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The 2024 WNBA regular season has come to a close, but there's still plenty of action in the Playoffs. We've compiled everything you need to know about how to watch the WNBA Playoffs, including both cable and live streaming options.
The WNBA Playoffs consist of three rounds. The first, which features four match-ups across the top eight teams in the league, was the best of three games. The next two rounds are the best of five games. The Playoffs tipped off on September 22, and all but two teams have been eliminated ahead of the Finals, which start on October 10 and will run until October 20 at the very latest.
Round 1 was a sweep across the board, with all teams only playing two games. The Connecticut Sun eliminated the Indiana Fever, the New York Liberty beat out the Atlanta Dream, the Minnesota Lynx bounced the Phoenix Mercury, and the Las Vegas Aces eliminated the Seattle Storm. Round 2 saw the Aces, the two-time reigning champs, eliminated by the Liberty in four games. The Lynx and Sun stuck it out until the very end with Game 5, but Minnesota ultimately prevailed. Now, the Liberty and Lynx will face off in the finals, where the Liberty are looking for their first-ever title and the Lynx are vying for their fifth.
No matter which WNBA team you're rooting for, we'll make sure you're able to watch every round. Keep reading to learn when each game tips off and which networks Round 3 will air on.
How to watch the WNBA Playoffs in the US
The WNBA Playoffs will air across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. If you don't have cable, it might be time to try out a live TV package like Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, or Fubo TV. Both services are low-commitment, month-to-month cable alternatives that can help you live stream your favorite channels.
Sling is the cheapest option. Sling Orange carries ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3, among other channels, but you'll need to upgrade to Sling Orange + Blue for the opportunity to get ABC, which is available in select regions. Subscriptions range in price from $40 to $55/month, but you can get $25 off your first month right now.
For just the essentials without any extra fluff, Sling TV is the streaming service you're looking for. It's more customizable than other plans, with three options you can choose from, so you pay for only what you need. New members get their first month for half-off.
DirecTV Stream and Fubo carry broad ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 coverage. The services are a bit more expensive than their Sling counterpart, but they both offer over double the number of live channels, making them cord-cutting alternatives for those looking for a streaming replacement close to cable. Fubo starts at $80/month and has a one-week free trial, whereas DirecTV Stream starts at $87/month and has a five-day free trial. New Fubo subscribers can also get $20 off their first month right now.
Previously known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream offers streaming access to a large selection of live channels, including most key networks typically found in traditional cable packages.
Fubo is the streaming service for sports fans. Its huge library of channels includes regional and international sports leagues, setting it apart from the competition. You can also tack on additional programming to your plan, but it'll cost you extra.
How to watch the WNBA Playoffs from anywhere
Just because you're traveling away from home doesn't mean that you need to miss out on any of the games. A VPN (virtual private network) can help you keep up with your subscriptions from anywhere by allowing you to change your device's virtual location so that your usual apps and websites can function like they would back home. Plus, it's a strong way to give your cybsecurity a boost.
If you don't already have a VPN, our no. 1 pick is ExpressVPN. It's easy to use and has a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. You can check out our ExpressVPN review for additional details, and see below to learn how to use it.
With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that makes it exceptional. Better yet, you can save up to 49% and get an extra three months for free today.
How to watch the WNBA Playoffs with a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN if you don't already have one.
- Install it on the device you're planning to watch on.
- Turn it on and set it to a US location.
- Sign up for one of the above streaming services with a US form of payment.
- Navigate to the correct channel and enjoy the competition.
WNBA Finals schedule
Round 3 games between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx tip-off on October 10. The first round will go to at least September 25, with September 26 and 27 blocked off for potential third games should any of the teams need them.
| Game | Date | Time | Network |
| Game 1 | Thursday, October 10 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Game 2 | Sunday, October 13 | 3 p.m. ET | ABC |
| Game 3 | Wednesday, October 16 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Game 4 (*if necessary) | Friday, October 18 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Game 5 (*if necessary) | Sunday, October 20 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN |
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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