How many teams make the WNBA Playoffs? Chicago Sky history, more

The Chicago Sky won the championship in 2021 in an unforgettable lone title season. They joined the WNBA in 2006 and struggled to make the playoffs. It took seven years, but the Sky have been a consistent contender since. They have no plans on that changing with Angel Reese falling into their laps in the 2024 draft.

The playoff format has changed over the years and likely will again as the W expands. Caitlin Clark and Reese are leading the new era and bringing more fans. Things are just getting started for the entire league.

How do the playoffs work in 2024? How many teams will make it? Will the Sky take part? Here is an answer to all the important questions.

How many teams make the WNBA Playoffs?

After the 40-game regular season, eight teams make the playoffs based on record. Conference standing is not factored in. The top eight teams are seeded and drawn into a bracket.

What is the WNBA Playoffs format?

The WNBA playoff bracket features three rounds. The team with the best record faces the eighth-best. The other matchups are 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, and 4 vs. 5. The opening round is a best-of-three series with the higher seed playing the first two games at home. In the semifinals and finals, it is a best-of-five series with a 2-2-1 format.

What would the bracket look like if the WNBA Playoffs started during the Olympic break?

The New York Liberty have the best record in the W as things are paused until August 15th for the Olympics. Chicago currently holds the final playoff spot. Here is what the first-round matchups would be if the playoff started today.

1. New York Liberty vs. 8. Chicago Sky
4. Seattle Storm vs. 5. Las Vegas Aces
3. Minnesota Lynx vs. 6. Phoenix Mercury
2. Connecticut Sun vs. 7. Indiana Fever

What WNBA franchise has won the most championships?

The Houston Comets won the first four WNBA championships in history from 1997-2000. No franchise has been able to surpass that mark, but the Seattle Storm and Minnesota Lynx have matched it.

Chicago Sky playoff history

The Sky have made the playoffs nine times in the last 11 years. Here is a year-by-year breakdown of the franchise’s success.

2006: Did not qualify
2007: Did not qualify
2008: Did not qualify
2009: Did not qualify
2010: Did not qualify
2011: Did not qualify
2012: Did not qualify
2013: Lost to Indiana Fever in 1st round (2-0)
2014: Lost to Phoenix Mercury in WNBA Finals (3-0), won over Fever in conference finals (2-1), won over Dream in 1st round (2-1)
2015: Lost to Indiana Fever in 1st round (2-1)
2016: Lost to LA Sparks in semifinals (3-1), won over Dream in 1st round (1-0)
2017: Did not qualify
2018: Did not qualify
2019: Lost to Las Vegas Aces in semifinals (1-0), won over Mercury in 1st round (1-0)
2020: Lost to Connecticut Sun in 1st round (1-0)
2021: Won championship over Mercury in finals (3-1), won semifinals over Sun (3-1), won 2nd round over Lynx (1-0), won 1st round over Dallas Wings (1-0)
2022: Lost to Sun in semifinals (3-2), won over Liberty in 1st round (2-1)
2023: Lost to Aces in 1st round (2-0)

The Chicago Sky hope to build on their recent success and are searching for their second championship. Can Angel Reese lift them to the playoffs as a rookie? Stay tuned to find out.