brooklyn — Cathy Engelbert addresses the media ahead of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals and discusses the league's future, from schedule changes to plans to combat the increase in online abuse players are facing. Revealed some important changes.
Here's what you need to know about the Secretary's detailed 30-minute press conference.
Schedule changes: 44 regular season games, 7 finals, 1st round series 1-1-1
Next season, WNBA We will be implementing some schedule changes that fans have long wanted implemented.
With the addition of a new team, the Golden State Valkyries, the number of regular season games will increase from 40 to 44. Considering that there will be no international basketball games next summer, the start and end dates of the league are expected to be similar to this year, although the league period has been extended. Engelbert said the situation could change in the future.
Additionally, home court advantage for the first round will change. The team with the better record hosts Game 1 at home, leaves for Game 2, and returns home for Game 3 if necessary. This year, the first two games were held by the higher seeds, meaning four playoff teams — the Indiana Fever, Atlanta Dream, Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury — had never played a postseason game.
Finally, Engelbert announced that the 2025 Finals will be expanded from a five-game series to a seven-game series, mirroring the NBA Finals and other professional sports leagues.
WNBA Draft: Lottery date set, Valkyries get 5th pick
Engelbert confirmed that the WNBA Draft Lottery will be held on November 17th and that the Golden State Valkyries will receive the No. 5 pick in every round of the draft. Engelbert said more information about the Valkyrie Front will be coming. The organization made the announcement early Thursday. Natalie Nakase as their first head coach.
More focus on combating hate speech and intimidation
Just a month ago, Engelbert was asked about the growing amount of hate that WNBA players are receiving online, and he missed an opportunity to condemn it. This time, she addressed the issue fully, unprompted, as part of her opening remarks.
“This growth has come with growing pains. The hate speech and threats directed at our players are troubling. Such conduct is not representative of the WNBA's character or its fan base. As a league, I We stand together to condemn racism and all forms of hatred. The WNBA is one of the most inclusive and diverse professional sports leagues in the world, and we will continue to uphold its values. I will do it.”
As part of her opening remarks, Cathy Engelbert spoke about the hate speech and threats faced by WNBA players this season.
“Such acts are not representative of the WNBA's character or fan base. As a league, we stand together in condemning racism and all forms of hatred.”
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— Noah Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) October 10, 2024
Engelbert also explained that the WNBA will work more proactively to mitigate this online criticism. She said the league also plans to meet with technology providers to develop mental health resources and consider other interventions.
“We are meeting with players' associations, players and teams and working together to scale up and strengthen our efforts, leveraging technology, prioritizing mental health, strengthening physical safety, increasing surveillance and working across multiple dimensions. “I'm going to approach it,” Engelbert said. “We know there is more work to do, and as a league we are committed to listening to our players and other stakeholders on this and other important issues.”
