WNBA Playoff Schedule: First Round Games Begin Sunday

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) playoffs for 2025 are officially underway, with the first round commencing on Sunday. This year’s playoff format features a best-of-three series for the first round, showcasing some of the league’s top teams as they vie for a chance to advance to the semifinals.

Understanding the Playoff Format

The structure for the first round of the playoffs is designed to enhance competition and excitement. Each matchup will follow a 1-1-1 format, meaning the higher-seeded team will host Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 3. The semifinals will shift to a best-of-five format, with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2, and 5, while the WNBA Finals will expand to a best-of-seven series for the first time. This final series will adopt a 2-2-1-1-1 format, allowing the higher seed to host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7.

Fans can keep track of the playoff race and matchups through the WNBA standings page, which will be updated as the playoffs progress.

First Round Matchups

The first round features four exciting matchups, each promising thrilling basketball action. Below are the details of each game:

Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries

– **Game 1**: Lynx 101, Valkyries 72
– **Game 2**: Lynx at Valkyries, Wednesday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
– **Game 3**: Valkyries at Lynx, Friday, TBD, ESPN2 (if necessary)

The Minnesota Lynx, the top seed, demonstrated their strength in Game 1, decisively defeating the eighth-seeded Golden State Valkyries. The Lynx will look to maintain their momentum as they head into Game 2.

Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm

– **Game 1**: Storm at Aces, Sunday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
– **Game 2**: Aces at Storm, Tuesday, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
– **Game 3**: Storm at Aces, Thursday, TBD, ESPN2 (if necessary)

The second matchup features the Las Vegas Aces, who are facing off against the Seattle Storm. This series promises to be competitive, with both teams eager to secure their place in the next round.

Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever

– **Game 1**: Fever at Dream, Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN
– **Game 2**: Dream at Fever, Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
– **Game 3**: Fever at Dream, Thursday, TBD, ESPN2 (if necessary)

In the third matchup, the Atlanta Dream will take on the Indiana Fever. This series is particularly intriguing due to the close seeding between the teams, making it difficult to predict the outcome.

Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty

– **Game 1**: Liberty at Mercury, Sunday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN
– **Game 2**: Mercury at Liberty, Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
– **Game 3**: Liberty at Mercury, Friday, TBD, ESPN2 (if necessary)

The fourth matchup features the Phoenix Mercury against the New York Liberty. Both teams have a storied history in the league, and this series is expected to be a showcase of talent and skill.

Looking Ahead: Semifinals and Finals

Following the conclusion of the first round, the playoffs will progress to the semifinals, which are scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 21. The semifinal format will consist of best-of-five series, with the higher seed hosting the first two games.

The WNBA Finals will commence on Friday, October 3, marking a significant expansion to a best-of-seven series. Fans can anticipate an exciting conclusion to the playoff season, with the best teams in the league competing for the championship title.

How to Watch

All playoff games will be available for viewing on ESPN networks, ensuring fans can catch every moment of the action. The newly enhanced ESPN App will also provide access to all events, making it easy for viewers to follow their favorite teams throughout the playoffs.

Key Facts

– **Playoff Format**: First round is a best-of-three series; semifinals are best-of-five; WNBA Finals are best-of-seven.
– **First Round Matchups**:
– Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries
– Las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm
– Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever
– Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty
– **Game Broadcasts**: All games available on ESPN networks.
– **Semifinals Start Date**: Sunday, September 21, 2025.
– **Finals Start Date**: Friday, October 3, 2025.

Source: www.espn.com