As the 2025 WNBA regular season concludes, the stage is set for an electrifying postseason. With a newly expanded WNBA Finals and a fresh slate of matchups, this year’s playoffs promise to be one for the history books.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the 2025 WNBA Playoffs.
Table of Contents
2025 WNBA Playoffs: The Teams and Matchups
The top eight teams from the regular season have clinched their spots, with a mix of established powerhouses and surprising newcomers. The seeding is as follows:
- Minnesota Lynx (34-10) vs. Golden State Valkyries (23-21)
- Las Vegas Aces (30-14) vs. Seattle Storm (23-21)
- Atlanta Dream (30-14) vs. Indiana Fever (24-20)
- Phoenix Mercury (27-17) vs. New York Liberty (27-17)
The Minnesota Lynx secured the top seed and home-court advantage throughout the postseason, capping off a dominant regular season. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries made history by becoming the first expansion team to make the playoffs in their inaugural season.
The Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream finished with identical records, with the Aces claiming the second seed due to a head-to-head tiebreaker. The New York Liberty, the defending champions, are the No. 5 seed, setting up a tantalizing first-round matchup against the Phoenix Mercury.
2025 WNBA Playoffs Schedule
The 2025 WNBA playoffs start on Sunday, Sept. 14. The Finals start on Oct. 3 and run through Oct. 17, if a Game Seven is necessary.
First Round Schedule
Sunday, Sept. 14
Lynx vs. Valkyries Game 1 — 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Fever vs. Dream Game 1 — 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Liberty vs. Mercury Game 1 — 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Storm vs. Aces Game 1 — 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Dream vs. Fever Game 2 — 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Aces vs. Storm Game 2 — 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Mercury vs. Liberty Game 2 — 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Valkyries vs. Lynx Game 2 — 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Thursday, Sept. 18
*Fever vs. Dream Game 3 — 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
*Storm vs. Aces Game 3 — 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Friday, Sept. 19
*Lynx vs. Valkyries Game 3 — 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
*Mercury vs. Liberty Game 3 — 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
BIG 2025 WNBA Playoffs First Round Preview
WNBA Playoffs 2025 Format
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are set to be a thrilling and longer affair than in previous years, with the WNBA Finals expanding to a best-of-seven format for the first time in league history.
First Round (Best-of-3):
- Sunday, September 14 – Game 1: All four series kick off with a quadruple-header.
- Tuesday, September 16 & Wednesday, September 17 – Game 2: The action continues.
- Thursday, September 18 & Friday, September 19 – Game 3 (if necessary): Series will be decided if not already.
Semifinals (Best-of-5):
- Starting Sunday, September 21 – The winners of the first round will battle it out in a best-of-five series.
WNBA Finals (Best-of-7):
- Starting Friday, October 3 – The two remaining teams will compete for the championship in a historic seven-game series.
Platforms to Watch the 2025 WNBA Playoffs
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are broadcast across a variety of networks, making it easier than ever to tune in. The primary broadcast partners are the ESPN family of networks, which include:
- ABC
- ESPN
- ESPN2
In addition to these, other platforms may carry games or offer streaming options. Check your local listings and streaming services for the most up-to-date information.
How to Watch the 2025 WNBA Playoffs Online Without Cable
Cutting the cord doesn’t mean you have to miss a single moment of the postseason action. Here are some of the best ways to watch the 2025 WNBA Playoffs online without a traditional cable subscription:
- Live TV Streaming Services: Services like Fubo, YouTube TV, and Sling TV offer bundles that include ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. These services often come with free trials, allowing you to sample the service and watch a few games at no cost.
- ESPN Unlimited: ESPN has a standalone direct-to-consumer service that houses all of its affiliated channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+. This is a great option for dedicated sports fans who want a one-stop shop for a wide range of sports content beyond the WNBA.
- WNBA League Pass: The official streaming service of the WNBA, League Pass provides live and on-demand access to games. However, be aware of local and national blackouts. Games that are televised nationally on ABC, ESPN, or ESPN2 will not be available live on League Pass in the United States, but will be accessible on-demand after the game has concluded.
- Digital Antenna: For games broadcast on ABC, a simple digital antenna can be your best friend. It allows you to watch local channels over the air for free, with a one-time purchase of the antenna.
Conclusion
With a mix of veteran-led teams, rising stars, and a brand-new expansion squad in the mix, the 2025 WNBA Playoffs are poised to deliver unforgettable moments and high-stakes drama on the road to a historic best-of-seven Finals. Don’t miss out on the action!
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