WNBA Finals schedule, results, format, predictions: Everything you need to know

It's official: the top two teams will battle in the 2024 WNBA Finals. The Liberty beat the Aces in four games in the semifinals, and the Lynx held off the Sun in Game 5.

New York is seeking its first WNBA title, while Minnesota could become the first WNBA team to win five championships.

The WNBA Finals won't be void of star power. Napheesa Collier was the MVP runner-up and won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Breanna Stewart finished behind Collier in MVP voting. Sabrina Ionescu is playing on a different level. To say that the finals will be a lot of fun is an understatement.

WNBA Finals schedule

Game 1 on Thursday, Oct. 10: Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty (8 p.m. ET on ESPN) Lynx win 95-93 in overtime

Game 2 on Sunday, Oct. 13: Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty (3 p.m. ET on ABC) Liberty win 80-66

Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 16: New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx (8 p.m. ET on ESPN)

Game 4 on Friday, Oct. 18: New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx (8 p.m. ET on ESPN)

Game 5 (if necessary) on Sunday, Oct. 20: Minnesota Lynx at New York Liberty (8 p.m. ET on ESPN)

WNBA Finals format

The WNBA Finals format is the same as the best-of-five series in the semifinals. The top seed (New York) will host the first two games at Barclays Center. If the series goes to Game 5, it will be in New York. The lower seed (Minnesota) will host Games 3 and 4 (if the series goes to four games).

How to watch the Liberty and Lynx in WNBA Finals

There are several options available to stream ESPN and ABC without cable. New fuboTV users are eligible for a seven-day free trial. New Sling TV users can pay as low as $20 for your first month. YouTube TV also carries ESPN and ABC. The streaming service has a 20-minute free preview, and new users can pay $64.99/month for your first four months (the regular price is $72.99).

Liberty WNBA Finals history

New York is hoping to win its first WNBA championship. The Liberty lost in the finals in their inaugural season in 1997 and in 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2023. New York is 0-5 in the WNBA Finals, but the sixth time could be the charm.

Lynx WNBA Finals history

Minnesota has won four WNBA titles since the organization launched in 1999. The Lynx won their first championship in 2011, lost in the finals in 2012, won their second championship in 2013, won their third championship in 2015, lost in the finals in 2016, and won their fourth championship in 2017. It's the first time since Minnesota's last title that the team is back in the WNBA Finals.

WNBA Finals prediction

The Liberty have dominated all season long. New York swept Atlanta in the first round and defeated the back-to-back defending champions in the semifinals. The Lynx will be the Liberty's toughest challenge, as Minnesota won the regular-season battle 3-1.

Ionescu and Stewart are playing at a high level, but the Lynx have the best defense in the league (and the best defensive player).

Collier became the first player in WNBA history to post 25 points and 10 rebounds in three consecutive games. She could extend that streak to four on Thursday, but it won't be easy on the road in one of the league's best playoff environments.

Minnesota needs Collier, Courtney Williams, and Kayla McBride to play like they did in Tuesday's win (combined for 70 of the Lynx's 88 points). If one of those players has an off night, Bridget Carleton needs to step up and get hot from three (she shot 0-of-6 in Game 5).

It will be a back-and-forth battle between the Liberty and Lynx, and it should come down to a Game 5 in Brooklyn. The Liberty are the favorites, but Minnesota had New York's number in the regular season. The postseason is different, but we know what the Lynx can do. I predict Minnesota will win, and Collier will be named the 2024 WNBA Finals MVP.

Prediction: Minnesota wins 3-2