– First Round of WNBA Playoffs Presented by Google Moves to 1-1-1 Configuration –
– Regular-Season Schedule Increases to 44 Games Per Team –
NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2024 – The WNBA announced today that the WNBA Board of Governors has approved a new, best-of-seven format for the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, effective with the 2025 season, replacing the best-of-five format.  The Board has also approved a 1-1-1 setup for the best-of-three First Round of the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 3 and its opponent hosting Game 2 – a change from the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2 and its opponent hosting Game 3.
In addition, the regular-season schedule will increase to 44 games per team starting next season, when the expansion Golden State Valkyries begin play as the league’s 13th franchise.  Teams have played 40 regular-season games in each of the last two seasons.
“We are seeing an incredible demand for WNBA basketball, as reflected in the number of cities pursuing expansion franchises, fans attending games and engaging with our social and digital platforms in record fashion, and game broadcasts and streams being consumed like never before,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.  “The incredible demand for WNBA basketball makes this the ideal time to increase the regular season to 44 games per team and expand the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV to a best-of-seven series,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.  “These changes will create more opportunities to watch the best players in the world compete at the highest level and give our fans a championship series format that they are accustomed to seeing in other sports.”
“The new 1-1-1 structure for the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google will guarantee a home game for both teams in a series, which was a priority based on discussions with the WNBA’s team presidents, head coaches, general managers and the Competition Committee,” said Bethany Donaphin, WNBA Head of League Operations.
Beginning with the league’s 29th season in 2025, the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV will have a 2-2-1-1-1 structure in which the higher seed will host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7, and its opponent will host Games 3, 4 and 6.  The bracket-style postseason will continue to have three rounds of series play and maintain the format of best-of-three in the First Round and best-of-five in the Semifinals, followed by the new best-of-seven Finals.
# # #

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WNBA Finals Presented by YouTube TV Expand to Best-of-Seven Format Beginning in 2025

– Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics
to Take Part in WNBA Draft Lottery 2025 presented by State Farm® –
 – Expansion Team Golden State Valkyries to Select Fifth in Each Round of
WNBA Draft 2025 presented by State Farm® –
<a class=" custom-cursor-default-hover" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" name="x__Hlk496183859"></a>NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2024 – The WNBA Draft Lottery 2025 presented by State Farm® will be broadcast on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN, the WNBA announced today.
ESPN will air the 30-minute, WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm special <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" name="x__Hlk56440862"></a>at 5 p.m. ET, following its presentation of the TCU vs. North Carolina State women’s basketball game. WNBA Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin will reveal the results of the Lottery during ESPN’s coverage.  This marks the 13th consecutive year that ESPN networks will present the WNBA Draft Lottery presented by State Farm®.
The Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics will take part in the 24th annual WNBA Draft Lottery. The WNBA Draft 2025 presented by State Farm is currently scheduled to take place on Monday, April 14, 2025. In addition, the league announced today that the expansion team Golden State Valkyries, set to begin play in 2025, will have the fifth selection in each of the three rounds of the WNBA Draft 2025 presented by State Farm. Golden State will begin assembling the team’s inaugural roster when the league conducts the Golden State Expansion Draft on Friday, December 6, on ESPN.
Lottery odds are based on the two-year (2023 and 2024) cumulative records of the four teams that did not make the playoffs in the most recent season.  With a cumulative record of 25-55, the Sparks will have the most assigned combinations (442 out of 1,000) and are guaranteed at least the third pick.
Dallas and Chicago, each of whom posted a combined record of 31-49 over the past two seasons, will each have 227 chances out of 1,000. Additionally, as a result of a February 2023 trade, Dallas has the right to swap first round picks with Chicago, which it will exercise if Chicago’s first round pick is above Dallas’ first round pick after the drawing.
Washington, 33-47 over the past two seasons, has 108 chances out of 1,000 to win the top pick.
In the drawing, 14 balls numbered 1-14 will be placed in a lottery machine and mixed.  Four balls will be drawn to determine a four-digit combination.  The team assigned that four-ball combination will receive the No. 1 pick. The four balls will then be placed back into the machine and the process will be repeated to determine the second pick.  The team with the lowest cumulative two-year record whose numerical combinations do not come up in the first two four-ball combinations will select third and the remaining team will select fourth.
The order of selection for the remainder of the first round as well as the second and third rounds – with the exception of Golden State owning the fifth pick in each round – is determined by inverse order of the teams’ respective regular-season records solely from 2024.
A representative from the league’s independent accounting firm Ernst &amp; Young will be in attendance to oversee the Draft Lottery process.
Below are the number of chances for teams to land the top pick in WNBA Draft Lottery 2025 presented by State Farm®.
WNBA DRAFT LOTTERY 2025 PRESENTED BY STATE FARM®
    Team                                                     Combined                                 Chances
                                                                         2023-2024 Record              (out of 1,000)
1.         Los Angeles Sparks                                        25-55                                             442
2.         Dallas Wings*                                                31-49                                               227
3.         Chicago Sky*                                                  31-49                                               227
4.         Washington Mystics                                     33-47                                               104
REMAINING ORDER FOR FIRST ROUND (picks 6-12 based on 2024 Record)
                              Team
5.         Golden State Valkyries
6.         Washington from Atlanta Dream (15-25) via Dallas (Allisha Gray, 1/21/23) (Stephanie Soares draft rights, 4/10/23)
7.         Phoenix Mercury^ (19-21)
8.         Indiana Fever (20-20)
9.         Seattle Storm (25-15)
10.       Chicago Sky from Connecticut Sun (28-12) (Marina Mabrey, Rachel Banham, Moriah Jefferson, 7/17/24)
11.       Minnesota Lynx (30-10)
12.       New York Liberty^ (32-8)
* Dallas has the right to swap its own first round pick for Chicago’s own first round pick (Marina Mabrey, Diamond DeShields, Michaela Onyenwere, 2/11/23)
^ New York has the right to swap its own first round pick for Phoenix’s own first round pick (Mabrey, DeShields, Onyenwere, 2/11/23)
In May of 2023, the Las Vegas Aces had their own first round pick rescinded for violating league rules.
About State Farm®
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/auto" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">auto</a> and <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/home-and-property" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">home</a> insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/life" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">life</a>, <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/health" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">health</a>, commercial policies and <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/finances" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">financial services</a> accounts. <a href="http://www.statefarm.com/insurance/business/bus_auto.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Commercial auto insurance</a>, along with coverage for <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/home-and-property/renters" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">renters</a>, <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/home-and-property/small-business-property" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">business owners</a>, <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/sport-leisure-vehicles/boats" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">boats</a> and <a href="https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/motorcycles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">motorcycles</a>, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.statefarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.statefarm.com</a>.

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WNBA Draft Lottery 2025 Presented By State Farm® To Take Place Sunday, Nov. 17

&#8220;We’re friends, business partners, and former teammates&#8230; but now we’re enemies.&#8221;
When Breanna Stewart says this, she’s not just hyping up a Finals matchup—she’s talking about facing off against Napheesa Collier, her close friend and former UConn teammate. Together, they won an NCAA championship, shared the court as teammates on the United States Women&#8217;s National Team, and even launched business ventures off the court. But now, they find themselves on opposite sides of the season&#8217;s most important series.
For Stewart, joining the New York Liberty in 2023 was about more than just a new team—it was about coming home and showing her kids what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself. “Being a mom has completely changed my approach, both on and off the court,” she said, reflecting on how much it would mean for her daughters to see her lift the trophy. And this isn’t just any championship run—it’s for a franchise chasing its first WNBA title in 27 years. New York hasn’t celebrated a professional basketball title in 50 years, and Stewart, a Syracuse native, understands what it would mean to end that drought.
On the other side of the matchup waiting is a Minnesota Lynx team with a rich championship history. 
The Lynx built their dynasty earlier in the decade with a core led by Hall of Famers Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus, players who defined excellence and inspired the next generation of stars like Collier—much like Moore, a fellow UConn alum—who now carries that torch. As Stewart pointed out, there’s “a tremendous amount of respect” between them, but when the ball tips, it’s not about friendship anymore. It’s about defining who they are in the next chapter of their careers.
For Stewart and the Liberty, it’s about proving they’re ready to break through and finally deliver a championship to the New York faithful. For Collier and the Lynx, it’s a fight to uphold a standard of excellence established by legends. As Stewart put it, “We’re ready to make history,” Now, both teams have a chance to do just that.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-194497" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2158709641-1.jpg" alt="Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty standing with Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx" width="594" height="396" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2158709641-1.jpg 594w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2158709641-1-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px" />
Drew Acampora: Stewie, you’re from New York, and it’s in your DNA. What does it mean to be on the verge of bringing a championship back to your home state?
Breanna Stewart: It means a lot to be on the verge of bringing a championship back to New York—the first one in franchise history. Having that pressure and knowing that we’re doing it for Brooklyn, for New York, and for New York City makes it even more special. Growing up here and being rooted in the city has shaped who I am. Even though I’m from Syracuse, I’ve always felt connected to this place. To have the chance to do it in front of my friends and family—especially in a historic arena like Barclays—is surreal.
DA: On top of that, New York hasn’t had a basketball championship on either the men’s or women’s side in 50 years. What emotions come up when you think about breaking that streak?
BS: There’s a lot of emotion that comes with it—heart, desire, and grit. There’s something about working through the struggle and pushing through the challenges that’s part of the New York way. It’s been 50 years since a men’s or women’s team brought a championship back here, so to end that drought would mean everything. We’re ready to make history.
DA: As a fellow New Yorker, I get it. Switching gears a bit, you’re a mom now—a super mom. How has motherhood changed your approach to life, both on and off the court?
BS: Being a mom has completely changed my approach, both on and off the court. It’s given me so much more perspective. My kids, Ruby and Theo, are looking up to me, and I’m constantly trying to be a role model for them daily. I hope they&#8217;ll look back on what I do on the court and what I’m striving for here in New York and be proud of what I do. I want to show them that anything is possible.
DA: You’re up against a close friend, business partner, and former teammate in Napheesa Collier in this Finals. What’s it like competing against someone you’ve shared so much history with?
BS: We have a tremendous amount of respect for each other. We’ve done a lot together—both on and off the court—but when we step out there in the Finals, we’re putting that all aside. We’re friends, business partners, former teammates&#8230;but now we’re enemies. And when that ball tips, it’s all about winning.
DA: Understood. What would winning this championship mean to you personally as a mom, knowing Ruby and Theo will be watching?
BS: It would be incredible to win a championship in front of my kids because they’ve never been a part of a moment like this before. They’ve never seen me lift a trophy. I want them to experience it all—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It would be something for them to remember forever, something they can look back on and say, ‘My mom did that.’
DA: Stewie, you’ve been synonymous with winning in your tenures in UConn and Seattle when you were earlier in your career. Now, as a veteran and leader, how do you see your legacy growing here in New York?
BS: I hope my legacy in New York will continue to grow as a winner and as a legend. I want to be remembered as someone who gave back to the place that shaped them and as a player who came home and did it the right way. I want to leave an impact here that extends beyond the court.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-194498" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2169749082.jpg" alt="Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty" width="594" height="396" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2169749082.jpg 594w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/GettyImages-2169749082-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px" />
For Breanna Stewart, these Finals are more than just another step in her decorated career—it’s about showing her daughters what it means to set a goal and give everything to achieve it. “It would be incredible to win a championship in front of my kids,” she shared, emphasizing how much it means for Ruby and Theo to witness her success firsthand. 
“They’ve never seen me lift a trophy.” Stewart’s desire to inspire her family mirrors the emotional stakes for this championship series—she’s not just playing for herself but to build a legacy that her children can look up to.
However, these finals are about more than personal milestones; they define what winning the New York Way means. As Stewart said, “There’s a lot of emotion that comes with it—heart, desire, and grit.” That attitude reflects everything she wants to bring to a Liberty team that is still looking for its first title. If the Liberty can finish what they started, Stewart’s vision of being remembered “as someone who gave back to the place that shaped them” will become a reality—not just for the fans, but for her family.
Simultaneously, led by Collier, the Lynx are fighting to prove that championship DNA doesn’t fade—it evolves. And the respect that Stewart and Collier have for one another is only matched by their competitive fire. Stewart said, “We’ve done a lot together—both on and off the court—but when we step out there in the Finals, we’re putting that all aside.” 
For Stewart, a championship here would tie together every part of her journey—from Syracuse to Seattle and now to New York—becoming the story she’ll one day share with her daughters. It’s not just about one championship—it’s about creating a legacy they’ll remember forever.

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Breanna Stewart: Chasing History, Redefining Legacy, and Leading New York’s Championship Run

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-194456" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-Recovered.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-Recovered.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-Recovered-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-Recovered-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
(1) New York Liberty vs. (2) Minnesota Lynx
Game 1: Lynx at Liberty: Thursday, Oct. 10, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Game 2: Lynx at Liberty: Sunday, Oct. 13, 3:00 p.m. ET, ABC
Game 3: Liberty at Lynx: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN 
Game 4: Liberty at Lynx: Friday, Oct. 18, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN  (if necessary)
Game 5: Lynx at Liberty: Sunday, Oct. 20, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN  (if necessary) 
Matchup Stats: <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/team/1611661313/players-traditional/?Season=2024&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=PTS&amp;dir=1&amp;OpponentTeamID=1611661324">Liberty vs. Lynx</a> | <a href="https://stats.wnba.com/team/1611661324/players-traditional/?Season=2024&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;sort=PTS&amp;dir=1&amp;OpponentTeamID=1611661313"> Lynx vs. Liberty</a>
And then there were two. The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx will square off in the WNBA Finals for the first time in history. To get here, the Liberty swept the Atlanta Dream and dominated the semi-finals against the Las Vegas Aces, winning the series 3-1. As for the Lynx, they swept the Phoenix Mercury and came out on top of a winner-take-all Game 5 versus the Connecticut Sun. Deep down, we basketball fans wanted this: the two top-seeded teams battling it out for the ultimate crown. 
Historically, the Finals have only favored one of these franchises. The Lynx have won four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017), which is tied with the Houston Comets and Seattle Storm for most all time. Cheryl Reeve, the 2024 Coach of the Year, was the head coach for all four titles. Meanwhile, the Liberty has served as the runner-up five times, dating back to the league’s debut season in 1997. That’s the most any franchise has made it to the Finals and lost. 
Zooming back into this regular season, the Lynx have had the Liberty’s number, winning three of the four meetings, which includes the Commissioner’s Cup Championship in June. Minnesota is the only team to defeat New York multiple times this season. But this is the postseason, and so far, the superstars for each team have been ballin’. The Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu is averaging a staggering 20.7 ppg in the playoffs, <a href="https://www.si.com/wnba/sabrina-ionescu-liberty-defeat-aces-wnba-finals-return">shooting a red-hot</a> 46% from 3-point land. Breanna Stewart has been a ball hawk on the defensive end and scoring at will with 20 points per contest (while adding eight blocks and six steals in the playoffs). And Leonie Fiebich, at the lengthy 6’4, has proven to be an integral piece to this Liberty roster.
But the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier might be playing the best basketball in the league right now. She’s averaging almost 30 ppg in the postseason—don’t forget about the <a href="https://lynx.wnba.com/news/napheesa-collier-scores-42-to-tie-a-wnba-playoff-record-for-points-and-the-lynx-swept-the-mercury#:~:text=MINNEAPOLIS%20(AP)%20Napheesa%20Collier%20scored,left%20in%20the%20fourth%20quarter.">42-point eruption</a> in the first round! She’s been poetically scoring around the rim (59% on 2-pointers) and drilling it 45% from deep. Every move is fluid; every counter move is diligent. She’s nearly unstoppable. Plus, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year has led the top defensive team with two blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Collier’s point guard Courtney Williams, who exploded for 24 points and seven assists in Game 5 of the semi-finals, is also peaking at the right time. 
Reeve and Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello both have championship pedigree. The game-to-game adjustments and defensive schemes will be top-notch. We’re in for such a treat. 
Key Players: 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-194457" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-JJ.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-JJ.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-JJ-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-JJ-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Jonquel Jones, New York 
Jones got in early foul trouble in Game 3 of the semi-finals against Las Vegas. She had to sit for extended minutes, starting as early as seven minutes into the second quarter. With her on the bench, it glared to viewers just how important Jones is to this Liberty team. They missed her scoring (at all three levels) and the paint presence on the defensive end. But, frankly, some of her fouls were unnecessary ones. Fouls that you don’t do when you know you’re an extremely valuable asset to your team’s chances of winning. She’ll have to play smarter; Minnesota will attack Jones, aim to get her flustered, and eliminate her from the equation altogether. Not getting block-happy or being over-aggressive on hedges will be crucial to staying on the floor. 
Jones averaged only 10 points per game on 25 shots in the three-game regular season series. That’s only about eight shots per game. In the Commissioner’s Cup, she went 0-3 for a dismal three points, all from the free-throw line. This can’t happen again. New York should exploit Minnesota’s lack of post size in the Finals by feeding Jones deep in the paint and have Jones crash the offensive glass. 
Jones was excellent in last season’s Finals. She had back-to-back 20+ point performances. The Liberty will look for her to perform similarly as they hold a home-court advantage. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-194458" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-BC.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-BC.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-BC-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Article_Images-BC-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Bridget Carelton, Minnesota 
Minnesota (and Liberty) fans remember what Carelton did during the Commissioner’s Cup in New York. A team-high 23 points, six 3-pointers, five assists, and three steals. Some even say she should’ve won the game’s MVP award for her late surge. But stats aside, Carelton has the confidence to come into New York and make a real difference. We, as fans, want an old-fashioned shoot-out. Ionescu and Carelton’s stroke should make us run to grab umbrellas because it’s raining 3s. Carelton has that power. She can get hot in a hurry. 
The Lynx are at their best when they move the ball—they led the league in team assists. However, there were spurts in the Sun series when the ball got sticky. It would stay on one side of the court and not zip around the horn like it typically does. Shooters like Carelton suffer when this happens. She combined for eight points in the last two semi-final contests. She’s primed for a breakout performance in these Finals. With Collier garnering more attention and potentially double teams, Carelton must float to the open spots along the arch to make herself available and then knock down the open jumper. 
It’s the Finals, baby! Everyone will need to be at the top of their game, Carelton and Jones included. Phee and Stewie, former UConn teammates and summer Olympic gold medalists, are surging right now, but only one can be crowned this season’s WNBA champion. The final quest starts Thursday on ESPN.  
WNBA reporter Jordan Robinson writes columns on <a href="http://wnba.com/">WNBA.com</a> throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/heyjordanr?s=11&amp;amp;t=J-cOcDBZrcrt32m2C7gIVg">@HeyJordanR.</a> The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams.

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2024 WNBA Finals presented by YouTubeTV: Phee and Stewie Set to Battle for the Title

The recent games in the Semi-Finals of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google have brought unexpected looks from the top players. Instead of sticking to their signature styles and pieces, multiple players have teamed up with their stylists to surprise fans with new aesthetics and moods. 

The intensity of recent games is reflected in more energetic styling, but these outfits aren't necessarily more 'business formal' or 'streetwear casual.' Discover how these players are taking their final games to truly lean into their self-expression and remind fans about their personality, on and off the court. 

Queen Egbo teams up with stylist Tosha Hartzog to create this 'edgy baddie' in the Aces' team colors of red and black. Bringing in elements of fun with her artistic 'Fake Birkin' bag by Saturday House, a Black-owned brand, Egbo also wears a matching red jacket. Wearing a pair of chunky, black leather boots, the overall look reads more fierce than some of Egbo's past laidback, streetwear style. 

Queen Egbo

Sydney Colson stands out with a baggy outfit and an unexpected pretzel-shaped purse. Working with stylist Amadi Brooks, the duo began to remix the outfit with Timberland Boots and a denim jacket. Brooks explains her 'street' or 'streetwear' vibe for Colson's looks, which was translated in the Kate Spade street pretzel: "If you know Syd, you know her for humor... She loves plays on words and we felt like it became 'camp.' 

Sydney Colson

Moving away from Napheesa Collier's more traditional looks, stylist Kimberly Steward introduces a 'street rocker chic' energy. There are interesting zipper details on her denim skort and jacket, which are paired with a vintage Queen souvenir t-shirt. While Collier still looks elegant and elevated, Steward explains that this outfit is an example of 'Phee's personal style and my aesthetic coming together for a look.'

Napheesa Collier

Breanna Stewart leans into her greatest style strengths for this pregame look: a basic white T-shirt and eye-catching pants. Wearing jeans with a unique black fringe, she pairs the look with tough accessories like black sunglasses, a big watch, and shiny leather shoes. Instead of leaning more toward a business-inspired look or a streetwear-inspired look, Stewart hits the happy medium with this classic combination. 

Breanna Stewart

While Brionna Jones dresses typically in a more elevated way, she takes her most recent game to lean into the 'athleisure' trend. She styles a forest green bodysuit with an oversized bag in the same color. Paired with a long jacket and a beige hat, Jones plays up her chic, lounge look with a pair of glasses and simple gold jewelry. 

Brionna Jones

Kelsey Plum contrasts her rocker or edgy looks, introducing an academic-inspired look to the tunnel. While Plum isn't a player who would wear a dress, she presents her twist with an oversized yellow button-up shirt. Coordinating her colors, she also wears a cardigan and a simple pair of black shoes with minimal accessories. 

Kelsey Plum

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

The recent games in the Semi-Finals of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google have brought unexpected looks from the top players. Instead of sticking to their signature styles and pieces, multiple players have teamed up with their stylists to surprise fans with new aesthetics and moods. 



The intensity of recent games is reflected in more energetic styling, but these outfits aren&#8217;t necessarily more &#8216;business formal&#8217; or &#8216;streetwear casual.&#8217; Discover how these players are taking their final games to truly lean into their self-expression and remind fans about their personality, on and off the court. 





WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle &amp; fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

w-in-designer-24-semi-finals-game-4-looks

The W in Designer '24: The Top Looks of Game 4

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2024 – Las Vegas Aces guard Tiffany Hayes has been named the 2024 Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, the WNBA announced today. She has earned the honor as the league’s top reserve for the first time. To be eligible for the award, a player had to play more games as a reserve than as a starter.
Hayes received 38 of 67 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Forward Leonie Fiebich of the New York Liberty finished second with 21 votes. Guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough of the Washington Mystics received three votes and guard Marina Mabrey of the Connecticut Sun earned two votes. Forward Alysha Clark of the Aces, forward Jordan Horston of the Seattle Storm and guard Lexie Hull of the Indiana Fever each received one vote.
In her 12th WNBA season and first with the Aces, Hayes played in 33 of Las Vegas’ 40 regular-season games, coming off the bench a career-high 28 times and starting five games.
Overall, she averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 21.5 minutes per game. Hayes also made 40.2 percent of her three-point shots, ranking 10th in the WNBA in that category, and shot 50.0 percent from the field overall.
Among all players who came off the bench in more games than they started – and using the league qualifier of at least 28games played when ranking the league’s top scorers – Hayes finished first in total points (313) and points per game.
The 5-10 guard scored in double figures in 16 games and posted at least 20 points in three of the Aces’ final 10 games of the regular season, including a season-high 21 points in a 98-84 win over Seattle on Sept. 19. She also recorded four or more rebounds 10 times.
Hayes, an All-WNBA First Team and WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2018, helped the two-time defending WNBA champion Aces (27-13) earn the fourth seed in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google.  Las Vegas will host the Liberty in Game 3 of a Semifinals playoff series tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Hayes is the fourth player to win the Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award as a member of the Aces, joining Clark (2023), Kelsey Plum (2021) and Dearica Hamby (2020 and 2019). In honor of her accomplishment, Hayes will receive $5,150 and a trophy designed to commemorate the achievement.
Below are the voting results for the 2024 Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year Award and the list of recipients since the award’s inception in 2007.
           <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-194198 aligncenter" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.40 PM.png" alt="" width="798" height="303" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.40 PM.png 1152w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.40 PM-300x114.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.40 PM-1024x389.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.40 PM-768x292.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px" />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-194199 aligncenter" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.49 PM.png" alt="" width="950" height="698" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.49 PM.png 1146w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.49 PM-300x220.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.49 PM-1024x752.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-04-at-2.04.49 PM-768x564.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" />About Kia America 
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
*Certain 2025 EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV/PHEV), Sorento (excludes HEV/PHEV), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
For media information, including photography, visit <a href="http://www.kiamedia.com">www.kiamedia.com</a>. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at <a href="http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert">www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert</a>.
# # #

2024-kia-wnba-sixth-poy

Las Vegas Aces’ Tiffany Hayes Named 2024 Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2024 – Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been named the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, the WNBA announced today.  She gives the Fever back-to-back winners of the annual award after Indiana forward-center Aliyah Boston earned the honor last season.
Clark received 66 votes from a national panel of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters.  Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese received one vote.
As a starter in all 40 of Indiana’s regular-season games, Clark averaged 19.2 points, a WNBA-high 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.33 steals and 35.4 minutes, leading rookies in all five of those per-game categories except rebounding (third).  In addition to posting the fifth-highest single-season assists average in WNBA history, Clark ranked seventh in the league in points, 18th in rebounds, 15th in steals and second in minutes per game.  She also had the second-highest free throw percentage in the WNBA (90.6%).
Clark set a WNBA single-season record with 337 assists.  She also established WNBA single-season rookie records of 769 points and 122 three-pointers made.  Clark led the league in three-pointers made and finished six behind the WNBA single-season record of 128 set by New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu last season.
A starter for Team WNBA in the 2024 AT&amp;T WNBA All-Star Game, Clark was named the Kia WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for August, the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week three consecutive times (Weeks 9, 10 and 11) and the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Month four times (May, July, August and September).
Behind Clark and fellow 2024 WNBA All-Stars Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever (20-20) earned a playoff spot for the first time since 2016 and improved its win total by seven games over last season (13-27).
Below are additional highlights of Clark’s 2024 regular season:
<ul>
<li>Recorded the first two triple-doubles by a rookie in WNBA history – 19 points, 12 rebounds and 13 assists against New York on July 6; and 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sept. 4.</li>
<li>Set a WNBA single-game record with 19 assists against the Dallas Wings on July 17.</li>
<li>Became the first WNBA rookie to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in a game (31 points and 12 assists against Chicago on Aug. 30).</li>
<li>Posted 14 games with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists and eight games with at least 20 points and 10 assists – both WNBA single-season highs.</li>
<li>Averaged 24.7 points and 9.3 assists in her first 10 games after the Paris Olympics break – an 8-2 stretch for Indiana that featured its first five-game winning streak since 2015.</li>
</ul>
Clark was selected by the Fever with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm.  She had a historic career at the University of Iowa, breaking the NCAA Division I points record, becoming the first Division I player to lead her conference in both scoring and assists in four consecutive seasons, and earning consensus Division I Player of the Year honors for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
In honor of being named the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year, Clark will receive $5,150 and a trophy designed to commemorate the achievement.
&nbsp;
Below are the voting results for the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year Award and a list of past recipients.
2024 KIA WNBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR VOTING RESULTS
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">Player</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">Team</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">Votes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">Caitlin Clark</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">Indiana Fever</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">Angel Reese</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">Chicago Sky</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-194180" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-03-at-2.05.04 PM.png" alt="" width="996" height="234" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-03-at-2.05.04 PM.png 996w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-03-at-2.05.04 PM-300x70.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-03-at-2.05.04 PM-768x180.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 996px) 100vw, 996px" />
About Kia America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
*Certain 2025 EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV/PHEV), Sorento (excludes HEV/PHEV), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
For media information, including photography, visit <a href="http://www.kiamedia.com">www.kiamedia.com</a>. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at <a href="http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert">www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert</a>.

2024-kia-rookie-of-the-year

Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark Wins 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year Award

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2024 – Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby has been named the recipient of the 2024 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, the WNBA announced today.
The Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award is presented each season to a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court, including ethical behavior, fair play and integrity. The award is named for the late Kim Perrot, who helped the Houston Comets win WNBA championships in 1997 and 1998 in the league’s first two seasons before passing away in August 1999 after a seven-month battle with cancer.
“I am incredibly grateful to be recognized with the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award,” said Hamby. “This is especially meaningful at this point in my career because it represents values that go beyond winning and to be recognized for that means a lot to me. Being on this list alongside some of the most highly respected players in our league is truly humbling.”
Hamby received 12 votes from a national panel of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters. Las Vegas Aces forward Alysha Clark (nine votes) and Connecticut Sun forward Brionna Jones (eight votes) finished in second and third place, respectively. Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier each received six votes.
In her 10th WNBA season, Hamby averaged career highs of 17.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. She started all 40 games and led the Sparks in points and rebounds per game. The 6-3 Hamby earned her third WNBA All-Star selection.
Hamby has won the WNBA Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award for the first time. She was named the Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons in 2019 and 2020.
Below are the voting results for the 2024 WNBA Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award and a list of past recipients.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-194174" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-2.09.01 PM.png" alt="" width="1738" height="972" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-2.09.01 PM.png 1738w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-2.09.01 PM-300x168.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-2.09.01 PM-1024x573.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-2.09.01 PM-768x430.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-2.09.01 PM-1536x859.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1738px) 100vw, 1738px" /># # #

2024-kim-perrot-sportsmanship-award

Los Angeles Sparks' Dearica Hamby Wins 2024 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award

Playmaking is an art form that can be portrayed through many mediums. While you can look at a box score and gauge that two players are nearly equal in assist total, little is ascertained about how that player dishes the rock. &#8216;Elite is Elite&#8217; is about diving into the how and highlighting the minor details that constitute some of the significant strengths of the best in basketball.
Before the postseason, we dove into the ins and outs of the top WNBA players and the skillsets that make them unique. Kicking off the 2024 edition: Dimes.
In partnership with NBA 2K25, we pair each of the league&#8217;s top passers with playmaking badges from the game that best correspond to their skillset.
<h3 style="text-align: center">Alyssa Thomas: Versatile Visionary  </h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-188860" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisEAT.png" alt="Alyssa Thomas" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisEAT.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisEAT-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisEAT-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Alyssa Thomas currently sits second in the W in assists per game at 7.6. The volume of Thomas’ playmaking stands out, as she leads the league in assist percentage (She assists on 39.6% of all made baskets when she’s on the floor). Running a motion-heavy read-and-react offense, so much of Connecticut’s success is predicated on timing and playing outside to open up driving and cutting lanes.
With the ball in her hands, Thomas is a precise and rapid decision-maker, which sets her apart: No one is tasked with doing more as a creator on a possession-by-possession basis. She will dazzle with plays in transition and off the bounce, but where she excels most is her ability to routinely make the right play with snappiness. The Sun are built upon her gravity, so consistently making the correct reads with pace and accuracy is essential to being a successful offense.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: center">Caitlin Clark: Break Starter</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-188861" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisECC.png" alt="Caitlin Clark" width="960" height="714" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisECC.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisECC-300x223.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisECC-768x571.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Caitlin Clark has acclimated to the league quickly and asserted herself as one of the top-flight playmakers in the league. Clark is already one of the premier pick-and-roll players in the W, as she and Aliyah Boston have continued to find footing in their two-player game, the budding cornerstone of Indiana’s success.
Her kick-ahead and outlet passing in transition have hit a high level since game one and look to be one of the ultimate skills at her disposal in the future. She hits the seams with lightning quickness after corralling a loose ball, head constantly up and probing for an opportunity to push the defense. Per Synergy Sports, Clark leads the WNBA in assists per game in transition, dishing out 2.5 dimes per contest in fastbreak offense, leading the league in total fastbreak assists with 83.
With her aggression in early offense, she routinely creates easy offenses for the fever, which only becomes more consistent when she and her teammates have learned one another’s games.
<h3 style="text-align: center">Chelsea Gray: Unpluckable</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-188899" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EiECG.png" alt="Chelsea Gray" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EiECG.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EiECG-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EiECG-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Chelsea Gray is a magician with the ball in her hands, one of the premier playmakers and craftiest ball handlers in the sport. The Las Vegas Aces immediately felt Gray’s presence upon her return from injury as she masterfully blended patience, tempo, and the flair that sets her apart.
Gray sees the game in a light that few ever have or will, capable of reading the floor and playing in multiple planes of motion akin to a 4th dimension.
She dazzles with her control of the ball, capable of getting to any spot on the court she wishes at any given time. She manipulates defenses and individual defenders with her eyes and ball fakes at a supreme degree, shifting open cutting lanes and shots with the potential of what she could do before she even does it.
How she moves her teammates and conducts the offense into a harmonic rhythm isn’t always easy to see at the moment. Still, after a lengthy look at what it looks like without her, there should be a further appreciation for the timing and brilliance that Gray adds to the Aces as a decision-maker.
<h3 style="text-align: center">Sabrina Ionescu: Triple Strike</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-188901" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisESI.png" alt="Sabrina Ionescu" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisESI.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisESI-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2024/07/EisESI-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
The New York Liberty currently maintain the top-ranked offense in the WNBA, averaging just shy of 110 points per 100 possessions (109.8). That would rank as the 3rd most efficient offense in league history, just behind the 2023 Las Vegas Aces (111.5 pp/100) and 2019 Washington Mystics (110.8 pp/100).
Sabrina Ionescu’s pick-and-roll game and growth as a ball handler has been a staple of the Liberty’s offensive attack, and her tandem with Jonquel Jones has been one of the most effective two-player games in the WNBA by the numbers. Ionescu has dished 68 assists to Jones, per PBP Stats, including 38 rim assists and 20 assisted three-pointers, the 2nd and 6th most assists in those categories.
Her growth in patience with the ball in her hands has opened up her ability to probe the lane, more comfortably dictate offensively in space, and get the most out of her court vision. Her timing on passes always stands out; she is adept with pocket passing, throwbacks to a popping screener, and an improvement in hitting overhead on blitzed ball screens.
Only one player in the WNBA runs more pick-and-rolls per game than Ionescu, 15.6 per game, according to Synergy Sports. She can routinely pick apart whatever is thrown at the Liberty defensively with her growth.
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WNBA reporter Mark Schindler writes columns on <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="http://wnba.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WNBA.com</a> throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/mg_schindler">@MG_Schindler</a>. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams
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