The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are set to tip off on Sunday, September 14, bringing a revamped postseason format and high-stakes matchups. This year’s playoffs feature a best-of-seven Finals series for the first time, following a 2-2-1-1-1 format.
2025 WNBA Playoff Bracket & Schedule
First Round (Best-of-3 Series)
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Game 1: Minnesota Lynx (1) vs. Golden State Valkyries (8)
Sunday, Sept 14, 1:00 PM ET – ESPN -
Game 1: Atlanta Dream (3) vs. Indiana Fever (6)
Sunday, Sept 14, 3:00 PM ET – ABC -
Game 1: Phoenix Mercury (4) vs. New York Liberty (5)
Sunday, Sept 14, 5:00 PM ET – ESPN -
Game 1: Las Vegas Aces (2) vs. Seattle Storm (7)
Sunday, Sept 14, 10:00 PM ET – ESPN
Semifinals (Best-of-5 Series)
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Minnesota Lynx/Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces/Seattle Storm
Games 1–5: September 21–30 -
Atlanta Dream/Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury/New York Liberty
Games 1–5: September 21–30
Finals (Best-of-7 Series)
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Games 1–7: October 3–October 10
The Finals will follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format.
2025 WNBA Standings
| Seed | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota Lynx | 34–10 |
| 2 | Las Vegas Aces | 30–14 |
| 3 | Atlanta Dream | 28–16 |
| 4 | Phoenix Mercury | 26–18 |
| 5 | New York Liberty | 25–19 |
| 6 | Indiana Fever | 23–21 |
| 7 | Seattle Storm | 22–22 |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries | 21–23 |
The Minnesota Lynx secured the top seed with a 34–10 record, led by MVP contender Napheesa Collier. The Las Vegas Aces, despite not having the best record, are considered title contenders due to their strong performance during the season ESPN.com.
Playoff Predictions
Semifinal Matchups
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Minnesota Lynx vs. Seattle Storm
The Lynx, with their elite defense and depth, are favorites to advance. The Storm, making their postseason debut, will look to challenge the top seed. -
Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever
The Aces, led by MVP A’ja Wilson, are expected to overpower the Fever, who are competing without star Caitlin Clark. -
Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty
The Dream, with their balanced roster, are slight favorites over the Liberty, who have shown inconsistency this season. -
Phoenix Mercury vs. Golden State Valkyries
The Mercury, with their playoff experience, are expected to edge out the Valkyries, who are in their inaugural postseason.
Finals Prediction
The Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces are the top contenders for the championship. The Lynx’s depth and defense give them an edge, but the Aces’ offensive firepower, led by A’ja Wilson, make them formidable opponents.
MVP Contender: A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces has been named the 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player, marking her fourth MVP title. She led the league in points, rebounds, and blocks, and had a significant impact on the Aces’ performance this season.
How to Watch
All playoff games will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and fuboTV. Check your local listings for specific game times and channels.
Key Dates
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First Round: September 14–19
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Semifinals: September 21–30
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Finals: October 3–10
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