The offseason is a time for growth, and despite a record-breaking year in popularity, the WNBA has several areas for improvement.

The league is enjoying unprecedented viewership and media coverage, thanks in part to Caitlin Clark and a rookie class that exceeded expectations in 2024. With new talent and future expansion on the horizon ‒ including the Golden State Valkyries in 2025, followed by teams in Toronto and Portland in 2026 ‒ the WNBA’s recognition is set to keep rising.

Here are some ideas for how commissioner Cathy Engelbert and her team can enhance the league:

1. Revise the playoff structure

Engelbert has taken a positive step by announcing two significant changes before the Finals got underway. The first change is expanding the Finals to a seven-game series starting next year, aligning with the standard playoff format seen in most other leagues that have a championship series.

The second update introduces a home-away-home format for the first round of playoffs, allowing lower-seeded teams to host a playoff game. This adjustment is critical for growth as it provides both teams with the financial advantages of hosting and gives their fans the chance to experience the playoffs live.

That said, we still see areas for improvement!

The first round should transition to a best-of-five series. While the move to a best-of-three format makes it more equitable now that the first two games alternate home courts, a best-of-five setup would still better ensure that the best teams progress, plus who wouldn’t appreciate more basketball action?

Furthermore, let’s avoid scheduling playoff games, especially the Finals, during NFL games. It’s true that the WNBA’s summer schedule is tricky, particularly with the Olympic breaks and World Cup interruptions, but holding games on Sunday afternoons when the NFL is in full swing can be counterproductive.

Yes, the WNBA has proven it can compete, but think of how much stronger it could be without the distraction of NFL games. Ideally, the games should start at 7 p.m. ET, to coincide with the conclusion of CBS and Fox’s coverage and before Sunday Night Football kicks off.

Alternatively, if the Monday night football matchup is lackluster, why not schedule playoff games for Monday night? Fans would have absolutely loved having an option apart from the Titans-Dolphins encounter a few weeks back.

2. Increase team rosters

With 12 teams each having 12 roster spots, the WNBA is often regarded as the hardest league to break into. For over a decade, there have only been 144 total spots available, with many teams opting for only 11 players due to salary cap constraints. This number will grow with expansion, but maintaining only 12 spots per team can leave franchises in a tough position if injuries hit (as seen with the Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury).

A straightforward solution would be to allow two to three developmental players per team. This would offer younger, less experienced players an opportunity to prove themselves in the league, and in cases of significant injuries, teams wouldn’t be forced to hastily recruit someone unfamiliar with their system.

While financial constraints might pose challenges, there’s a feasible approach. Consider the successful partnership between Home Depot and U.S. Olympians, which provided athletes with full-time salaries and benefits for part-time work. The WNBA could forge similar collaborations with local businesses in its markets, such as those sponsoring jersey patches, to create flexible job opportunities that accommodate practices and games. This would not only enhance community ties but might also encourage players to stay in their host cities during the offseason instead of going abroad.

3. Embrace global growth

The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity in the U.S., reflected in rising ratings, attendance figures, and ongoing expansion. It’s time to extend that enthusiasm globally by attracting more international players to the league and holding games overseas.

The current prioritization rule, which compels players to choose between lucrative international contracts and participating in the WNBA, needs comprehensive review and modification. This change would allow the world’s top talents to play in the WNBA consistently, leading to increased international viewership. It’s a significant loss that players like Emma Meesseman weren’t in the league this past season, and this is an easily correctable issue. (Additionally, the WNBA League Pass is accessible to international fans.)

Moreover, the league should consider hosting preseason matches overseas. The NBA already engages in this practice, as do major college teams like Notre Dame and South Carolina, who began their season in Paris last year. Why shouldn’t international fans have the chance to see stars such as A’ja, Stewie, Sab, and Caitlin up close?

In her pre-Finals press conference, Engelbert hinted at potential games in Asia, Africa, and South America. She also mentioned Mexico City has shown interest in hosting a game.

4. Adam Silver should be more present in the WNBA

The NBA runs the WNBA and often claims to be partners. If this is true, then NBA commissioner Adam Silver should make more appearances. He should be a frequent face at New York Liberty games since Barclays Center is just a subway ride from his office, and he should accompany Engelbert more often.

People are starting to recognize that women’s sports, which feature some of the finest athletes globally, is also a lucrative industry. Silver needs to grasp this better and advocate for the WNBA as he does for the NBA. It’s essential that every WNBA player feels they can approach Silver to speak with him, which can only happen if he is more present.

5. Every team deserves a practice facility. Immediately.

A little public accountability can spark progress.

This season, every WNBA team should have access to a dedicated practice facility. It is quite embarrassing that the Connecticut Sun had to share their practice space with a community event just 24 hours before their first-round playoff against Indiana. Engelbert, Silver, and the league must pressure team owners to modernize and offer their players a top-tier practice facility where they can train and rehabilitate year-round.

Any city looking to host a new franchise must not only show commitment but also present a plan—complete with design details—for a practice facility. Existing teams without one, like Los Angeles (an original WNBA team), need public pressure to address this issue.

The era of owners skimping and running their franchises on a budget is over. If teams are unwilling to invest in their players, those players might look for opportunities elsewhere, as seen with the Chicago Sky.

6. Get serious about wanting expansion

It’s time to publicly call out cities that haven’t taken steps to support a WNBA or NWSL franchise. Investing in women’s sports is fashionable, and more cities, as well as professional sports teams, should want to get involved. There’s still one expansion city yet to be announced. Why not encourage potential cities to demonstrate how and why they deserve a team?

7. Lengthen the preseason

The WNBA’s summer schedule presents challenges. However, the league must strive to extend the preseason to four complete weeks. Players and coaches have a strong desire for this, and rookies significantly benefit from it. More practice time for players to bond is essential amid the current setup of only two or three preseason games. There’s a straightforward solution for this.

8. Move the WNBA draft to an earlier date

Currently, the draft occurs a week after the Final Four. Why not align these major events? The women’s basketball community is gathered together, with top prospects likely in attendance to receive awards and in a festive mood. It may present logistical challenges, but this approach could lead to more preseason practice, which would benefit everyone.

Bonus suggestion: For the love of humanity, let’s have some good mascots

Ellie the Elephant is great, but she needs some companions. Chicago finally stepped up by phasing out “Sky Guy” and introducing “Skye the Lioness” this season. However, all WNBA fans deserve better.

Let Ellie lead some offseason training camps or initiatives. It’s certain they’d be a hit.