WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Announces Big Changes

The WNBA is continuing to grow and revolutionize as a league.

With the arrival of Indiana Fever superstar and reigning Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, the WNBA is being transformed. The 12-team league -- which was introduced in 1996 -- is reaching all-time high broadcast and attendance numbers.

The league is also adding the Golden State Valkyries, bringing the league total to 13 franchises.

There are plenty of other stars contributing to the league's success, too, with the arrival of another rookie Angel Reese, a Chicago Sky forward.

The WNBA has a glaring opportunity with a wave of new talent. They can capitalize on the newfound interest and enhance their product for viewers, giving those craving to watch duels between Clark and Reese more of an opportunity to do so.

So far, the league has accommodated the new fanbase. When Clark is playing, games are moved to bigger arenas to get a bigger crowd at the games.

The interest in the overall league is growing, too. The coverage of the sport is enhanced. Publications are investing in WNBA coverage, spotlighting the league's stars.

On Thursday, ahead of the WNBA Finals tipping off between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty, commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced some big changes to the league.

Starting in 2025, the WNBA Finals will be a seven-game series, expanding from the current five games. The first round will also move to a 1-1-1 format, with the higher seed hosting Game 1 and Game 3.

On top of the playoff changes, the regular season will add four more games, with each team now playing 44 regular season games. More games and an improved product will allow the league to continue to grow while giving teams more money to work with and pay talents.

Again, these changes are necessary. With the league onboarding new teams,