WNBA 2025 Playoffs Begin with New Format
By Sunidhi - Sep 14, 2025
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs begin with top-seeded Minnesota Lynx facing the Golden State Valkyries, while the Las Vegas Aces defend their title against the Seattle Storm. The new playoff format includes best-of-3 series in the first round and an expanded best-of-7 WNBA Finals. Excitement surrounds matchups like Atlanta Dream vs. Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty, as the postseason unfolds with potential for unexpected outcomes and compelling storylines.
WNBA via Heute
The 2025 ,[object Object], tipped off on Sunday, September 14, with eight teams officially entering the race for the championship. The ,[object Object], earned the No. 1 seed after finishing the regular season 34-10, followed by the ,[object Object], and Atlanta Dream, both at 30-14. Joining them in the postseason are the Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, Indiana Fever, Seattle Storm, and the new expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. Fans are anticipating one of the most competitive playoff brackets in recent memory.
This season introduces key changes to the playoff format. The first round will now follow a best-of-3 series with a 1-1-1 home sequence, ensuring both teams get at least one home game. Meanwhile, the WNBA Finals expand from a best-of-5 to a best-of-7 series for the first time in league history. The semifinals remain best-of-5. League officials say the changes are designed to increase fairness, fan engagement, and the intensity of postseason competition.
Several first-round matchups promise excitement. Top-seeded Minnesota will face the Golden State Valkyries, with MVP candidate Napheesa Collier leading the Lynx as heavy favorites. The defending champion ,Las Vegas Aces, meet the Seattle Storm, with A’ja Wilson once again dominating headlines. The Atlanta Dream take on the Indiana Fever in a tightly matched series, while the Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty face off in what analysts predict could be the most evenly contested battle of the round.
Expectations are high as the playoffs unfold, with many predicting a Lynx vs. Aces showdown in the Finals. However, stars like Jonquel Jones, Alyssa Thomas, and Caitlin Clark could disrupt those forecasts. With the new seven-game Finals format, the 2025 postseason is set to showcase more drama, endurance, and storylines than ever before, cementing its place as a historic moment in WNBA history.
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