Coaches propose changes to WNBA playoffs format for higher seeds
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 8:50 AM
Last updated Sep 26, 2026

Coaches Stephanie White of the Indiana Fever and Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces have expressed discontent with the current 1-1-1 format for the first round of the WNBA playoffs. They argue the setup offers no real advantage to higher-seeded teams and propose alternatives. White advocates for a longer playoff series, suggesting a three-round best-of-seven format, while Hammon has indicated interest in a best-of-five or a 2-1 series layout. As the Fever prepare for their opening round matchup against the Aces, the discussion on playoff structure continues.
- •Stephanie White prefers a longer playoff series format.
- •Becky Hammon criticizes the 1-1-1 format's fairness.
- •The Fever will face the Aces in Game 1 on Sunday.
- •Coaches suggest options for a more equitable first round.
- •Discussion on format changes may impact future WNBA seasons.
- 8:50 AMYahoo Sports — Coaches suggest tweaks to WNBA Playoffs format: 'No advantage' for higher seeds in first round
"Fever coach Stephanie White and Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon will again gameplan against one another. They are united on the schedule format though.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WNBA•Sep 26, 2026, 9:05 AMWNBA expert thinks Aces ‘aren’t really equipped’ to take advantage of Fever’s biggest weaknesses
WNBA•Sep 26, 2026, 8:43 AMWNBA games today: Schedule, times, how to watch for Sept. 24
WNBA•Sep 26, 2026, 8:31 AMLos Angeles Sparks fire head coach Lynne Roberts after two seasons
WNBA•Sep 26, 2026, 8:30 AM‘A little rocky’ – Sophie Cunningham opens up on Fever’s mixed form after FIBA World Cup
WNBA•Sep 26, 2026, 8:18 AMWhy Caitlin Clark would ‘respect’ Cheryl Reeve more than Stephanie White despite altercation
WNBA•Sep 26, 2026, 8:00 AMWNBA news: Lynx-Liberty, Aces-Fever headline first-round playoff matchups
