1. Overview & Schedule
- The 2025 WNBA Playoffs begin on Sunday, September 14, 2025, following the end of the regular season. Wikipedia+3WNBA+3Yahoo Sports+3
- The Finals will be played under a new best-of-seven format for the first time in league history. WNBA+3WNBA+3CBSSports.com+3
- In total, there are three rounds: First Round, Semifinals, and Finals. Wikipedia+3WNBA+3WNBA+3
2. Teams That Qualified
The top eight teams in the league (regardless of conference) qualified for the 2025 Playoffs. Here are the seeds and records: Yahoo Sports+3WNBA+3SI+3
| Seed | Team | Regular Season Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota Lynx | 34-10 SI+2WNBA+2 |
| 2 | Las Vegas Aces | 30-14 SI+1 |
| 3 | Atlanta Dream | 30-14 SI+1 |
| 4 | Phoenix Mercury | 27-17 SI+1 |
| 5 | New York Liberty | 27-17 SI+1 |
| 6 | Indiana Fever | 24-20 WNBA+1 |
| 7 | Seattle Storm | 23-21 WNBA+1 |
| 8 | Golden State Valkyries | 23-21 WNBA+1 |
- Notably, the Golden State Valkyries become the first expansion team in WNBA history to make the playoffs in their inaugural season. SI+2Wikipedia+2
3. Format Changes & Key Rules to Know
- First Round is now best-of-three with a 1-1-1 home-court pattern: higher seed hosts Game 1 and Game 3 (if necessary). WNBA+2WNBA+2
- Semifinals are best-of-five, following a 2-2-1 home-court pattern for the higher seed. WNBA+2Wikipedia+2
- Finals are expanded to best-of-seven, using a 2-2-1-1-1 structure. Higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. ESPN.com+2Wikipedia+2
4. Matchups & First Round Previews
Here are the First Round matchups and what to watch in each series: Wikipedia+3WNBA+3SI+3
| Matchup | Key Storyline |
|---|---|
| (1) Minnesota Lynx vs. (8) Golden State Valkyries | Lynx are dominant, top seed; Valkyries are newcomers and have momentum. Upsets unlikely but watch for Valkyries’ energy. SI+1 |
| (2) Las Vegas Aces vs. (7) Seattle Storm | Aces ended regular season on a 16-game win streak; Seattle has veteran experience but less consistency. WNBA+1 |
| (3) Atlanta Dream vs. (6) Indiana Fever | Indiana battling injuries and adversity (including missing Caitlin Clark); Dream strong defensively and more stable. The Sun+2SI+2 |
| (4) Phoenix Mercury vs. (5) New York Liberty | Tight seed; Liberty defending champs; Mercury have star power. Expect close, competitive series. SI+1 |
5. Standout Players & MVP Contenders
- Minnesota Lynx: Napheesa Collier is having a 50-40-90 season, making her a top MVP and Finals favorite. WNBA+2SI+2
- Las Vegas Aces: A’ja Wilson is dominant in scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact. She is another leading MVP candidate. WNBA+1
- New York Liberty: Look for Jonquel Jones to be a key inside force, especially in matchups where Liberty are tested on both ends. SI+1
6. Predictions & What Could Shape the Outcome
- Minnesota Lynx are favorites to go deep and possibly win—great regular season, depth, and balanced roster. ESPN.com+1
- Las Vegas Aces are the most likely challengers if Wilson stays hot and supporting cast steps up. WNBA+1
- Upsets to watch: The fledgling Valkyries vs. a top-seeded team; Liberty vs. Mercury for a tight series. SI+1
7. Global & Geo-Impact
- USA & Canada: Primary audience base with major TV coverage: ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, etc. WNBA+1
- International Fans: League Pass, and other streaming services make the Playoffs accessible worldwide. Growing interest especially in Europe, Australia, and Asia. Yahoo Sports+1
- Expansion Story: The Golden State Valkyries making playoffs in their first season adds a big storyline globally. SI+1