Are WNBA Finals best of 5 games or 7? What to know about format for Liberty vs. Lynx

Are the WNBA Finals best of 5?

Indeed, the WNBA Finals are best of five games — but that changes next year, when the Finals move to a best-of-seven series. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the change before Game 1 of these Finals, saying that it’s important for the WNBA to follow all the other major pro leagues that do best-of-seven series in their championships, too.

LIVE UPDATES: New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx score, highlights from Game 4 of WNBA Finals

Fans and players have been begging for best-of-seven for awhile, and Engelbert was clearly thrilled to announce the change. The format will follow the NBA, which is 2-2-1-1-1.

Another change to the playoffs next year: The first round, which is best-of-three, will move to a 1-1-1 format, which means the lower seeded team is guaranteed a home game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are WNBA Finals best of 5 games or 7? Know the Liberty vs. Lynx format