WNBA Analysis and Explainers
The playoff format, the standings math and what decided the night — how the WNBA turns its regular season into a playoff bracket.
WNBA Scoring Reached a Record 87.1 Points a Game in 2026
WNBA teams averaged a record 87.1 points per game in 2026, up from 81.7 in 2025 and 65.7 in 2001. Points, threes, free throws and pace for every season.
Every WNBA MVP Since 1997, and How Often Their Team Won the Title
The WNBA MVP's team has won the title in 12 of 29 seasons since 1997. Every MVP with their team's record and playoff finish, repeat winners and MVPs by team.
How the WNBA Playoffs Work, and How Often the Higher Seed Wins
WNBA playoff format explained: 8 teams, 3 rounds, a best-of-seven Finals. Since 2016 the higher seed has won 52 of 70 matchups and No. 1 seeds 6 of 10 titles.
How Every WNBA Expansion Team Fared in Its First Season
Only 1 of 13 WNBA expansion teams since 1998 made the playoffs in year one; together they went 148-304. Every first season ranked, with Toronto and Portland.
Everything WNBA on Vertize Sports
The full WNBA regular season schedule, plus a simulator that takes the real standings and lets you play out the rest of the year game by game.