2024 WNBA season
2024 WNBA season | |
---|---|
League | Women's National Basketball Association |
Sport | Basketball |
Duration | May 14 – September 19 |
Number of games | 40 per team |
Number of teams | 12 |
TV partner(s) | ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 Ion CBS/CBSSN Amazon Prime Video NBA TV |
Draft | |
Top draft pick | Caitlin Clark |
Picked by | Indiana Fever |
The2024 WNBA seasonis the 28th season of theWomen's National Basketball Association(WNBA), a professionalwomen's basketballleague based in the United States.
The regular season runs from May 14 to September 19 with each of the 12 teams playing 40 games—four games against five teams from the same conference and two teams from the other conference, and three games against the remaining four teams.[1]Five regular season games in early June were played against teams in the same conference to determine qualification for theWNBA Commissioner's Cup,an in-season tournament first played in 2021; the final will be hosted by the team with the betterwin–loss recordin qualifying games.[2]The 2024 season includes a month-long break for theSummer Olympic Gamesthat begins after the annualWNBA All-Star Gameon July 20 inPhoenix, Arizona.[3][4]
The eight teams with the best regular season records, regardless of conference, qualify for theWNBA Playoffsto determine the league's champion in the2024 WNBA Finals.Since 2022, the playoffs have used abest-of-threeseries in the first round, where teams areseededbased on regular season performance, and abest-of-fiveformat for the semifinals and WNBA Finals.[5]TheLas Vegas Acesare the defending champions, having won in the2023 WNBA Finalsto retain their title in back-to-back seasons.[6]
2024 WNBA draft
[edit]The2024 WNBA draftwas held on April 15, 2024. TheIndiana Feverwon the first pick in the weighted draft lottery, held between the four teams that did not qualify for the2023 WNBA Playoffs.It is the second consecutive year that Indiana has won the first pick in the draft.[7]The remaining lottery picks went to theLos Angeles Sparksin second,Phoenix Mercuryin third, andSeattle Stormin fourth; the remaining picks are based on the regular season record of teams who qualified for the playoffs, from worst to best.[8]
Lottery picks
[edit]Pick | Player | Nationality | Team | School / club team |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caitlin Clark | ![]() |
Indiana Fever | Iowa |
2 | Cameron Brink | ![]() |
Los Angeles Sparks | Stanford |
3 | Kamilla Cardoso | ![]() |
Chicago Sky(fromPhoenix) | South Carolina |
4 | Rickea Jackson | ![]() |
Los Angeles Sparks(fromSeattle) | Tennessee |
Transactions
[edit]Retirement
[edit]- On December 13, 2023,Tiffany Hayesannounced her retirement after eleven seasons in the WNBA. Hayes made theAll-Rookieteam in 2012, she was anAll-Starin 2017 and was selected to theAll-WNBA First Teamin 2018. She spent ten of her eleven seasons with theAtlanta Dream.[9]Hayes later signed with theLas Vegas Aceson May 31, 2024.[10]
- On January 17, 2024,Jasmine Thomasannounced her retirement after thirteen seasons in the WNBA. Thomas was anAll-Starin 2017 and made theAll-Defensive teamfive times, three on the first team and twice on the second team. Thomas spent time with theWashington Mystics,Atlanta Dream,Connecticut Sun,andLos Angeles Sparks.[11]
- On April 15, 2024,Tianna Hawkinsannounced her retirement. Her retirement ended a ten year career in which she spent time with theSeattle Storm,Atlanta Dream,andWashington Mystics.She was a part of the2019 Mystics teamthat won theWNBA title.[12]
- On April 23, 2024,Epiphanny Princeannounced her retirement viaInstagram.Prince played for four teams over fourteen years. She was anAll-Starin 2011 and 2013, and was namedAll-WNBA Second Teamin 2015. She won aWNBA titlewhile playing with theSeattle Storm.
- On April 28, 2024,Candace Parkerannounced her retirement. Parker's career spanned sixteen years and three teams. She spent thirteen of those years with theLos Angeles Sparks,who drafted herfirst overallin 2008. She was a two-timeMVP,seven-timeAll-Star,ten-timeAll-WNBA selection,andRookie of the Year.She was the WNBA'srebounding leaderthree times andassist leaderonce. She won threeWNBA Championships,one with each of the three teams she played with,Los Angeles,Chicago,andLas Vegas.[13]
Free agency
[edit]The free agency negotiation period began on January 21, 2023, and teams were able to officially sign players starting February 1.[14]
Coaching changes
[edit]Off-season | |||
---|---|---|---|
Team | 2023 season | 2024 season | Reference |
Chicago Sky | ![]() |
![]() |
[15][16] |
Phoenix Mercury | ![]() |
![]() |
[17] |
Regular season
[edit]All-Star Game
[edit]Standings
[edit]# | Team | W | L | PCT | GB | Conf. | Home | Road | Cup |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | New York Liberty | 21 | 4 | .840 | — | 15–2 | 12–1 | 9–3 | 5–0 |
2 | Connecticut Sun | 18 | 6 | .750 | 2.5 | 10–4 | 10–3 | 8–3 | 4–1 |
3 | Minnesota Lynx | 17 | 8 | .680 | 4 | 11–4 | 11–3 | 6–5 | 4–1 |
4 | Seattle Storm | 17 | 8 | .680 | 4 | 8–6 | 11–3 | 6–5 | 4–1 |
5 | Las Vegas Aces | 16 | 8 | .667 | 4.5 | 8–5 | 8–5 | 8–3 | 2–3 |
6 | Phoenix Mercury | 13 | 12 | .520 | 8 | 9–6 | 8–4 | 5–8 | 3–2 |
7 | Indiana Fever | 11 | 15 | .423 | 10.5 | 7–8 | 6–5 | 5–10 | 3–2 |
8 | Chicago Sky | 10 | 14 | .417 | 10.5 | 5–9 | 4–8 | 6–6 | 1–4 |
9 | Atlanta Dream | 7 | 17 | .292 | 13.5 | 3–10 | 3–8 | 4–9 | 1–4 |
10 | Los Angeles Sparks | 6 | 18 | .250 | 14.5 | 4–10 | 4–8 | 2–10 | 2–3 |
11 | Washington Mystics | 6 | 19 | .240 | 15 | 3–10 | 3–9 | 3–10 | 1–4 |
12 | Dallas Wings | 6 | 19 | .240 | 15 | 3–12 | 4–7 | 2–12 | 0–5 |
Notes
- (#)– League Standing
- x– Clinched playoff berth
- e– Eliminated from playoff contention
- Source:Overall standingsandCommissioner's Cup Standings
Schedule
[edit]Note: Games highlighted in██represent Commissioner's Cup games.
All timesEastern
Statistical leaders
[edit]The following shows the leaders in each statistical category during the 2024 regular season.[18][19][20]
Category | Player | Team | Statistic |
---|---|---|---|
Points per game | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | 27.2 ppg |
Rebounds per game | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | 12.0 rpg |
Assists per game | Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | 8.2 apg |
Steals per game | Arike Ogunbowale | Dallas Wings | 2.7 spg |
Blocks per game | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | 2.9 bpg |
Field goal percentage | Teaira McCowan | Dallas Wings | 56.5% |
Three point FG percentage | Odyssey Sims | Dallas Wings | 50.0% |
Free throw percentage | Dana Evans | Chicago Sky | 97.3% |
Points per game (team) | Las Vegas Aces | 88.7 ppg | |
Field goal percentage (team) | Las Vegas Aces | 45.4% |
Through games played July 17, 2024
Season award winners
[edit]Player of the Week Award
[edit]Date Awarded | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Reference | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | Team | Player | Team | ||
May 21 | Alyssa Thomas | Connecticut | Napheesa Collier | Minnesota | [21][22] |
May 28 | DeWanna Bonner | Kahleah Copper | Phoenix | [23][24] | |
June 4 | Sabrina Ionescu | New York | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas | [25][26] |
June 11 | Breanna Stewart | Dearica Hamby | Los Angeles | [27][28] | |
June 18 | Aliyah Boston | Indiana | Brittney Griner | Phoenix | [29][30] |
June 25 | Sabrina Ionescu(2) | New York | A'ja Wilson(2) | Las Vegas | [31][32] |
July 9 | Angel Reese | Chicago | A'ja Wilson(3) | [33] | |
July 18 | Sabrina Ionescu(3) | New York | A'ja Wilson(4) | [34] |
Player of the Month Award
[edit]Month | Eastern Conference | Western Conference | Reference | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Player | Team | Player | Team | ||
May | Alyssa Thomas | Connecticut | A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas | [35][36] |
June | Sabrina Ionescu | New York | A'ja Wilson(2) | [37] |
Rookie of the Month Award
[edit]Month | Player | Team | Reference |
---|---|---|---|
May | Caitlin Clark | Indiana | [38] |
June | Angel Reese | Chicago | [37] |
Coach of the Month Award
[edit]Month | Player | Team | Reference |
---|---|---|---|
May | Stephanie White | Connecticut | [35] |
June | Cheryl Reeve | Minnesota | [39] |
Postseason awards
[edit]Award | Winner | Position | Team | Votes/Statistic | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Most Valuable Player Award | |||||
Finals MVP Award | |||||
Rookie of the Year Award | |||||
Most Improved Player Award | |||||
Defensive Player of the Year Award | |||||
Sixth Player of the Year Award | |||||
Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award | |||||
Peak Performer: Points | |||||
Peak Performer: Rebounds | |||||
Peak Performer: Assists | |||||
Coach of the Year Award | |||||
Basketball Executive of the Year Award | |||||
Team | Members | ||||
All-WNBA First Team | |||||
All-WNBA Second Team | |||||
All-Defensive First Team | |||||
All-Defensive Second Team | |||||
All-Rookie Team |
Coaches
[edit]Eastern Conference
[edit]Team | Head coach | Previous job | Years with team | Record with team | Playoff Appearances | Finals Appearances | WNBA Championships |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Atlanta Dream | Tanisha Wright | Las Vegas Aces(assistant) | 2 | 33–34 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Chicago Sky | Teresa Weatherspoon | New Orleans Pelicans(assistant) | 0 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Connecticut Sun | Stephanie White | Vanderbilt | 1 | 27–13 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Indiana Fever | Christie Sides | Atlanta Dream(assistant) | 1 | 13–27 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
New York Liberty | Sandy Brondello | Phoenix Mercury | 2 | 48–28 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Washington Mystics | Eric Thibault | Washington Mystics(associate HC) | 1 | 19–21 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Western Conference
[edit]Team | Head coach | Previous job | Years with team | Record with team | Playoff Appearances | Finals Appearances | WNBA Championships |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dallas Wings | Latricia Trammell | Los Angeles Sparks(assistant) | 1 | 22–18 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Las Vegas Aces | Becky Hammon | San Antonio Spurs(assistant) | 2 | 60–16 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Los Angeles Sparks | Curt Miller | Connecticut Sun | 1 | 17–23 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Minnesota Lynx | Cheryl Reeve | Detroit Shock(assistant) | 14 | 300–170 | 12 | 6 | 4 |
Phoenix Mercury | Nate Tibbetts | Orlando Magic(assistant) | 0 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Seattle Storm | Noelle Quinn | Seattle Storm(associate head coach) | 3 | 49–53 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Notes:
- Year with team does not include 2024 season.
- Records are from time at current team and are through the end of the 2023 regular season.
- Playoff appearances are from time at current team only.
- WNBA Finals and Championships do not include time with other teams.
- Coaches shown are the coaches who began the 2024 season as head coach of each team.
Media Coverage
[edit]National
[edit]This the eighth year of a nine year deal withESPN,[40]the second year of a three-year deal withIon,[41]and the first year of a two-year deal withCBS SportsandAmazon.[42][43]Select games also air onNBA TVthrough the WNBA and NBA's shared ownership.
- ESPN will air 25 regular season games acrossABC,ESPNandESPN2.Additionally, ESPN will air the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge, ABC will air theWNBA All-Star Game,and ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will exclusively air theWNBA playoffsandWNBA Finals.[44]
- Ion Televisionwill air 47 regular season games, exclusively on Friday nights. Select games will be showcased nationally with others only shown to regional audiences. In 2024, Ion will air a weekly WNBA studio show for the first time.[45][46]
- NBA TVwill air 40 regular season games.[45]
- Amazon Prime Videowill stream 20 regular season games, 18 of which will air on Thursday nights. In addition, it will exclusively air the championship game of theWNBA Commissioner's Cup.[43][45]
- CBS Sports will air 20 regular season games, with 8 airing onCBSand 12 airing onCBS Sports Network.[47]
Local
[edit]- In February 2024, the Atlanta Dream announced a new agreement withGray Televisionto air games locally onWPCH-TVandPeachtree Sports Network.[48]
- In March 2024, the New York Liberty announced a new agreeement withFox Television Stationsto air games locally onWNYWandWWOR-TV.[49]
References
[edit]- ^Allen, Percy (December 18, 2023)."Here's a look at the Storm's 2024 schedule".The Seattle Times.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^Voepel, M.A.(December 18, 2023)."WNBA goes to more compact format for Commissioner's Cup".ESPN.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^Pickman, Ben; Merchant, Sabreena (December 18, 2023)."WNBA unveils 2024 schedule with 40 regular-season games, new Commissioner's Cup format".The Athletic.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^Feinberg, Doug (December 18, 2023)."WNBA to take its usual month-long break for the Olympics".Associated Press.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^Henderson, Cydney (September 12, 2023)."2023 WNBA playoffs: Finals schedule, scores, matchups and award winners".USA Today.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^Lev, Jacob (October 18, 2023)."Las Vegas Aces become WNBA's 1st repeat champions in 21 years".CNN.Archivedfrom the original on October 31, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^Voepel, M.A. (December 10, 2023)."Indiana Fever again land No. 1 overall pick in WNBA draft lottery".ESPN.Archivedfrom the original on December 17, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^"Indiana Fever Wins Top Pick In 2024 WNBA Draft Presented by State Farm"(Press release). Women's National Basketball Association. December 10, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on January 31, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.
- ^"Tiffany Hayes to retire from the WNBA after 11 seasons".usatoday.com.Associated Press.December 13, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on February 6, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 6,2024.
- ^"Aces Sign 11-Year WNBA Veteran Guard Tiffany Hayes".aces.wnba.com.WNBA.May 31, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on May 31, 2024.RetrievedMay 31,2024.
- ^"Veteran G Jasmine Thomas retires after 13-year WNBA career".espn.com.Fan Level Media. January 17, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 6,2024.
- ^Lee, Albert (April 15, 2024)."Tianna Hawkins retires from the WNBA".SB Nation.Archivedfrom the original on April 16, 2024.RetrievedApril 16,2024.
- ^Philippou, Alexa (April 28, 2024)."Candace Parker, two-time WNBA MVP, announces retirement".ESPN.Archivedfrom the original on April 28, 2024.RetrievedApril 28,2024.
- ^Maloney, Jack (February 5, 2024)."2024 WNBA free agency tracker: Storm sign Nneka Ogwumike to form new Big Three in Seattle".cbssports.com.CBS.Archivedfrom the original on February 6, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 6,2024.
- ^"Chicago Sky Announce Coaching Update".sky.wnba.com.Archivedfrom the original on 25 September 2023.Retrieved25 September2023.
- ^"Chicago Sky Hire Teresa Weatherspoon as Head Coach".sky.wnba.com.WNBA.Archivedfrom the original on 13 October 2023.Retrieved15 October2023.
- ^"PHOENIX MERCURY NAME NATE TIBBETTS HEAD COACH".mercury.wnba.com.October 18, 2023.Archivedfrom the original on January 30, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 1,2024.
- ^"Official Leaders".wnba.com.WNBA.Archivedfrom the original on June 24, 2024.RetrievedJuly 17,2024.
- ^"Team Stats".wnba.com.WNBA.Archivedfrom the original on February 6, 2024.RetrievedJuly 17,2024.
- ^"Statistical Minimums".wnba.com.WNBA.Archivedfrom the original on December 2, 2023.RetrievedJuly 17,2024.
- ^"Alyssa Thomas Named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week- 5/14-5/19".sun.wnba.com.WNBA.May 21, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on May 21, 2024.RetrievedMay 21,2024.
- ^"Lynx Forward Napheesa Collier Named Western Conference Player of the Week".lynx.wnba.com.WNBA.May 21, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on May 21, 2024.RetrievedMay 21,2024.
- ^"Sun star DeWanna Bonner wins WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week".nbcsportsboston.com.NBC Sports.May 28, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on May 28, 2024.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
- ^Scott, Dana (May 28, 2024)."Phoenix Mercury's Kahleah Copper named WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week".The Arizona Republic.Archivedfrom the original on May 29, 2024.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
- ^"Sabrina Ionescu Earns Eastern Conference Player of the Week Honor".liberty.wnba.com.WNBA.June 4, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on June 4, 2024.RetrievedJune 4,2024.
- ^"A'ja Wilson Named Western Conference Player Of The Week".aces.wnba.com.WNBA.June 4, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2024.RetrievedJune 4,2024.
- ^"Breanna Stewart named Eastern Conference Player of the Week".yesnetwork.com.YES Network.June 11, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on June 11, 2024.RetrievedJune 11,2024.
- ^@LASparksPR (June 11, 2024)."Dearica Hamby is the WNBA's Western Conference Player of the Week for June 3 through June 9, the league announced today. Hamby is the fourth player to win the award this season, joining Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper and A'ja Wilson"(Tweet).RetrievedJune 11,2024– viaTwitter.
- ^"Aliyah Boston Named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week".fever.wnba.com.WNBA.June 18, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2024.RetrievedJune 18,2024.
- ^LaCertosa, Justin (June 18, 2024)."Brittney Griner named WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week".burncitysports.com.Burn City Sports.Archivedfrom the original on June 18, 2024.RetrievedJune 18,2024.
- ^"Sabrina Ionescu Earns Eastern Conference Player of the Week for Second Time in 2024".liberty.wnba.com.WNBA.June 25, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on June 25, 2024.RetrievedJune 25,2024.
- ^"A'ja Wilson Named Western Conference Player Of The Week For 18th Time".aces.wnba.com.WNBA.June 25, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on June 25, 2024.RetrievedJune 25,2024.
- ^@WNBA (July 9, 2024)."🏀 Week 7 Players of the Week 🏀 Eastern Conference: @Reese10angel @chicagosky 16.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG and 1.2 APG Western Conference: @_ajawilson22 @lvaces 25.2 PPG, 9.2 RPG and 3.0 APG #WelcometotheW"(Tweet).RetrievedJuly 9,2024– viaTwitter.
- ^@WNBA (July 18, 2024)."🏀 Week 8 Players of the Week 🏀"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
- ^abGoss, Nick (June 3, 2024)."Sun star Alyssa Thomas, coach Stephanie White earn WNBA awards for May".sports.yahoo.com.NBC Sports Boston.Archivedfrom the original on June 3, 2024.RetrievedJune 3,2024.
- ^"A'ja Wilson Named KIA Western Conference Player of the Month For Record-Tying Ninth Time".aces.wnba.com.WNBA.June 3, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on June 3, 2024.RetrievedJune 3,2024.
- ^abSchutte, Dustin (July 2, 2024)."WNBA Announces Eastern, Western Conference Players of the Month for June".Sports Illustrated.Archivedfrom the original on July 2, 2024.RetrievedJuly 3,2024.
- ^Pickman, Ben (June 3, 2024)."Caitlin Clark wins WNBA Rookie of the Month for first 9 games with Fever".nytimes.com.The Athletic.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2024.RetrievedJune 3,2024.
- ^"Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve Named WNBA Coach of the Month".WNBA.July 2, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on July 2, 2024.RetrievedJuly 3,2024.
- ^Nagle, Dave (October 6, 2014)."ESPN & NBA Reach Nine-Year Agreement for Significantly Enhanced Multiplatform Rights".ESPN Press Room.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^Zucker, Joseph (April 20, 2023)."WNBA, ION TV Agree to Multiyear Broadcast Contract; Won't Run Past 2025 Season".Bleacher Report.Archivedfrom the original on May 26, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^Lucia, Joe (April 10, 2024)."CBS Sports announces new multi-year deal with WNBA".Awful Announcing.Archivedfrom the original on April 10, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^abSpangler, Todd (April 5, 2024)."Amazon Prime Video Extends WNBA Exclusive Streaming Pact for Two More Years".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on April 10, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^Rajan, Ronce (April 10, 2024)."WNBA and ESPN Announce Broadcast Schedule and Added Programming For 2024 Regular Season".ESPN Press Room.Archivedfrom the original on April 27, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^abc"WNBA Issues National Broadcast And Streaming Schedule For 2024 Regular Season".WNBA.com.April 10, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on April 10, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^Steinberg, Brian (April 8, 2024)."Scripps Bets on Women's Sports to Boost ION".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on July 6, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^Maloney, Jack (April 10, 2024)."2024 WNBA schedule: CBS to nationally broadcast 20 games, including three featuring Caitlin Clark and Fever".CBS Sports.Archivedfrom the original on April 11, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^"Atlanta Dream partners with Gray Television, will air games on Peachtree TV, Peachtree Sports Network".Peachtree TV.February 28, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on March 14, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
- ^"WNYW FOX5 New York Named Official TV Partner of the New York Liberty".New York Liberty.March 12, 2024.RetrievedApril 10,2024.