Watch WNBA Finals
- 2009
The WNBA Finals is an annual championship series that determines the champion of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The league was founded in 1996, and the first WNBA Finals took place in 1997. Since then, the Finals have become one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events on the women's basketball calendar.
The WNBA is comprised of 12 teams that are split into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. The playoffs consist of four rounds of best-of-five series, with the top eight teams advancing to the postseason. The two conference champions then face off in the best-of-five WNBA Finals to determine the league champion.
The WNBA Finals typically take place in the fall, with Game 1 typically played in mid-September. The series is broadcast on various networks, including ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV, and can also be streamed online via the ESPN app and the WNBA League Pass.
Aside from being the ultimate test of skill and athleticism for the teams involved, the WNBA Finals are a showcase for some of the brightest and most talented players in women's basketball. The series routinely features All-Stars, Olympic gold medalists, and players who are considered among the best in the world at their respective positions.
Fans of the WNBA flock to watch the Finals each year for a number of reasons. Perhaps foremost among them is the level of play on display. With so much on the line, the players raise their games to new heights, delivering some of the most thrilling and competitive basketball you'll see anywhere.
But beyond the action on the court, the WNBA Finals are also important because they represent a larger movement. Women's sports have traditionally been overlooked and underrepresented in the media, and the WNBA Finals are an opportunity to showcase women's basketball on a national stage.
The WNBA has also been at the forefront of social justice movements in recent years, with players using their platforms to call attention to issues such as police brutality, racial inequality, and LGBTQ rights. The league's stance on these issues has earned it a devoted following among fans who appreciate the players' activism and commitment to important causes.
Overall, the WNBA Finals are a celebration of women's basketball, a showcase of the sport's best players, and a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and effect positive change in the world. Whether you're a diehard WNBA fan or a casual observer, the Finals are not to be missed.