BROOKLYN — Cathy Engelbert addressed media ahead of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, and revealed several key changes regarding the league’s future — from scheduling changes to plans to combat the rise of online vitriol players have faced.
Cathy Engelbert announces major WNBA scheduling changes, expansion information, and more
The WNBA Commissioner revealed the league will switch to a 7-game Finals format, increase the regular season schedule to 44 games, and much more.
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
Noa Dalzell is a senior writer covering the WNBA and all of women’s basketball for Breakaway, SB Nation’s women’s sports vertical, as well as the Celtics for CelticsBlog.
Here’s what you need to know about the Commissioner’s 30-minute in-depth press conference:
Scheduling changes: 44 regular season games, 7-game Finals, 1-1-1 first round series
Next season, the WNBA will institute several scheduling changes that fans have wanted to see implemented for a long time.
With one new team in the fold — the Golden State Valkyries — regular season play will increase from 40 games to 44 games. Given that there won’t be international basketball next summer, the league’s start and end dates are expected to be similar to this years’ despite the increased length. Engelbert did say that could change moving forward.
In addition, home-court advantage for the first round will change — the team with the better record will host Game 1 at home, hit the road for Game 2, and return home for a Game 3, if necessary. This year, the first two games were held by the higher-seed, so four teams that made the playoffs never hosted a postseason game: Indiana Fever, Atlanta Dream, Seattle Storm, and Phoenix Mercury.
Finally, Engelbert announced that the 2025 Finals would extend from a 5-game series to a 7-game series, mirroring the NBA Finals and other professional sports leagues.
WNBA Draft: Lottery Date set, the Valkyries will get the #5 pick
Engelbert confirmed the WNBA Draft Lottery will take place on November 17th, and that the Golden State Valkyries will receive the No. 5 pick in every round of the draft. More information is coming on the Valkyries front, Engelbert said. Earlier Thursday, the organization announced Natalie Nakase as their first head coach.
Greater emphasis on combating hateful speech and threats
Exactly a month ago, Engelbert was asked about the rise of online hate WNBA players have been subjected, and fumbled the opportunity to denounce it. This time, she addressed this issue in full, unprompted as part of her opening remarks.
“This growth has not come without growing pains: the hateful speech and threats directed at our players are troubling. That type of conduct is not representative of WNBA character or fanbase. As a league, we stand united in condemning racism and all forms of hate. The WNBA is one of the most inclusive and diverse professional sports leagues in the world, and we will continue to champion those values.”
Engelbert also explained that the WNBA is going to be more proactive in mitigating this online vitriol. She said that the league plans on meeting with technology providers, developing mental health resources, and exploring other interventions, as well.
“We will meet with the Players’ Association, the players, teams, we will work together to expand and enhance our efforts, and are going to approach this multi-dimensionally, utilizing technology, prioritizing mental health, reinforcing physical security and increasing monitoring,” Engelbert said. “We know there’s more work to be done, and as a league, we are fully committed to listening to the players and other stakeholders on this and other important issues.”
