The WNBA is certainly getting the most coverage it has since the league first started in 1997, and that’s because of an amazing rookie class. The most notable is Caitlin Clark, and unfortunately, her team, the Indiana Fever, was just eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
In the first round, teams play a best-of-three series, with the first two games played at the higher-seeded team’s stadium. If the series reaches a third game, it will be played at the lower-seeded team’s home stadium.
Clark’s Fever was eliminated in two games against the Connecticut Sun, and as the lower seed, Indiana didn’t even get to participate in a home playoff game.
Because of that, many people have started to speak out about how the WNBA desperately needs to change the format of its playoffs.
“Some thoughts: – First have playoff basketball reward skill & adjustments not increased hostility & physicality before worrying about format. – Expand league make playoffs is harder to get to then talk home games. – Just have 2 game playoff series (one at each) and go aggregate,” said one comment.
“WNBA playoff format is super trash though!! Like how do teams not get to host at least 1 home game in the 1st round,” said another.
“Change the first round playoff format. If you’re going to have the best of 3, make it 1-1-1 so each team can have a home game,” added a third.
Caitlin Clark Won Rookie Of The Year
There was much discussion about whether Clark would still take home ROY even after other rookies competed with her historic season.
However, it was recently announced that she was unanimously given the award after leading all rookies in points, assists, steals, and player efficiency ratings.