The 2024 WNBA season has been one for the books. With games overshadowed by rookie rivalries, contentious fans, and botched interviews, viewers nationwide are eager to see how this will end — both on and off the court. This drama sets the stage for a playoff series that is sure to be one of the most memorable in the history of women’s basketball. Below, we’ll explain the best channels and streaming services to watch the 2024 WNBA playoffs.
Breaking Down the Drama
While the rise of rookies is usually celebrated, the ascension of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese into the public’s eye has been fueled by contention. While playing in college for the University of Iowa, ESPN dubbed Clark the Queen of Clap Backs, as she was known for taunting her opponents on the court.
After Iowa lost the title to Reese’s Louisiana State University in 2023, Reese returned one of Clark’s mocking gestures and seemed to gloat that she would be receiving a championship ring, not Clark.
That tension and drama followed Clark and Reese into their professional careers, spurring sold-out stadiums and flagrant fouls. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert then received intense blowback from the WNBA players and union for promoting the bad behavior and claiming, “that’s what makes people watch.” Executive Director of the Women’s National Players Association, Terri Jackson, responded to the commissioner, stating, “This kind of toxic fandom should never be tolerated or left unchecked.” The statement was praised by Reese.
Now, Clark and the Indiana Fever are the No. 6 seed in the 2024 playoffs while the Chicago Sky failed to qualify for the playoffs after Reese injured her wrist.
Who Qualified for the Playoffs?
In the WNBA, the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs. Here are the final standings.
No. 1 New York Liberty
Led by Breanna Stewart, the Liberty secured the league’s top seed. After last year’s heartbreak in the Finals, they’re more determined than ever to turn that runner-up finish into a championship.
No. 2 Minnesota Lynx
With Cheryl Reeve at the helm, Minnesota is ready for another postseason push. Last year’s quick exit at the hands of the Sun left the team hungry for redemption, as it aims to get back to the Finals for the first time since its 2017 championship run.
No. 3 Connecticut Sun
The Sun is returning to the playoffs for the eighth straight year, still searching for that elusive championship. Connecticut has been close, reaching the Finals in 2019 and 2022, but the title has remained out of reach.
No. 4 Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and the Aces are chasing history this season, hoping to become just the third team in WNBA history to win three consecutive titles. With Becky Hammon calling the shots, they’re eyeing a rare three-peat.
No. 5 Seattle Storm
Seattle is back in the playoffs after a year on the sidelines. With past titles in 2018 and 2020, the Storm has been a force in recent years and is hoping to reclaim its spot among the league’s elite.
No. 6 Indiana Fever
The Fever is entering the postseason with two young stars: Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, who’s fresh off her 2023 Rookie of the Year win. This will be the franchise’s first playoff appearance in recent memory, marking an exciting new era for the team.
No. 7 Phoenix Mercury
After a rough couple of years, Phoenix is back in playoff contention. Diana Taurasi will be leading the charge, and Brittney Griner returns to the postseason spotlight for the first time since her highly publicized ordeal in Russia.
No. 8 Atlanta Dream
Under coach Tanisha Wright, Atlanta made back-to-back playoff appearances after a lengthy dry spell. Wright’s leadership has revived the team, which hadn’t reached the postseason for four straight seasons before she took over.
First-Round Matchups to Expect
- No. 8 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 1 New York Liberty
- No. 7 Phoenix Mercury vs. No. 2 Minnesota Lynx
- No. 6 Indiana Fever vs. No. 3 Connecticut Sun
- No. 5 Seattle Storm vs. No. 4 Las Vegas Aces
Key Dates
Regular Season Ends: September 19
Playoffs Begin: September 22
- First Round: 8 teams, Best 2 out of 3
- Semi-Finals: 4 teams, Best 3 out of 5
- Finals: 2 teams, Best 3 out of 5
Last Possible Finals Date: October 20
Channels
In the U.S., playoff games are expected to be divided across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN 2. The WNBA finals are expected to be shown between ABC and ESPN.
The best way to watch all WNBA games on demand, including the playoffs and season final, is with a subscription to WNBA League Pass, available on WNBA.com. The platform offers both live out-of-market games and on-demand viewing, starting as low as $12.99 per month. League Pass is also available through the WNBA app and is compatible with iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and more.
Certain live games that are broadcast in the U.S. are not available to stream live using WNBA League Pass.
Top Streaming Options
If you don’t have satellite or cable, you can bring the exciting matchups of the 2024 WNBA playoffs right onto your favorite device. The playoffs are being shown across ESPN and ABC, so there are several streaming options available. Take a moment to find a plan that works well with your budget and viewing preferences:
- WNBA League Pass: If you’re a die-hard fan of the sport, WNBA League Pass should be your go-to platform. The service offers full coverage of out-of-market live matches. It also has every game on demand so that you can enjoy the action whenever it’s most convenient for you. Packages start at $12.99 monthly or $34.99 annually. Get your subscription now online or via the WNBA app.
- YouTube TV: With no annual contracts, YouTube TV gives you access to over 100 channels, including ABC and ESPN. Its Base Plan includes unlimited DVR space and up to six household accounts across any three devices at once. Subscribe and get streaming in minutes for $64.99 per month, or opt for a free, seven-day trial.
- DIRECTV STREAM: Known for its transparency, DIRECTV STREAM offers ESPN across all its streaming services packages. Local ABC channels are offered based on zip code.
- Fubo: Fubo packages come with ESPN and ABC in most regions, making it a great option to enjoy the WNBA playoffs and finals. They boast over 200 channels and offer full coverage of sports specials like the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, and Stanley Cup. So if your interest in sports goes beyond women’s basketball, Fubo may be right for you.
Don’t Miss a Moment With StreamSafely
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