are doing,” during the team’s media interviews on September 27. Being the same person is the best principle I have ever tried to live by, whether I am sitting here in front of you or walking out of my apartment every day. I’ve tried to approach it in the same manner that I can and treat everybody with the same respect.”
The morning after the Fever lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Connecticut Sun, Clark said she woke up to a surreal feeling.
“I was like, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do,'” she said, pausing for a moment, then smiling. “It’s going to be nice though, I think, getting out of the spotlight and just living my life and doing things that I want to do. It will be a little bit of an adjustment period.”
There were difficult days during her rookie season, which was marked by controversy and intense attention to Clark and the inner workings of the WNBA. And there were amazing days, Clark said. “That’s just life.”
