WNBA Playoffs 2025: Epic First-Round Matchups Set

A Thrilling Postseason Begins

The 2025 WNBA regular season has concluded, setting the stage for a highly anticipated playoff bracket. Eight teams will now battle for the championship, with the first round tipping off on Sunday, September 14. This year’s postseason is packed with compelling narratives, from the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx seeking redemption to the historic playoff debut of the expansion Golden State Valkyries and the defending champion New York Liberty aiming for a repeat.

First-Round Showdowns

The playoffs begin with four best-of-three series, featuring a new 1-1-1 format that guarantees every team at least one home game. Here is a breakdown of the opening-round matchups.

No. 1 Minnesota Lynx (34-10) vs. No. 8 Golden State Valkyries (23-21)

The Minnesota Lynx enter the postseason with the league’s best record and a franchise-best 34 wins. Fueled by a controversial loss in the 2024 WNBA Finals, the Lynx have been on a mission, boasting the league’s top-ranked offense and defense. MVP candidate Napheesa Collier has been exceptional, leading a team that dominated the regular-season series against Golden State 4-0. They face the Golden State Valkyries, who have made history by becoming the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season.

No. 2 Las Vegas Aces (30-14) vs. No. 7 Seattle Storm (23-21)

No team is entering the playoffs with more momentum than the Las Vegas Aces. After a 12-13 start, the team has been virtually unstoppable, closing the season on a franchise-record 16-game winning streak, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com. Led by superstar A’ja Wilson, who is a front-runner for her fourth MVP award, the Aces look formidable. Their opponent, the Seattle Storm, split the season series 2-2 and possess a tenacious defense, leading the league in steals. The Storm will rely on veterans like Nneka Ogwumike to counter the Aces’ high-powered offense.

No. 3 Atlanta Dream (30-14) vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever (24-20)

The Atlanta Dream doubled their win total from last season, setting a new franchise record with 30 victories. With a balanced attack led by All-Stars Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, the Dream have established themselves as a powerhouse. They will face an Indiana Fever team that has shown incredible resilience. Despite losing five players to season-ending injuries, including sensation Caitlin Clark, the Fever secured a second consecutive playoff berth behind the stellar play of Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. The regular-season series between these two teams was tied 2-2.

No. 4 Phoenix Mercury (27-17) vs. No. 5 New York Liberty (27-17)

Perhaps the most intriguing first-round matchup pits the Phoenix Mercury against the defending champion New York Liberty. Phoenix, which won the season series 3-1, boasts impressive depth and has been a force at home. Led by Alyssa Thomas, who set a WNBA record with eight triple-doubles, the Mercury are a tough matchup for any opponent. The Liberty, however, are finally healthy and feature a championship core that includes Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu. Their experience and star power make them a dangerous opponent as they begin their title defense on the road.

How to Watch

The WNBA Playoffs tip off with a quadruple-header on Sunday, September 14. All games will be broadcast across ESPN networks.

• Game 1: No. 8 Golden State Valkyries at No. 1 Minnesota Lynx – 1:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)
• Game 1: No. 6 Indiana Fever at No. 3 Atlanta Dream – 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC)
• Game 1: No. 5 New York Liberty at No. 4 Phoenix Mercury – 5:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)
• Game 1: No. 7 Seattle Storm at No. 2 Las Vegas Aces – 10:00 p.m. ET (ESPN)