The 2025 WNBA Playoffs have officially tipped off, and the league is buzzing with anticipation. From the dominant Minnesota Lynx to the scrappy Golden State Valkyries, this postseason promises high drama, elite performances, and a few surprises. With a revamped playoff format and a roster of rising stars, fans are in for a thrilling ride.
Let’s break down the matchups, top players to watch, expert predictions, and how you can catch all the action—without spending a dime.
First-Round Matchups & Schedule
This year’s first round features a best-of-three series in a new 1-1-1 format, ensuring every team gets a home game. The higher seed hosts Game 3 if necessary—a strategic advantage that could prove decisive.
Sunday, September 14 – Quadruple Header
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries
- Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm
- Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever
- New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury
Each series is packed with storylines—from expansion team breakthroughs to MVP-level performances.
Expert Predictions: Who’s Got the Edge?
Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries
The Lynx, last year’s runner-up, are on a mission. With the league’s best defensive rating (97.5) and a 34–10 regular season record, they’re expected to sweep the Valkyries. Rookie franchise Golden State has impressed in its debut season, but Minnesota’s depth and playoff experience are overwhelming.
Prediction: Lynx in 2
Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm
The Aces closed the season with a 16-game winning streak, led by MVP frontrunner A’ja Wilson (23.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.3 BPG). Seattle, while gritty and defensively sound, lacks the firepower to match Vegas.
Prediction: Aces in 2 or 3, depending on Storm’s resilience
Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever
Atlanta has emerged as a legitimate contender, thanks to Brittney Griner, Rhyne Howard, and Brionna Jones. Indiana, missing Caitlin Clark due to injury, relies on Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston to stay competitive.
Prediction: Dream in 2
New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury
The reigning champions, New York Liberty, are poised for another deep run. With Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, they’re stacked. Phoenix, led by Diana Taurasi, faces an uphill battle.
Prediction: Liberty in 2
Top Players to Watch in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs
The WNBA is brimming with talent, and the playoffs are when legends are made. Here are the top stars expected to shine:
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): Already a two-time MVP, Wilson remains the heartbeat of the Aces. Her dominance on both ends of the floor makes her the ultimate postseason weapon.
- Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty): Stewart has the championship pedigree and versatility that could carry New York to its first-ever WNBA title.
- Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty): Known for her clutch shooting and all-around game, she thrives under playoff pressure. The Liberty’s floor general, Ionescu’s clutch shooting and playmaking are vital for a repeat championship run.
- Kahleah Copper (Chicago Sky): Copper’s scoring punch and leadership make her one of the most dangerous perimeter players in the league.
- Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks): A veteran still at the top of her game, Ogwumike could propel LA into a Cinderella playoff run.
- Rookie Standouts: Players like Cameron Brink (Sparks) and Caitlin Clark (Fever) have electrified crowds in their first seasons. If their teams made the cut, they could add a new chapter to rookie playoff lore.
- Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx): With 22.9 PPG on elite shooting splits (53/40/91), Collier is the engine behind Minnesota’s success.
- Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever): Despite injuries, Mitchell has kept Indiana afloat with her scoring and leadership.
- Temi Fagbenle (Golden State Valkyries): A defensive anchor and emotional leader, Fagbenle’s presence has been key to Golden State’s historic first season.
How to Watch the WNBA Playoffs for Free
You don’t need a cable subscription to enjoy the action. Here are some free and legal ways to stream the playoffs:
- WNBA League Pass (Free Trial)
Many fans can access a 7-day free trial of WNBA League Pass, which includes live games and replays. - YouTube TV & FuboTV (Free Trials)
Both platforms offer 7-day free trials and carry ESPN, ABC, and CBS Sports—key broadcasters for the playoffs. - ESPN App & Website
Some games are available for free with limited ads via ESPN’s digital platforms. - Local Broadcasts & Social Media
Follow the WNBA’s official Instagram and Facebook pages for live updates, highlights, and occasional free streams.
What’s at Stake?
The 2025 playoffs are more than just a title chase. They represent:
- A new era of parity: Expansion teams like the Valkyries are already playoff contenders.
- Star power surge: With names like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entering the league, the WNBA’s visibility is skyrocketing.
- CBA implications: Ongoing negotiations could reshape player salaries and league structure.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Win It All?
While the Liberty aim to defend their crown, the Lynx and Aces are breathing down their necks. Minnesota’s defense, Vegas’s momentum, and New York’s star trio make this one of the most unpredictable postseasons in recent memory.
If you’re a basketball fan, this is your moment. The WNBA is delivering elite competition, compelling narratives, and accessible viewing options. Don’t miss it.
Beyond the games themselves, this year’s postseason carries broader significance. The WNBA is celebrating record attendance numbers, new sponsorship deals, and increased visibility across mainstream media. The league’s expansion talks are also heating up, with rumors of new franchises joining in 2026 or 2027.
The playoffs serve as the ultimate showcase of the league’s growth. Packed arenas, high ratings, and unforgettable performances will not only decide a champion but also set the tone for the WNBA’s future.
- Dynasty or New Blood: Will the Las Vegas Aces solidify themselves as a dynasty, or will a fresh champion emerge?
- Rookie Phenoms: Can rookies like Caitlin Clark or Cameron Brink handle the playoff spotlight?
- Superstar Legacies: Will Breanna Stewart or A’ja Wilson add another title to their résumés?
- Expansion Buzz: Will the WNBA hint at new cities joining the league during the Finals?
The WNBA Playoffs 2025 are shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in league history. With storylines ranging from dynasties to rookies, predictions that could swing either way, and easy ways for fans to tune in, the postseason is set to captivate basketball enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether you’re rooting for the defending champion Aces, the star-studded Liberty, or an underdog hoping to shock the world, one thing is certain: the road to the WNBA Finals will be unforgettable.
So mark your calendars, get your viewing setup ready, and prepare to witness the drama, intensity, and brilliance of women’s basketball at its finest.