WNBA 2025 Season: Expansion Valkyries, Paige Bueckers, and a Packed Schedule
The countdown to the 2025 WNBA season has officially begun, and fans have plenty to be excited about. The league is set to tip off on May 16, and all eyes will be on the Golden State Valkyries, the highly anticipated expansion franchise, as they host the Los Angeles Sparks in their debut game. This marks a historic moment for the WNBA, as the Valkyries become the league’s 13th team. But that’s just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling season.
Opening Day Highlights
Opening day will also feature the Dallas Wings, who hold the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. They’re widely expected to select UConn superstar Paige Bueckers, a player many believe could be a generational talent. The Wings will host the Minnesota Lynx, the 2024 WNBA runner-up, in what’s sure to be a must-watch matchup.
Meanwhile, the Washington Mystics, who hold the No. 4 pick in the draft, will host the Atlanta Dream in another opening-day showdown. Defending champions New York Liberty will begin their title defense on May 17, hosting the Las Vegas Aces, led by 2024 unanimous MVP A’ja Wilson. That same day, the Indiana Fever, featuring 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, will face the Chicago Sky, who hold the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft.
Expanded Playoffs and New Formats
The 2025 season will feature a 44-game schedule, with the regular season concluding on September 11. The playoffs are getting a significant upgrade, as the WNBA Finals will now be a best-of-seven series. The semifinals will remain best-of-five, while the first round will stick to a best-of-three format. However, there’s a twist: the first-round series will now follow a 1-1-1 format, ensuring both teams get at least one home game. This change is expected to add even more excitement to the postseason.
Key Matchups to Watch
Fans won’t have to wait long for some marquee matchups. The Liberty and Lynx, who battled in a thrilling five-game series for the 2024 WNBA title, will face off four times in 2025. Their games are scheduled for July 30 and August 16 in Minneapolis, and August 10 and August 19 in New York.
Another rivalry to keep an eye on is between the Liberty and the Aces, who met in the 2023 WNBA Finals. These two powerhouses will clash three times this season: May 17 and July 8 in New York, and August 13 in Las Vegas.
For fans of rising stars, the Indiana Fever and Dallas Wings will meet four times, showcasing the Fever’s last two No. 1 picks, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, against the Wings’ incoming top pick. Their matchups are set for June 27 and August 1 in Dallas, and July 13 and August 12 in Indiana.
Commissioner’s Cup and All-Star Game
The Commissioner’s Cup games will take place from June 1-17, with each team playing others in their conference. Eastern Conference teams will play five games, while Western Conference teams will play six. The top teams from each conference will meet in the Commissioner’s Cup final on July 1, hosted by the team with the best winning percentage in Cup play.
Another highlight of the season will be the WNBA All-Star Game, which will be held for the first time in Indianapolis at the Fever’s home, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, on July 19. This marks a significant milestone for the Fever and their fans, as they get to showcase their city on one of the league’s biggest stages.
Coaching Changes and Free Agency
The 2025 season will also see several new faces on the sidelines. Stephanie White is now leading the Indiana Fever, while Tyler Marsh takes over the Chicago Sky. However, Connecticut, Dallas, and Washington have yet to announce their head coaches, leaving fans eagerly awaiting updates.
Free agency will also play a pivotal role in shaping the upcoming season. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on January 21, with signings allowed to start on February 1. With so much talent potentially on the move, the offseason promises to be just as exciting as the games themselves.
What’s Next for the Valkyries?
Before the regular season begins, the Golden State Valkyries will take center stage in the expansion draft, set for Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Valkyries will also pick fifth in the 2025 draft in April, giving them a chance to build a competitive roster right out of the gate. With former Aces assistant Natalie Nakase at the helm as their first head coach, the Valkyries are poised to make a splash in their inaugural season.
Mark Your Calendars
- May 16: Opening day featuring Golden State vs. Los Angeles and Dallas vs. Minnesota.
- July 1: Commissioner’s Cup final.
- July 19: WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis.
- September 11: Regular season concludes.
With a packed schedule, exciting new formats, and plenty of storylines to follow, the 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be one for the ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the league, this is a season you won’t want to miss.
Originally Written by: Mechelle Voepel
