How does WNBA home court advantage work in a best-of-3 series? Do Fever play at home?

The Indiana Fever are back in the playoffs for the first time since Tamika Catchings retired in 2016. They have their new superstar in Caitlin Clark, and the rookie is already one of the best players in the W. Even the legends are giving respect, and Clark is just getting started.

Indiana has already won 20 games with one left in the regular season. It is their first time winning 20 since 2015 when they lost to the Lynx in the WNBA Finals. Clark has Fever fans dreaming of another deep run, but it won’t be easy.

Indiana is locked into the sixth seed in the playoffs and will be on the road to begin the postseason. How does the WNBA playoff format work? Here is a look at all the specifics.

What is the WNBA Playoff format?

The eight-best regular season records qualify for the WNBA Playoffs. The matchups are the best record versus the eighth-best, four against five, three versus six, and two against seven in the opening round.

The first round is a best-of-3 series with things expanding to best-of-5 in subsequent rounds. The WNBA semifinals is the winner of the one versus eight series taking on the victor in the four against five and the winner of three versus six against the victor of the two versus seven series. The winners of those series face off in the WNBA Finals.

When do the WNBA playoffs begin?

The postseason begins on Sept. 22 with the schedule being announced when the seeding is finalized.

Which team gets home court in the WNBA Playoffs?

The higher seed gets home court advantage in a playoff series. If it is best-of-3, the franchise receives two home contests. They get three in a best-of-5 series.

How does home court advantage work in a best-of-3 series?

In a best-of-3 series, the higher seed plays games one and two at home. The series shifts to the lower seed for the decisive third and final game if the lower seed can win one of the first two.

How does home court advantage work in a best-of-5 series?

In the WNBA semifinals and finals, the series are best-of-5 with the higher seed getting games one, two, and five at home. Games three and four would be played at the lower seed.

Is Caitlin Clark guaranteed a home game in her first playoffs?

The Fever are the sixth seed in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs and must win one of their first two games on the road to get a home contest. It is no guarantee, which puts the pressure on Clark and Indiana in those opening two games.

The Indiana Fever will sell out every playoff game and watching Caitlin Clark in the postseason will be arguably the hottest ticket in sports. Fans won’t want to miss a second of the action, so be sure to tune in and enjoy the games.