WNBA Playoffs 2025: Key Dates, Format Changes, Schedule, Matchups, Odds, and More
The WNBA Playoffs 2025 are officially set, and basketball fans across the United States are gearing up for one of the most competitive postseasons in league history. After a record-breaking regular season in terms of viewership and attendance, the playoff picture is locked in, featuring powerhouse teams, rising franchises, and no shortage of drama.
The action begins Sunday, September 14, 2025, and could run as late as Friday, October 17, 2025, if the WNBA Finals go the full seven games. This postseason is especially historic, as the WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven series for the first time ever.
Here’s everything you need to know about the WNBA Playoffs 2025: from the key dates, scores, and format changes to betting odds and how to watch live games in the U.S.
Teams That Clinched the WNBA Playoffs 2025
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Eight teams punched their tickets to the postseason:
Minnesota Lynx (No. 1 seed) – The Lynx dominated the regular season despite injuries to MVP candidate Napheesa Collier. Their consistency and depth make them the clear favorites heading into the playoffs.
Las Vegas Aces (No. 2 seed) – After a slow start, the back-to-back champions from 2022 and 2023 won 14 straight games to storm into the No. 2 seed. The Aces remain one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Atlanta Dream (No. 3 seed) – A balanced roster and strong finish put the Dream in prime position to make a deep run.
Phoenix Mercury (No. 4 seed) – A veteran squad with playoff experience that no team should underestimate.
New York Liberty (No. 5 seed) – Last year’s champions faced injuries and inconsistency all season, dropping them to the No. 5 spot. They enter the playoffs as underdogs but remain a major threat.
Indiana Fever (No. 6 seed) – The Fever secured their place without star rookie Caitlin Clark, who battled injuries most of the season.
Seattle Storm (No. 7 seed) – The Storm edged out the Sparks for the final playoff berth, clinching their spot in dramatic fashion.
Golden State Valkyries (No. 8 seed) – In their first season as an expansion team, the Valkyries shocked the league by making the postseason.
WNBA Playoffs 2025 Matchups
The first-round matchups are officially set:
(1) Minnesota Lynx vs. (8) Golden State Valkyries
(2) Las Vegas Aces vs. (7) Seattle Storm
(3) Atlanta Dream vs. (6) Indiana Fever
(4) Phoenix Mercury vs. (5) New York Liberty
Changes to the WNBA Playoffs 2025 Format
This year brings a major shift to the postseason structure:
First Round (Best-of-3, 1-1-1 format): The higher seed hosts Game 1 and, if needed, Game 3. The lower seed hosts Game 2.
Semifinals (Best-of-5): The higher seed enjoys home-court advantage in a 2-2-1 format.
WNBA Finals (Best-of-7 for the first time): The Finals will use a 2-2-1-1-1 structure, giving fans more drama and potential for seven games of elite basketball.
This upgrade to a best-of-seven Finals underscores the league’s growth and the increasing demand for women’s basketball.
WNBA Playoffs 2025 Schedule and Scores
First Round
Sunday, Sept. 14
Game 1: 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 1: 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 1: 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 1: 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Tuesday, Sept. 16 & Wednesday, Sept. 17 – Game 2s (ESPN)
Thursday, Sept. 18 & Friday, Sept. 19 – Game 3s (if necessary, ESPN2)
Semifinals
Begin Sunday, Sept. 21 and could stretch to Tuesday, Sept. 30 if all series go to Game 5.
WNBA Finals 2025
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 5, 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 4: Friday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 5 (if necessary): Sunday, Oct. 12, 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Game 6 (if necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 7 (if necessary): Friday, Oct. 17, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
WNBA Title Odds 2025
According to BetMGM (as of Sept. 11, 2025):
Minnesota Lynx: +110 (favorites)
Las Vegas Aces: +340
New York Liberty: +350
Atlanta Dream: +900
Phoenix Mercury: +1500
Seattle Storm: +5000
Golden State Valkyries: +12500
Indiana Fever: +20000
How to Watch the WNBA Playoffs 2025
Fans can catch every game of the WNBA Playoffs 2025 live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. Streaming is available through ESPN+ and the ESPN app, ensuring fans across the country won’t miss a moment of the action.
Why the WNBA Playoffs 2025 Matter
Record Popularity: The 2025 regular season was the most-watched in WNBA history, fueled by stars like Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark (despite her injury setbacks).
Historic Expansion: The Golden State Valkyries reaching the playoffs in their inaugural season is a milestone for league growth.
New Finals Format: Expanding the Finals to seven games highlights the WNBA’s continued evolution and increasing fan interest.
With storylines of redemption, legacy, and rising talent, the WNBA Playoffs 2025 promise to be one of the most exciting in league history.
FAQs About WNBA Playoffs 2025
Q1: When do the WNBA Playoffs 2025 start?
The playoffs begin on Sunday, September 14, 2025, with four first-round games.
Q2: How long do the WNBA Playoffs last?
They could extend to Friday, October 17, 2025, if the WNBA Finals go to a Game 7.
Q3: How many teams make the WNBA Playoffs 2025?
The top eight teams qualify, based on regular-season record.
Q4: What’s new about the WNBA Playoffs 2025 format?
For the first time ever, the WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven series. The semifinals remain best-of-five, and the first round is best-of-three.
Q5: Which team is favored to win the WNBA Championship 2025?
The Minnesota Lynx are the current betting favorites at +110 odds, followed closely by the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty.
Q6: How can I watch the WNBA Playoffs 2025 in the USA?
Games will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, with streaming available on ESPN+.
Q7: Did Caitlin Clark make the WNBA Playoffs 2025?
The Indiana Fever made the postseason, but Caitlin Clark is sidelined due to injuries and will not participate.
Source: Yahoo News