How to watch the WNBA Playoffs: Live stream Round 1

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The 2024 WNBA regular season has come to a close, but the Playoffs are just getting started. 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, is the best of three games. The next two rounds are the best of five games. The Playoffs tip off on September 22 for all four teams and will run until October 20 at the absolute latest, should the Finals go for all five games.

The Las Vegas Aces are attempting to "threepeat" their championship success from the past two years despite a less-than-stellar season that saw them fall to fourth in the league. They'll take on the Seattle Storm in the first round. This season's no. 1 team, the New York Liberty, also vies for victory after falling to the Aces in the Finals last year. They'll first play the Atlanta Dream, who narrowly clinched the last playoff spot in the regular season closer. The Indiana Fever make their first appearance in the Playoffs since 2016, squaring off with the Connecticut Sun. The first round will also see the Minnesota Lynx take on the Phoenix Mercury.

All eight teams played their first games this weekend. Connecticut beat Indiana 93-69, New York defeated Atlanta 83-69, Minnesota beat Phoenix 102-95, and Les Vegas defeated Seattle 78-67. Atlanta, New York, Seattle, and Las Vegas will play their second (and possibly final) games on Tuesday, and the rest of the teams will pick back up on Wednesday.

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 1 will air on.

• See also: How to buy Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun Playoffs tickets | How to watch NFL games | Where to watch Survivor

How to watch the WNBA Playoffs in the US

Round 1 of the WNBA Playoffs will air across ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. In the first round, the bulk of the games will air on ESPN proper, but one Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun game will be broadcast on ABC, and any potential third games will air on ESPN2. If you don't have cable, it might be time to try out a live TV package like Sling TV 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.

Fubo carries broad ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 coverage. The sports-focused live TV service is more expensive, at $80/month, but each subscription comes with over 180 channels. New customers can get a one-week free trial, followed by their first month at a reduced rate of $50.

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.

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 Playoffs Round 1 schedule

Round 1 games tip-off on September 22. 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.

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.