When does WNBA season start 2025? The league officially tips off on Friday, May 16, 2025, launching its 29th season with an expanded format, new media partnerships, and the highly anticipated debut of the Golden State Valkyries. Fans across the country have been counting down to this date as teams prepare for another summer of elite women’s basketball.
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Preseason Timeline
Teams entered training camp in late April, with rosters gradually trimmed down as the preseason unfolded. Preseason games ran from May 2 to May 12, giving coaches the final look at rotations before final cuts on May 15.
This short but intense build-up is standard for the league, with new draft picks, free agents, and international players all fighting to secure roster spots.
Opening Night Games – May 16, 2025
The opening night features a packed slate of matchups, showcasing both seasoned contenders and the brand-new franchise in California:
- Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics – A duel of Eastern Conference rivals.
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings – Featuring two teams with recent playoff experience.
- Los Angeles Sparks vs. Golden State Valkyries – A historic moment as the Valkyries take the court for their inaugural WNBA game.
National broadcasts and streaming platforms will cover all three games, with Golden State’s debut drawing significant spotlight.
Season Structure & Key Dates
The 2025 WNBA regular season will feature:
- 44 regular-season games per team.
- A schedule running from May 16 through September 11, 2025.
- Commissioner’s Cup games from June 1 through June 17.
- The Commissioner’s Cup Championship on July 1.
- The WNBA All-Star Game on July 19, closing out All-Star weekend.
The addition of the Valkyries makes this the first season with 13 active franchises. Scheduling adjustments ensure balance despite the odd number of teams.
Format Changes for 2025
Two significant updates define this year:
- Expansion to Golden State Valkyries – The league welcomed its first new franchise in years, playing home games at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
- Finals Expansion – The WNBA Finals shift from a best-of-five to a best-of-seven series, mirroring the NBA and giving fans more high-stakes basketball.
These changes reflect the league’s growth, both in competitive structure and commercial reach.
End of Season & Playoffs
- The regular season ends on September 11, 2025.
- Playoffs begin on September 14, with the top eight teams (regardless of conference) advancing.
- First-round series remain best-of-three, followed by semifinals and Finals with extended formats.
This structure rewards consistency throughout the season while ensuring postseason intensity.
Teams to Watch in 2025
- Las Vegas Aces: Back-to-back champions in recent years, still stacked with All-Stars.
- New York Liberty: Featuring MVP-level talent and seeking redemption after tough playoff exits.
- Golden State Valkyries: The expansion team generating buzz, from their branding to their roster of rookies and veterans.
- Chicago Sky: Rebuilding but competitive, aiming to surprise in a crowded field.
Why This Season’s Start Matters
The start of the 2025 season signals more than just basketball:
- Fan Growth: With record-breaking attendance and viewership in recent seasons, expectations are higher than ever.
- Global Reach: More international players are on rosters this year, continuing the WNBA’s international rise.
- Investment & Media: Every preseason and regular-season game is now available through TV or streaming, a first for the league.
For longtime fans and new supporters alike, May 16 marks the beginning of what could be the most competitive WNBA season yet.
Full Season at a Glance
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Training camps open | Late April 2025 |
| Preseason games | May 2 – May 12 |
| Rosters finalized | May 15 |
| Regular season starts | May 16 |
| Commissioner’s Cup | June 1 – June 17 |
| Cup Championship | July 1 |
| All-Star Game | July 19 |
| Regular season ends | September 11 |
| Playoffs begin | September 14 |
| WNBA Finals (best-of-7) | October |
Final Thoughts
The answer to when does WNBA season start 2025 is clear: Friday, May 16, 2025. But the real story lies in what follows — the debut of a new franchise, changes to the Finals format, and the continuation of a league that has been building momentum year after year.
This season promises record attendance, more media coverage, and unforgettable moments on the court. As the countdown to tip-off ends, fans now turn their eyes to the players ready to deliver another summer of basketball excellence.
Which team are you most excited to see this season? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as the WNBA enters a new era.