Updated: WNBA Playoff Schedule and Seeding Scenarios

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 04: Candace Parker
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 04: Candace Parker

Although seedings will not be finalized until Sunday’s games are complete, details are emerging about the 2017 WNBA playoffs.

Key Dates:
Round 1 (single elimination)
Wednesday, September 6

  • The Washington Mystics host either the Seattle Storm or the Dallas Wings at 8PM ET
  • The Phoenix Mercury host either Seattle or Dallas at 10PM ET

Notes:
Washington will earn 5 seed and host Seattle if:

  • They beat the Minnesota on Sunday (4PM ET)
  • Phoenix loses to the Atlanta Dream on Sunday (4PM ET)

Phoenix will earn 5 seed and host Seattle if:

  • They beat Atlanta and Washington loses to Minnesota (Mercury has a two-to-one, head-to-head advantage over Washington)

The team that does not host Seattle will earn the 6 seed and will host the Dallas Wings.

Round 2 (single elimination)
Sunday, September 10

  • Connecticut Sun will host a Round One winner at 3PM ET
  • New York Liberty will host a Round One winner at 5PM ET

Notes:
New York will earn 3 seed if:

  • They beat Dallas on Sunday (2PM ET)
  • They lose to Dallas and Connecticut loses to the Los Angeles Sparks (4PM ET)

Connecticut will earn 3 seed if:

  • They beat Los Angeles and New York loses to Dallas (The Liberty have a better record than the Sun against teams with a winning percentage of .500 or better)

Semifinals (best of five)
Semifinals: Minnesota against a Round Two winner

  • Game 1: Tuesday, September 12 at 8 PM ET (in Minnesota)
  • Game 2: Thursday, September 14 at 8 PM ET(in Minnesota)
  • Game 3: Sunday, September 17
  • Game 4: (If needed) Tuesday, September 19
  • Game 5: (if needed) Thursday, September 21

Semifinals: Los Angeles against a Round Two winner

  • Game 1: Tuesday, September 12 at 10PM ET (in Los Angeles)
  • Game 2: Thursday, September 14 at 10PM ET(in Los Angeles)
  • Game 3: Sunday, September 17
  • Game 4: (If needed) Tuesday, September 19
  • Game 5: (if needed) Thursday, September 21

Notes:
Minnesota will earn 1 seed if:

  • They beat Washington (4PM ET)
  • They lose to Washington and Los Angeles loses to Connecticut

Los Angeles will earn 1 seed if:

  • They beat Connecticut and Minnesota loses to Washington (Sparks have a two-to-one, head-to-head advantage over the Lynx)

Finals

  • Game 1: Sunday, September 24
  • Game 2: Tuesday, September 26
  • Game 3: Friday, September 29
  • Game 4: (If needed) Sunday, October 1
  • Game 5: (if needed) Wednesday, October 4

The San Antonio Stars, based on record, have earned the best chance to land the number one pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft.