The 2024 WNBA season is entering its exciting final phase, with only eight teams in the race for the title. The New York Liberty, led by Sabrina Ionescu, was the first team to secure its spot in the playoffs, finishing the regular season with an impressive 32-8 record. In the first round, the Liberty will face the Atlanta Dream, which fought until the last moment to claim the eighth spot, surpassing teams like the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky, both of which missed the postseason.

In addition to the New York Liberty, seven other teams secured their playoff berth. The Connecticut Sun, Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, and Phoenix Mercury had already guaranteed their place in the postseason before the last two weeks of the regular season. The players from these teams are gearing up for the first of the three rounds that make up the playoff format, with best-of-three series in the first stage.

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One of the season’s highlights was the return of the Indiana Fever to the playoffs, their first appearance since 2016. The team, led by Caitlin Clark, who was the number one pick in the 2024 draft, celebrated their qualification by facing the Connecticut Sun. Clark, one of the most promising players in women’s basketball, will make her WNBA playoff debut.

On the other hand, the Chicago Sky regretted the absence of their “Twin Towers,” Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, who couldn’t lead the team to the playoffs due to injuries. Both players, also contenders for the Rookie of the Year award, made a mark on the season, though it wasn’t enough to qualify the team.

The WNBA playoffs kick off on September 22 with the matchup between New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream. On that same day, the Connecticut Sun will face Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx will play against Phoenix Mercury, and Las Vegas Aces will compete against Seattle Storm. The finals will take place between October 10 and 16, with October 18 and 20 as additional dates if necessary. The postseason promises a high level of competition, with each team vying for the coveted league championship.