WNBA Playoffs 2025 Overview
The highly anticipated WNBA Playoffs for 2025 are set to commence on Sunday, September 14. Fans can look forward to an action-packed day featuring four consecutive matchups starting at 1 p.m. ET and culminating with a late game beginning at 10 p.m. ET. Unlike prior years when postseason rankings were based on conference standings, this year’s playoffs will once again follow an overall performance ranking, which identifies the top eight teams regardless of their conferences.
Format Changes
Significant format changes were introduced in 2022, which now see the playoffs devoid of byes and single-elimination games. This transformation allows for a three-round series structure, where teams compete in a series of games. The progression goes from the first round to the semifinals and culminates in the WNBA Finals, which uniquely for this season will consist of a best-of-seven series for the first time in league history.
Playoff Schedule
Playoff dates span from September 14 through October 17, providing ample opportunity for teams eager to claim the championship title. The playoffs will begin with the first round taking place from September 14 to September 19, offering up to three games per matchup if necessary. Semifinals are set to start on September 21, while the Finals are scheduled to kick off on October 3. Should any series extend to the maximum number of games, the final matches would conclude by October 17.
Participating Teams
The participating teams for the playoffs have been finalized, featuring top contenders such as the Minnesota Lynx (34-10), Las Vegas Aces (30-14), Atlanta Dream (30-14), and Phoenix Mercury (27-17). The seeding was confirmed on the last day of the regular season, leading to the Lynx earning the first seed, while the Aces secured the second position following a notable victory over the Sparks. The Dream found themselves repositioned to the third seed.
A key highlight is the matchup between the Lynx and Valkyries (8th seed), which shifts focus away from the Storm after a challenging regular season for them. The Fever and Dream will square off at the sixth seed while the Storm will contend against the Aces.
Home-Court Advantage
In terms of home-court advantage for the playoffs, it will favor the teams that performed best during the regular season. The first round will see the top four seeds benefit from home court, playing key games at their respective arenas. The same principle applies to the semifinals, where the better-ranked team will host the first two games, and if a Game 5 is required, it is played at the home venue of the higher seed.
First Round Matches
First Round Matches
- September 14
- Lynx vs. Valkyries at 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Fever vs. Dream at 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Liberty vs. Mercury at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Storm vs. Aces at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Continuing through the week, additional matches will be held as necessary before advancing to the semifinals, set to take place starting September 21. As for the exciting finals, they will commence on October 3, leading to a culmination of the season’s efforts for the championship title, with the first team to secure four wins becoming the WNBA Champions of 2025.
Game Management and Expectations
As the playoffs kick off, teams will also adhere to protocols for coaching challenges and overtime rules, similar to those used during the regular season, ensuring consistency in game management throughout the postseason. Overall, this year’s playoffs promise to deliver an unprecedented amount of thrilling competition, reflecting the league’s growth over nearly three decades.
Stay tuned as the action unfolds in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs!
