What You Can Expect After Reading:
Which teams are best positioned in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs to make a deep run? Which ones win the Finals? This assessment is based on current standings and form.
How has the playoff format changed in 2025, and what impact that has on strategy, home-court advantage, or upsets?
What key matchups or storylines should fans watch during the 2025 postseason—players, coaching, injuries, momentum?
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are about to start, and this year will be a crazy one. The playoffs is ready for big moments because of new formats, new players, and teams fighting for the top spot. You won’t want to miss this, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in.
Table of Contents
Introduction:
The WNBA is entering a new era. The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are here. This postseason is going to be one to remember. Imagine a high-speed race where every dribble, pass, and shoot will affect the path of history. This year’s playoffs are more exciting than ever because of new formats and tough competition. Let the fight start!
The 2025 Playoff Format: What’s Different?
Same Intensity, New Format
This year’s WNBA Playoffs include a new format that will have spectators on the edge of their seats:
- First Round: A best-of-three series with one game at home and two games away. The higher seed needs to protect their territory, but they don’t have much room for error.
- Semi-Finals: A best-of-five series with a 2-2-1 home-court advantage.
- Finals: The WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven series for the first time. The series will be played in the following order: 2-2-1-1-1.
Home-court is a big advantage because the higher seed receives Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. These adjustments make things even more dramatic, with every series turning into a high-stakes chess game. One error means the difference between moving ahead or going home.
A quick look at the standings: who’s in and who’s out
The Best Teams to Watch
Here are the final standings going into the playoffs:
| Seed | Team | Record (W‑L) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota Lynx | 34‑10 |
| 2 | Las Vegas Aces | 30‑14 |
| 3 | Atlanta Dream | 30‑14 |
| 4 | Phoenix Mercury | 27‑17 |
| 5 | New York Liberty | 27‑17 |
| 6 | Indiana Fever | 24‑20 |
| 7 | Seattle Storm | 23‑21 |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries | 23‑21 |
The Lynx are the favourites, although the Aces and Valkyries may also win. The postseason this year is wide open.
Important Dates for the Playoffs You Can’t Miss
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs start on September 14, 2025. Take note of these important dates:
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 9/14 | Minnesota Lynx (1) vs Golden State Valkyries (8) | 1:00 PM | ESPN |
| Sun 9/14 | Indiana Fever (6) vs Atlanta Dream (3) | 3:00 PM | ABC |
| Sun 9/14 | New York Liberty (5) vs Phoenix Mercury (4) | 5:00 PM | ESPN |
| Sun 9/14 | Seattle Storm (7) vs Las Vegas Aces (2) | 10:00 PM | ESPN |
Depending on how many games are needed, the Finals will commence on October 3 and end on October 17.
First-Round Matchups: Will There Be Upsets?
Close Games Coming
Up The first round is going to be exciting, and there will be some big surprises:
- (1) Lynx vs (8) Valkyries: The Lynx are heavy favourites over the Valkyries. However, Golden State’s Cinderella narrative could take an unexpected turn.
- (2) Aces vs (7) Storm: Seattle’s defense could be the wild card here. However, Las Vegas has a lot of talent.
- (3) Dream vs. (6) Fever: Both teams have a lot to prove, but Atlanta has the edge in scoring and depth.
- (4) Mercury vs. (5) Liberty: The Liberty are the defending champs, but Phoenix could win this one since they are so unpredictable.
Semi-Finals & Finals: What’s at Stake
As the playoffs unfold, expect the tension to build. The best-of-seven Finals will be the ultimate test. If the top teams advance, a Lynx vs Aces showdown could happen. This would be a clash of titans. There is serious firepower on both sides.
Star Players to Watch
These players will be the ones to watch as the playoff picture comes into focus:
- Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx): A force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): The Aces’ MVP candidate and top scorer, who can change the course of any game.
- Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty): She is the heart and soul of the defending champions. She is ready to lead her team to another title.
These stars have the power to turn games around with one big play, so keep your eyes on them.
The Power of Home-Court Advantage
In the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, home-court advantage is more critical than ever. The best-of-seven Finals format means teams need to protect their home arena to gain momentum. Expect fans to be loud and passionate, knowing their support will push their team one step closer to glory.
Media & Fan Engagement in 2025
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are being covered in-depth by ESPN, with exclusive games and analysis. Fans can expect more behind-the-scenes content and interactive experiences than ever before. You can follow on TV. You can stream the games online. You can also get live updates on ESPN. There’s no shortage of ways to stay connected to the action.
Conclusion: The Road to the Championship
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most thrilling postseasons in recent memory. With new format changes, fierce competition, and some of the league’s brightest stars, this year’s playoffs will be a must-watch. Who will emerge as the champion? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this is a race you won’t want to miss.
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