Timer for the game Most high school games have four 8-minute quarters, but NCAA, WNBA, and FIBA games have four 10-minute quarters. The NCAA modified the regulations to 10 minute quarters from 20 minute halves in 2015-2016. Before that season, all women's college basketball games had been played with 20-minute halves. In addition to the timer in the middle of the court signaling when time is out, there is a whistle used by referees to signal end of quarter. The first half ends when either team reaches 25 points, or if one team leads by at least five points after six minutes have elapsed. If the teams are tied after six minutes, then the second half will begin. If the game goes into overtime, there would be no third period; the game would be considered over when it reaches 100 yards on the shot clock. There are two seasons in the WNBA: the "regular season" and the "playoffs". The regular season lasts from May until early September. In most cases, this is split into 2 parts: a "training camp" followed by a 30-game regular season schedule. The top 4 teams qualify for the playoffs, which are a best-of-three series between the top 4 teams.