Guys, we’ve got some breaking news to cover. WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert just announced a major change: starting in 2025, the WNBA Finals format will shift to a best-of-seven series. We need to dive into this because Caitlyn Clark’s impact on the league is undeniable.
Clark just went number one to the Indiana Fever, and her influence on both college basketball and the WNBA is massive. After Caitlyn Clark announced her departure from college, it seemed like the league had no choice but to make some big changes. Let’s be real: no one is shocked. The “Clark effect” is more than just hype.
When Caitlyn and the Fever got knocked out of the playoffs, ratings didn’t just dip; they crashed hard. It was clear Engelbert had to make a move, and she did. Clark is the main reason so many people are tuning in to watch the WNBA. This change in the Finals format is a direct response to her incredible rookie season.
They’ve essentially rebuilt the format to keep fans engaged because, without Clark, the WNBA was at risk of fading into the background. So, what’s changing exactly? Starting in 2025, the WNBA Finals will shift to a best-of-seven format with a 2-2-1-1-1 structure. Engelbert saw that three games were just not enough in the Caitlyn Clark era. The world is watching her every move, and the league needs to stretch out the drama. Honestly, who can blame them? Clark turns every game into must-watch TV.
But that’s not all. The first round of playoffs, which is currently a best-of-three, will now follow a 1-1-1 format. The semi-finals, previously a best-of-five, will also be affected. This change is huge, not just for players but for the entire market. More games mean ticket sales, more viewers, and merchandise flying off the shelves.
These announcements came hot on the heels of Clark’s 2024 season, where she broke records left and right. Kathy Engelbert even pointed out that all the stats—viewership, attendance, merchandise sales—were through the roof. Clark isn’t just a star; she’s a phenomenon. The league had to evolve to keep up.
Engelbert didn’t stop at expanding the Finals either; she also announced that the regular season will grow to 44 games. Why? Because fans have made it clear they want more Caitlyn Clark. She’s made the WNBA a must-see event, and the league is responding to that demand by giving fans more chances to watch her.
The WNBA is clearly in a new era, and it’s all thanks to Clark. She didn’t just change the game; she redefined what the league could be. From packed arenas to skyrocketing TV ratings, this is just the beginning. If you thought the 2024 season was huge, just wait until 2025.
