WNBA 2024: Upcoming Matches 2024, Predictions, starters, Awards, Net worth, History, previous Highlights, Coach,Players, Records, Transfers, League And Everything To Know
The 2024 WNBA season marks the upcoming 28th season of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). This professional women’s basketball league, based in the United States, promises thrilling games, fierce competition, and remarkable talent. Here are the key highlights:
Regular Season Schedule and Format
- The regular season runs from May 14 to September 19.
- Each of the 12 teams will play a total of 40 games:
- Four games against five teams from the same conference.
- Also Two games against two teams from the other conference.
- Three games against the remaining four teams.
- In early June, five regular season games within the same conference will determine qualification for the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season tournament introduced in 2021. The final will be hosted by the team with the better win–loss record in qualifying games.
Summer Olympic Break
- The 2024 season includes a month-long break for the Summer Olympic Games.
- The break begins after the annual WNBA All-Star Game on July 20 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Battle for MVP
The MVP race was intense, with three frontrunners stealing the spotlight:
- Elena Delle Donne (Washington Mystics): The perennial All-Star continued to dominate, averaging a double-double and leading her team to a strong playoff position.
- Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm): Stewart’s versatility and also clutch performances kept the Storm in contention. Her ability to impact both ends of the court made her an MVP candidate.
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): Wilson’s dominance in the paint and leadership propelled the Aces. She also carried the team through injuries and tough stretches.
Historic Moments
- Diana Taurasi’s Milestone: The legendary Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) became the first player in WNBA history to reach 10,000 career points. Her legacy as one of the greatest shooters ever was further solidified.
- Seattle Storm’s Winning Streak: The Storm went on a jaw-dropping 15-game winning streak, also led by Stewart and point guard Jewell Loyd. Their chemistry was poetry in motion.
Playoffs and Finals
- The top eight teams with the best regular season records, regardless of conference, qualify for the WNBA Playoffs.
- The playoffs feature:
- A best-of-three series in the first round (teams seeded based on regular season performance).
- Also best-of-five format for the semifinals and WNBA Finals.
- The Las Vegas Aces are the defending champions, having won the 2023 WNBA Finals.
2024 WNBA Draft
- The 2024 WNBA draft took place on April 15, 2024.
- The Indiana Fever also secured the first pick in the weighted draft lottery.
- Other lottery picks went to the Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm.
- The draft class includes talented players like Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and also Rickea Jackson.
Tiffany Hayes’ Retirement
On December 13, 2023, Tiffany Hayes announced her retirement after eleven seasons in the WNBA.
Notable Draft Picks:
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- Caitlin Clark (United States) was the top draft pick, selected by the Indiana Fever.
- Other notable picks include Cameron Brink (United States), Kamilla Cardoso (Brazil), and also Rickea Jackson (United States).
Opening Night Highlights
- On opening night, the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces will host the Phoenix Mercury. Aces stars like Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, and also Jackie Young will face off against the legendary Diana Taurasi (10 p.m. ET).
- The New York Liberty, led by 2023 Kia WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart, will also take on the Washington Mystics (7 p.m. ET).
- The Indiana Fever, armed with the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 WNBA Draft, will battle the Connecticut Sun, led by triple-double queen Alyssa Thomas (8 p.m. ET).
- The Seattle Storm (featuring scoring dynamo Jewell Loyd) will clash with the Minnesota Lynx (led by Napheesa Collier) in another exciting matchup (10 p.m. ET).
