How to Watch the 2025 WNBA Playoffs – Full Schedule
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs start on September 14 with four exciting games throughout the day. This year marks a big moment in the league’s history because the finals will be a best-of-seven series for the first time ever.
That means more games and more chances for teams to show their skills. The playoffs include the top eight teams from the regular season, no matter which conference they are in. These teams earned their spots with strong records and great play.
Via Bleacher Report
Fans can look forward to intense matchups, star players shining, and maybe some surprises along the way. The playoffs will run for several weeks, ending possibly on October 17 if the finals go all seven games. This setup promises the most postseason games in the WNBA’s 29 years.
How the Playoff Format Works
The WNBA changed its playoff format in 2022 to make things fairer and more exciting. Before that, top teams got byes, and some rounds were just one game. Now, all eight teams play right from the start. The first round is best-of-three, so a team needs two wins to move on. Then come the semifinals, which are best-of-five, meaning three wins to advance.
Via WNBA
The finals are best-of-seven, so four wins crown the champion. This format gives underdogs a better shot and lets stars perform over more games. It also builds drama as the series can go back and forth. Teams are seeded by their overall records, with ties broken by head-to-head results.
Teams in the 2025 Playoffs
Eight teams made it to the playoffs this year based on their regular-season performance. The Minnesota Lynx lead with a 34-10 record, showing they were the best all-around. The Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream both finished 30-14, but the Aces got the higher seed due to winning all their games against the Dream.
Via abc7NY
Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty each ended 27-17, with Phoenix edging out for the fourth spot. Indiana Fever at 24-20, Seattle Storm at 23-21, and Golden State Valkyries, also 23-21 round out the group. The Storm got the tiebreaker over the Valkyries with a 3-1 season series win. These teams bring a mix of experience and new energy.
Minnesota Lynx Team Preview
The Minnesota Lynx are the top seed and favorites for good reason. They have the league’s best offense and defense, scoring about 86 points per game while holding opponents to low. Key players include Napheesa Collier, who averages 23 points and seven rebounds, making her a top MVP pick. She shoots super efficiently, too.
Via Athlon Sports
Courtney Williams adds playmaking with over six assists per game, and Kayla McBride is a sharpshooter from three-point range. Their depth helps them rotate players without dropping off. But they might struggle against taller teams in the paint. The Lynx lost in the finals last year, so they’re hungry for their fifth title, the first since 2017.
Las Vegas Aces Team Preview
The Las Vegas Aces turned their season around big time. After some early struggles, they won 16 straight games to end the year. A’ja Wilson leads with 23 points and 10 rebounds per game, likely earning her fourth MVP. Jackie Young contributes 16 points and five assists, while Chelsea Gray runs the point guard spot well.
Via The Next Hoops
They adjusted after losing a key player and focused on defense. Their strength is Wilson’s dominance inside and the team’s hot streak. But if the support around her cools off, they could have issues. The Aces won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, so they know how to win in the postseason. They’re aiming to get back to the finals.
Atlanta Dream Team Preview
The Atlanta Dream set a franchise record with 30 wins this season. Under new coach Karl Smesko, they improved their offense to 84 points per game and have the best defense in the league. Allisha Gray scores 18 points with strong defense, and Rhyne Howard adds 17 points and assists. Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner control the paint with rebounds and blocks.
Via High Post Hoops
They won 15 of their last 18 games, showing great form. Their asset is guard play and three-pointers, making nine per game. But against teams with strong posts, they might falter, especially since they lost all games to the Aces. The Dream has been to the finals three times but never won, so this could be their year.
Phoenix Mercury Team Preview
The Phoenix Mercury surprised many by grabbing the fourth seed. Alyssa Thomas is a star, averaging 15 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds, often getting triple-doubles. Kahleah Copper scores 15 points, and Satou Sabally adds 16 points and six rebounds. Their playmaking and versatility stand out.
Via The Next Hoops
They exceeded expectations despite challenges. But injuries have been an issue, and they need to stay healthy. The Mercury have a history of success, and with Thomas leading, they could upset higher seeds. Their defense is solid, but their offense might need more consistency. Fans should watch their key matchups in the paint.
New York Liberty Team Preview
The New York Liberty are the defending champions, but had an up-and-down season. They dealt with injuries but are now healthy. Key players include those who helped win last year, with strong depth. They have star power and experience in big games. Their strength is balanced scoring and defense.
Via Windsor
But frustration from the regular season might affect them if things go wrong early. They lost to the Lynx in overtime in last year’s finals Game 5, so revenge could motivate opponents. The Liberty aim to repeat as champs, a tough feat in the WNBA.
Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm Team Preview
The Indiana Fever made the playoffs at 24-20 despite a tough year with injuries. Kelsey Mitchell is a key scorer, and they used hardship signings to stay afloat. Their resilience is impressive, but they face a strong Dream Team.
Via TWSN Sports
The Fever’s asset is their fight, but a lack of depth might hurt. They need big performances from stars to advance. This is a building year for them, with potential for upsets. The Seattle Storm finished 23-21, clinching with a close win. They have inconsistencies, but talent like Brittney Sykes.
Their strength is defense, but their offense needs work. They beat the Valkyries 3-1 in the series, earning the higher seed. The Storm know playoffs from past success, but this year they’re underdogs against the hot Aces.
Via The IX Basketball
Golden State Valkyries Team Preview
The Golden State Valkyries are the league’s new expansion team and made the playoffs in their first year, a historic feat. At 23-21, they’re the eighth seed facing the top Lynx. They lack experience but have fresh energy. Key players include those building the team.
Their asset is a surprise factor, but a fatal flaw is inexperience against vets. This run is a great start for the franchise. Seeding came down to the last games. The Lynx locked the top spot early, Mercury fourth, Liberty fifth.
Via ClutchPoints
The Aces beat the Sparks to grab second over the Dream due to the tiebreaker. The Lynx avoided the Storm, who beat them twice, by winning their finale. The Fever got sixth, Storm seventh, Valkyries eighth. Ties were broken by head-to-head records, like Storm over Valkyries.
The Playoff Bracket Explained
First round: Lynx vs. Valkyries, Aces vs. Storm, Dream vs. Fever, Mercury vs. Liberty. Winners advance to semis: Lynx/Valkyries winner vs. Mercury/Liberty winner, Aces/Storm winner vs. Dream/Fever winner. Semis winners play in finals. This setup creates exciting paths, with possible rematches from the regular season.
Via NBC New York
Higher seeds get home court. In the first round, the top four host Game 1 and Game 3 if needed. Semis: Better seed hosts first two and Game 5 if necessary. Finals: Higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. This gives an advantage to strong regular-season teams, but road wins can swing series.
Complete Schedule for the Playoffs
First round starts September 14: Lynx vs. Valkyries at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN, Fever vs. Dream at 3 p.m. on ABC, Liberty vs. Mercury at 5 p.m. on ESPN, Storm vs. Aces at 10 p.m. on ESPN. Game 2s on September 16, 17. Game 3s if needed on 18, 19. Semis begin September 21 with games on ABC and ESPN, up to September 30.
Via ClutchPoints
Finals start October 3 on ESPN, with a possible Game 7 on October 17. All times ET, networks listed. Games air on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, and ESPNU. Fans can stream on the ESPN app or services like YouTube TV. Check local listings for times. This coverage makes it easy to follow from home.
Coaches’ Challenges During Playoffs
Challenges work like the regular season. Coaches can challenge calls twice per game by signaling after a timeout. If successful, they keep the timeout and get another challenge. If not, they lose the timeout and can’t challenge again.
Via Total Apex Sports
This adds strategy to close games. Overtime is five minutes, like regular games. Each team gets two timeouts, plus reset timeouts in the last two minutes for advancing the ball without a huddle. This keeps action fast and fair.
Discover the 2025 WNBA Playoffs Schedule and Format
With a new team in the playoffs and more games, 2025 stands out. Teams like Lynx and Aces are hot, while underdogs could surprise. Records broken, like Lynx’s wins, add hype. Fans get to see growth in women’s basketball. If Lynx and Aces advance, their finals would be epic, with Lynx winning recent meetings.
Via Yahoo Sports
Liberty seeking repeat, Dream chasing first title. Expansion Valkyries’ run inspires. Injuries and streaks will shape stories. Winning takes grit over weeks. Teams must adapt, stay healthy, and execute. The champion will earn it through a tough series. This format tests depth and heart.
