WNBA betting handle rises 10% amid tightening playoff race

WNBA wagering handle has increased approximately 10% year-over-year as the league approaches the start of the playoffs on September 27. According to traders from Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM, this growth is being driven by tightening playoff races and seeding pressure rather than off-court controversies.

Market movements have been notable for several teams. The Minnesota Lynx have seen significant championship odds shifts, moving from +400 to -105 due to the league's best record. Other shifts include the Las Vegas Aces moving from +300 to +400 and the Atlanta Dream moving from +1400 to +850.

In individual game betting, analysts are focusing on first basket scorers. For upcoming matchups, players such as Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty, and Shakira Austin of the Washington Mystics, are identified as key candidates for prop bets based on recent performance and season statistics.