WNBA Playoffs 2025: first round tips off with high stakes, historic changes

INDIANAPOLIS: The WNBA Playoffs 2025 are officially underway, and fans are in for a thrilling postseason filled with elite matchups, superstar showdowns, and a new playoff format that promises more drama than ever before.

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After a standout regular season that saw the Minnesota Lynx dominate with a league-best 34-10 record and the Golden State Valkyries clinch a playoff berth in their debut season, the top eight teams are now locked in and ready for battle. The first round begins Sunday, September 14, with four must-watch matchups spread across ESPN and ABC.

FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS – GAME 1 (TODAY):

Golden State Valkyries at Minnesota Lynx, 1 PM ET
Indiana Fever at Atlanta Dream, 3 PM ET
New York Liberty at Phoenix Mercury, 5 PM ET
Seattle Storm at Las Vegas Aces, 10 PM ET

The first round will be played in a best-of-three format, with a 1-1-1 structure, ensuring both teams get a home game. The semifinals shift to a best-of-five, while for the first time in league history, the WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven series, offering more chances for teams to prove themselves on the league’s biggest stage.

2025 WNBA PLAYOFF TEAMS:

1. Minnesota Lynx
2. Las Vegas Aces
3. Atlanta Dream
4. Phoenix Mercury
5. New York Liberty
6. Indiana Fever
7. Seattle Storm
8. Golden State Valkyries

KEY STORYLINES TO WATCH:

• Can Minnesota’s dominance continue? The Lynx are looking for their first title since 2017 and enter the playoffs as clear favorites.
• Will the defending champs Las Vegas Aces repeat? With championship experience and star power, they’ll face an early test against Seattle.
• Phoenix vs. New York pits two heavyweights with identical records in a matchup that could go the distance.
• Golden State’s fairytale run continues in their inaugural season with a tough challenge against the league’s best team.

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The semifinals tip off on Sunday, September 21, and the 2025 WNBA Finals begin Friday, October 3. With the league’s top talent and revamped playoff format, fans can expect more games, more intensity, and more unforgettable moments this post-season.