A playoff format determines how teams compete to advance and ultimately win a championship. In a single-elimination playoff, each matchup is decided by one game with the loser being immediately eliminated. This is currently being used in leagues such as the NFL and CFL, where every playoff round is a single game. By contrast, a best-of series consists of multiple games between two teams, with the first team to win a majority (e.g., best-of-3, best-of-5, or best-of-7) advancing. Major leagues such as the NBA (best-of-7 in all rounds) and MLB (best-of-5 Division Series and best-of-7 Championship and World Series) use this structure. The WNBA also employs best-of series formats, transitioning to best-of-7 finals starting in 2025.