The time has finally come for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs. With the regular season ending, the top eight teams have punched their tickets and locked in their final placements in the standings. First, let's take a look at the TV schedule for Round 1.
WNBA Playoffs TV schedule for round 1
First Round | Date/Time | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|
Valkyries vs. Lynx — Game 1 | Sunday, Sept. 14, 1:00 p.m ET | ESPN |
Fever vs. Dream — Game 1 | Sunday, Sept. 14, 3:00 p.m ET | ABC |
Liberty vs. Mercury — Game 1 | Sunday, Sept. 14, 5:00 p.m ET | ESPN |
Storm vs. Aces — Game 1 | Sunday, Sept. 14, 10:00 p.m ET | ESPN |
Dream vs. Fever — Game 2 | Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m ET | ESPN |
Aces vs. Storm — Game 2 | Tuesday, Sept. 16, 9:30 p.m ET | ESPN |
Mercury vs. Liberty — Game 2 | Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m ET | ESPN |
Lynx vs. Valkyries — Game 2 | Wednesday, Sept. 17, 9:30 p.m ET | ESPN |
Fever vs. Dream — Game 3 (If Necessary) | Thursday, Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m ET | ESPN2 |
Storm vs. Aces — Game 3 (If Necessary) | Thursday, Sept. 18, 9:30 p.m ET | ESPN2 |
Valkyries vs. Lynx — Game 3 (If Necessary) | Friday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m ET | ESPN2 |
Liberty vs. Mercury — Game 3 (If Necessary) | Friday, Sept. 19, 9:30 p.m ET | ESPN2 |
The WNBA Playoff semi-finals kick off with Game 1's on Sunday, Sept. 21, and potential Game 5's on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The Finals will begin with Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 3, and run through Friday, Oct. 17, for a potential Game 7.
Now, let's take a look at the WNBA Playoff matchups for round 1.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries are the first expansion team to clinch a playoff spot in their first season, and by the way this team has been playing, I do not think they are going out without a fight. But they will need to play their best basketball of the season if they want to pull this upset off. The Lynx have gone 4-0 vs. the Valks this season — it will be a tough series for Golden State, but they’ve surprised us all season, so we’ll see what they’ve got left.
Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has missed a few games recently, but assuming she will be back for the playoffs — this should be a great series. These two teams just competed in late August, where the Mercury were able to pull out an 80-63 W, but again, Ionescu was unavailable. But, Phoenix's 'Big 3' of Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper put on a show — recording a combined 50 points. They will be hard to contain — especially in the playoffs, so this should be a close series.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm
The last time these two met was in early August in a close 90-86 Aces' win. The game was dominated by A’ja Wilson, recording 29 points, and Jackie Young, who put up 26. The Aces held Skylar Diggins to 0 points in her 20 minutes on the court, but rookie Dominque Malonga picked up some slack by recording 22 points off the bench. The Aces are hot right now, winning 16 in a row, but they will need to contain Diggins again if they want to continue.
Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever
If Indiana wants to pull off an upset against the Atlanta Dream in this first round, it will be crucial to contain their elite guards. Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard are two of the best shooters in the league. Howard is averaging 17.5 points per game, and Gray averages 18.4 points per game. On the other hand, the Fever have had brutal injuries to their guards this season, leaving Kelsey Mitchell in a unique position. Mitchell has had a phenomenal year, averaging 20.2 points per game — they will most likely need her to be dominant if they want to win this series.