The WNBA Playoffs 2025 schedule tips off on Sunday, September 14, featuring new postseason formats and exciting first-round matchups. Eight teams secured their spots after the conclusion of the regular season on September 11, setting the stage for one of the most competitive brackets in league history.
Table of Contents
Teams and Seeding
The top eight teams qualified based on overall record. Here’s the final seeding:
- Minnesota Lynx (34-10)
- Las Vegas Aces (30-14)
- Atlanta Dream (30-14)
- Phoenix Mercury (27-17)
- New York Liberty (27-17)
- Indiana Fever (24-20)
- Seattle Storm (23-21)
- Golden State Valkyries (23-21)
The Valkyries, an expansion team in their debut season, made history by qualifying for the playoffs in their first year.
Format Changes in 2025
This year brings significant updates to the playoff structure:
- First Round: Best-of-three, 1-1-1 format. Higher seed hosts Games 1 and 3.
- Semifinals: Best-of-five series, with Games 1, 2, and 5 on the higher seed’s home court.
- Finals: Expanded to a best-of-seven for the first time in league history, using the 2-2-1-1-1 format.
These changes give higher-seeded teams greater home-court advantage and ensure more decisive showdowns.
First Round Schedule
All first-round Game 1 matchups are set for Sunday, September 14.
| Series | Seeds | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 (if needed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries | 1 vs 8 | Sept 14, 1:00 PM ET | Sept 17, 9:30 PM ET | Sept 19, 7:30 PM ET |
| Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm | 2 vs 7 | Sept 14, 10:00 PM ET | Sept 16, 9:30 PM ET | Sept 18, 7:30 PM ET |
| Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever | 3 vs 6 | Sept 14, 3:00 PM ET | Sept 16, 7:30 PM ET | Sept 18, TBD |
| Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty | 4 vs 5 | Sept 14, 5:00 PM ET | Sept 17, 7:30 PM ET | Sept 19, 9:30 PM ET |
Key Semifinal and Finals Dates
- Semifinals: Expected to begin September 21 and conclude by September 30.
- Finals: Begin in early October, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for October 17.
The extended Finals series is a historic moment, as the WNBA expands to mirror the best-of-seven style long used in the NBA.
Storylines to Watch
Minnesota Lynx’s dominance
The Lynx finished with the best record in the league and are clear title favorites. They swept the Valkyries in regular-season play and will look to continue their momentum.
Golden State Valkyries’ debut
As the first expansion team to make the playoffs in its inaugural season, the Valkyries have already written history. Their performance against Minnesota will be closely followed.
Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty rivalry
The 4-5 series promises fireworks. The Liberty, last year’s champions, face a tough Mercury squad that edged them in head-to-head play during the regular season.
Rising star power in Indiana
The Fever overcame midseason struggles to secure the sixth seed, led by young stars who are quickly becoming household names. Their matchup with the Dream could go the distance.
Where to Watch
- Games will air on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC in the U.S.
- International fans can follow the action on WNBA League Pass.
- Start times range from early afternoon to late evening depending on the matchup, making it easy for fans across different time zones to tune in.
Quick Timeline
- Regular season ended: September 11, 2025
- Playoffs begin: September 14, 2025
- Semifinals: September 21-30, 2025
- Finals: Early October, concluding by October 17, 2025
Why This Playoff Run Matters
The WNBA Playoffs 2025 schedule isn’t just about the games. It represents the continued growth of the league, the arrival of a new expansion team in Golden State, and the elevation of the Finals to a seven-game series. Fans can expect packed arenas, tight series, and storylines that will define this season for years to come.
The stage is set, the brackets are locked, and history is waiting to be made. Which team do you see lifting the WNBA championship trophy in October? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.