The 2024 WNBA playoffs are right around the corner as the Las Vegas Aces look to win their third consecutive championship. The Aces will have plenty of competition in this year's postseason, though. The first round of the playoffs will begin on Sunday, September 22 as the best-of-3 series get underway. So how does home court advantage work in the WNBA's best-of-3 format?
WNBA's best-of-3 first round format
The team with the higher seed for each series receives home court advantage in the postseason. The WNBA utilizes a 2-1 format, meaning the higher seed hosts the first two games of the series. If a deciding Game 3 is needed, though, the series shifts to the lower seed's home court.
As a result, there is pressure on the home team to clinch the series win in two games at home. Heading on the road for a make-or-break Game 3 is far from an ideal situation. Although hosting the first two games of the series is an advantage, there is little room for error for the higher seed.
What led to the best-of-3 format?
The WNBA previously held single-game elimination first rounds. However, the league felt as if a series could lead to a more competitive and rivalry-like scenario. Additionally, a series provides teams with the opportunity to bounce back if they happen to endure a difficult game.
Other leagues often feature best-of-5 or best-of-7 series even in the first round. However, the WNBA's best-of-3 series provides pressure in each game while still creating a second chance opportunity for teams.
Potential 2024 WNBA playoff picture
The New York Liberty hold the best record in the league. They are on track to enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Six other teams have clinched postseason berths as well (Minnesota Lynx, Connecticut Sun, Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury).
The No. 8 seed, which is the final postseason spot, is still up for grabs. Only the Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks have been officially eliminated from postseason contention as of this story's writing, which means the Washington Mystics, Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream are fighting for the final remaining spot.
Washington is currently the No. 8 seed. They have two more games remaining on their schedule before the end of the season. It is worth noting that the Mystics, Sky and Dream all have the same exact record as of this story's writing. Tiebreakers may end up deciding the final postseason spot depending on what occurs over the next few days.