When Does the 2025 WNBA Season Start: Date, Time and More
The 2024 WNBA season was a banger in terms of entertainment and thrilling performances from the players in the league. However, the adrenaline rush that the past season gave to the fans has left them wanting more. That’s why the question that’s on every WNBA fan’s tongue is when does the 2025 WNBA season start? For a long time, the fans were left in the lurch since the league was busy inducting the new team, the Golden State Valkyries, into the league.
So, the league will play with 13 teams and 44 games in total next season. But when will the season start, and what is the expected date of the culmination of this year’s WNBA schedule? Also, the WNBA has revealed details about the schedule for the 2025 season and everything else in between. So, let’s move ahead with it without wasting any further time.
When Does the WNBA Season Start?
The 2025 WNBA regular season is expected to start from May 16, 2025, on the eve of Friday. The league management has even made sure that the fans witness the performance of the new addition to the league on the opening night. The competitive tug-of-war between the teams for the WNBA playoff spot will become more intense this season. And it will be just a trailer of what the WNBA will be bringing to the table in the upcoming years.
However, the first impression matters, and if the WNBA can set up the thrill in the minds of the fans for the upcoming season, it will be great for them. The ticket-selling count will eventually increase in the league, leading to more revenue for the league.
Also Read: WNBA Playoff Format: Championships, Qualification Rules, and More
Key Opening Matchups to Watch
More than opening matchups in the league, the more exciting showdowns are scheduled to happen on the first night of the 2025 WNBA season:
- Golden State Valkyries vs. Los Angeles Sparks: The star franchise of the league, Los Angeles Sparks, will face off against the debutant, the Golden State Valkyries, on the eve of the opening night. This game will kick off on May 16 at 10:00 p.m. ET. It is more of a welcome game for the Valkyries in the Bay Area. However, the fans are eager to test what the Golden State Valkyries will be able to do on the court.
- Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings: At 7:30 p.m. ET, the runner-ups from last season’s Minnesota Lynx will face the defensive prowess of the Dallas Wings. However, Cheryl Cheryl-led squad is hungry for the championship title and will try to clip off the Wings of the Dallas squad. But the Dallas team will also be entering the league with their potential No. 1 draft pick, Paige Bueckers. So it will be interesting to watch how much result Paige displays on the hard court.
- Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics: Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics are both eager to prove their presence in the league. Last season, they were not able to make a mark. However, the momentum carries the team forward till the Commissioner’s Cup if it is already set from the start. So, it will be an interesting showdown for the fans to watch.
On the second day of the WNBA schedule, there is another game worth watching that will be played on Saturday, May 17. Who are the opponents in that showdown, and what do they hold for the fans? Let’s take a look at it.
- Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty: The reigning WNBA champions, New York Liberty, will host the Las Vegas Aces at 3:00 p.m. ET in their home arena. It will set the tone of the regular season for the Liberty in the 2025 WNBA season. Also, last season in 2024, the Las Vegas Aces were troubled with the injuries. Therefore, they might return as a different force this season.
Also Read: Know All About WNBA 3 Point Line: Impact, Rules, and More
Full List of WNBA 2025 Games with Dates and Teams
According to the WNBA data, the league has scheduled the following set of matches in the initial months of the regular season in 2025:
| Day | Date | Visitor | Home | Local Time | Eastern Time |
| Fri. | May 16 | Atlanta | Washington | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Fri. | May 16 | Minnesota | Dallas | 6:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Fri. | May 16 | Los Angeles | Golden State | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Sat. | May 17 | Chicago | Indiana | 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Sat. | May 17 | Las Vegas | New York | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Sat. | May 17 | Seattle | Phoenix | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Sun. | May 18 | Washington | Connecticut | 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Sun. | May 18 | Minnesota | Los Angeles | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Mon. | May 19 | Seattle | Dallas | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Tue. | May 20 | Las Vegas | Connecticut | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Tue. | May 20 | Atlanta | Indiana | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Wed. | May 21 | Dallas | Minnesota | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Wed. | May 21 | Washington | Golden State | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Thu. | May 22 | Indiana | Atlanta | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Thu. | May 22 | New York | Chicago | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Fri. | May 23 | Connecticut | Minnesota | 6:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Fri. | May 23 | Washington | Las Vegas | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Fri. | May 23 | Golden State | Los Angeles | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Fri. | May 23 | Phoenix | Seattle | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
2025 WNBA SCHEDULE: COMMISSIONER’S CUP GAMES
| Day | Date | Visitor | Home | Local Time | Eastern Time |
| Sun. | June 1 | Connecticut | New York | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Sun. | June 1 | Phoenix | Los Angeles | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Sun. | June 1 | Las Vegas | Seattle | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Sun. | June 1 | Minnesota | Golden State | 5:30 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Tue. | June 3 | Washington | Indiana | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 3 | Phoenix | Minnesota | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 3 | Dallas | Seattle | 6:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
| Thu. | June 5 | New York | Washington | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Thu. | June 5 | Golden State | Phoenix | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Fri. | June 6 | Atlanta | Connecticut | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Fri. | June 6 | Los Angeles | Dallas | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM |
| Sat. | June 7 | Las Vegas | Golden State | 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Sat. | June 7 | Indiana | Chicago | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Sat. | June 7 | Seattle | Phoenix | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Sun. | June 8 | Connecticut | Washington | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Sun. | June 8 | Minnesota | Dallas | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Mon. | June 9 | Golden State | Los Angeles | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 10 | Indiana | Atlanta | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Tue. | June 10 | Chicago | New York | 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Wed. | June 11 | Los Angeles | Las Vegas | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Wed. | June 11 | Dallas | Phoenix | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Wed. | June 11 | Minnesota | Seattle | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Fri. | June 13 | Chicago | Atlanta | 7:30 PM | 7:30 PM |
| Fri. | June 13 | Dallas | Las Vegas | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Sat. | June 14 | Los Angeles | Minnesota | 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Sat. | June 14 | New York | Indiana | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Sat. | June 14 | Seattle | Golden State | 5:30 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Sun. | June 15 | Chicago | Connecticut | 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM |
| Sun. | June 15 | Atlanta | Washington | 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Sun. | June 15 | Phoenix | Las Vegas | 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 17 | Connecticut | Indiana | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 17 | Atlanta | New York | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 17 | Washington | Chicago | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 17 | Golden State | Dallas | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 17 | Las Vegas | Minnesota | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Tue. | June 17 | Seattle | Los Angeles | 7:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
If you want to know more about the post All-Star and Commissioner’s Cup games, do visit the official website of the WNBA to witness all the game schedules till the end of the regular season. September 12 is expected to be the last day for the regular season matchups.
Top Teams and Players to Watch in the 2025 WNBA Season
The teams will generate a cutthroat competition since the league is expanding. Psychological advantage matters in the league and if some franchises appear to be dominant this season, it will be a plus point for them in the upcoming years. When the expansion teams make a debut, the veteran and victorious franchises will always have the upper hand in those situations. Considering all these situations, the teams that the fans can keep an eye on are as follows:
- New York Liberty: The defending champions, New York Liberty, still have their star powers, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. So, they have the firepower to burst through the defense of the opponent. But they must keep their focus since the current offseason is much more chaotic than any other WNBA offseason in the past.
- Minnesota Lynx: The Minnesota Lynx were the opponents of the Liberty in the finals last season. They gave them tough competition but unfortunately could not make the splash. However, Napheesa Collier and the squad will try to gain what they lost last season. Under the genius guidance of Cheryl Reeve, this franchise is a threat to any team’s championship goals.
- Dallas Wings: The Wings hold the key to the no.1 prospect in the WNBA Draft, who is expected to be Paige Bueckers. She will be a treat to watch if the pressure of pro basketball does not shatter her. However, the rest of the squad, along with Arike Ogunbowale, must contribute to the debutant’s efforts for the long run next season.
- Golden State Valkyries: It is just a prediction, but the Golden State Valkyries will at least need to make their presence known throughout the league. If they are not able to do so, they will get lost among the expanded 15 teams in the league in the coming years.
- Indiana Fever: The Indiana Fever front office has made significant modifications to the current roster, adding DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham. In addition to these defense specialists and championship-level three-point shooters, the franchise has kept Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Caitlin Clark safe. So, it might be safe to say that the Fever are all prepared for a deep playoff run. Even if they cannot manage to get to the title, the future should be better than the past.
The 2025 WNBA season has many unanswered questions that will present their answers themselves during the regular season. The signing season is still going on, and the WNBA Draft is still set to take place in April. Many key moves and transactions are still waiting for the fans’ reaction before the season starts.
Also Read: WNBA Expansion: Golden State Valkyries, Toronto Tempo and More
What month does the WNBA season start?
According to the WNBA schedule, the season will start on May 16, 2025.
How long is the 2025 WNBA season?
The 2025 WNBA season is about four months long, with an All-Star break in between the regular season.
What new team is coming to the WNBA in 2025?
The Golden State Valkyries will be debuting as a new team in 2025.
Is Caitlin Clark playing in the WNBA in 2025?
Yes, Caitlin Clark is playing in the WNBA in 2025.
Which teams are expected to be the strongest this season?
Reigning champions New York Liberty and other top contenders like Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, and Indiana Fever are expected to be the strongest in the 2025 WNBA season.
Where can I watch WNBA games in 2025?
WNBA games can be watched on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ION, CBS, and CBS Sports Network. Along with these platforms, fans can watch 40 games that will air live on NBA TV and streaming platforms like DIRECTV.