WNBA Playoffs 2025: Ultimate Guide to Matchups, Storylines and Championship Predictions

The Road to the Championship: 2025 WNBA Playoffs Begin

The 2025 WNBA postseason has arrived, bringing with it eight elite teams ready to battle for basketball supremacy. After a grueling 44-game regular season that featured historic winning streaks, heartbreaking injuries, and surprise performances, the playoff picture is finally set. This year's tournament promises unprecedented drama thanks to format changes, renewed rivalries, and the absence of some notable stars who defined the regular season .

For the first time in league history, the WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven series, providing what many hope will be a more definitive conclusion to what many expect to be a memorable playoffs. Meanwhile, the first round has shifted to a 1-1-1 format, guaranteeing every playoff team at least one home game—a change that could significantly impact early-round dynamics . From Minnesota's revenge tour to Las Vegas's spectacular late-season surge, the storylines are as compelling as the basketball itself.

Playoff Bracket and First-Round Matchups

The top eight teams, regardless of conference, have qualified for the postseason based on their regular season records. The bracket features familiar powerhouses and hungry contenders alike :

1. Minnesota Lynx (34-10) vs. 8. Golden State Valkyries (23-21)

The top-seeded Lynx enter the playoffs as overwhelming favorites after dominating the regular season with league-best offensive and defensive ratings. Napheesa Collier, who just became the second player in WNBA history to record a 50-40-90 season while averaging over 20 points per game, leads a deep, motivated squad hungry for redemption after last year's Finals loss . Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries have made history as the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season, fueled by record-breaking home attendance and Veronica Burton's Most Improved Player-caliber performance .

2. Las Vegas Aces (30-14) vs. 7. Seattle Storm (23-21)

The Las Vegas Aces ride an incredible 16-game winning streak into the postseason, having transformed their season after a dramatic 53-point loss to Minnesota in August. MVP front-runner A'ja Wilson leads the league in scoring (23.4 PPG), rebounds (10.2 RPG), and blocks (2.3 BPG), showcasing why many consider her the most dominant two-way player in the game . Their opponents, the Seattle Storm, feature former MVP Nneka Ogwumike and six-time All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith, creating a intriguing matchup between Vegas's momentum and Seattle's veteran experience .

3. Atlanta Dream (30-14) vs. 6. Indiana Fever (24-20)

The Atlanta Dream have undergone a remarkable offensive transformation under first-year coach Karl Smesko, improving from the league's lowest scoring team in 2024 to an offensive juggernaut with a 110.5 offensive rating. With Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard forming one of the league's most dynamic backcourts, and Brittney Griner adapting to a bench role, Atlanta presents a challenging matchup for any opponent . The Indiana Fever have overcome tremendous adversity, losing five players to season-ending injuries including rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, yet still managing to secure their second consecutive playoff appearance behind career years from Kelsey Mitchell (20.2 PPG) and Aliyah Boston (15.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG) .

4. Phoenix Mercury (27-17) vs. 5. New York Liberty (27-17)

This matchup features the Phoenix Mercury, led by Alyssa Thomas's historic triple-double prowess (eight this season) and surrounded by exceptional shooting, against the defending champion New York Liberty, who boast playoff experience and star power despite struggling with injuries throughout the season. The Mercury excelled against lower-ranked teams but struggled against the top seeds (2-9 combined against Minnesota, Las Vegas, and Atlanta), while the Liberty hope their championship pedigree will overcome their inconsistent regular season .

*Table: 2025 WNBA First-Round Playoff Schedule*

Matchup	Date & Time	TV	Venue
Minnesota vs. Golden State	Sun, Sep 14, 1:00 PM ET	ABC	Target Center
Atlanta vs. Indiana	Sun, Sep 14, 3:00 PM ET	ESPN	Gateway Center Arena
Phoenix vs. New York	Sun, Sep 14, 5:00 PM ET	ESPN	Footprint Center
Las Vegas vs. Seattle	Sun, Sep 14, 10:00 PM ET	ESPN	Michelob Ultra Arena

Key Players to Watch

Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)

The MVP front-runner has been the cornerstone of Minnesota's success, achieving the rare 50-40-90 shooting split while averaging 23.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Her two-way excellence and leadership make her the most important player on the championship favorite .

A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)

The reigning MVP has been otherworldly during Vegas's 16-game streak, averaging 26.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks over her last 10 games. Her defensive dominance and scoring versatility make her arguably the most impactful player in the postseason .

Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury)

With a WNBA-record eight triple-doubles this season, Thomas has elevated her game to unprecedented heights. Her unique combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking (9.3 APG) makes Phoenix a dangerous opponent for any team .

Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever)

Despite the absence of Caitlin Clark, Mitchell has delivered a career-best performance (20.2 PPG) and earned Associated Press All-WNBA first team honors. Her scoring prowess will be crucial if Indiana hopes to advance past Atlanta .

Format Changes and Their Potential Impact

The 2025 playoffs feature significant format changes that could dramatically affect outcomes:

First Round (1-1-1 Format): Instead of the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2, the new format alternates venues (higher seed hosts Game 1, lower seed Game 2, higher seed Game 3). This guarantees every playoff team at least one home game and could help road teams steal early momentum .
WNBA Finals Expansion: The championship series has expanded from best-of-five to best-of-seven, matching the NBA's format. This change provides more entertainment for fans and potentially reduces the impact of fluke outcomes in determining the champion .

These changes come in response to years of discussion about playoff structure and aim to create a more balanced competitive environment while increasing fan engagement through additional games and broadcast opportunities .

compelling Storylines

The Reese-Clark Absence

For the first time in recent memory, the postseason will proceed without the much-discussed Reese-Clark storyline. While some analysts believe this allows the games to stand on their own merit, others note that the absence of these polarizing figures creates opportunity for other players to capture the spotlight .

Vegas's Incredible Turnaround

After sitting at .500 (14-14) in early August following a historic 53-point loss to Minnesota, the Aces' 16-game winning streak represents one of the most dramatic midseason turnarounds in WNBA history. Their resurgence has reshaped the championship landscape and made them a popular dark horse pick despite their #2 seed .

Injury Resilience

Multiple teams have overcome significant injuries to reach the postseason. Indiana lost five players to season-ending injuries, including Caitlin Clark, while New York battled health issues throughout their rotation. Their playoff success will test the importance of depth versus momentum heading into the postseason .

Expansion History

The Golden State Valkyries have made history as the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season, setting league attendance records in the process. Their presence adds fresh energy to the postseason and could signal the emergence of a new powerhouse franchise .

Table: Championship Odds and Predictions

Team	DraftKings Odds	ESPN BPI Title Chance	Expert Predictions
Minnesota Lynx	+110	50.0%	Favored by 3 of 4 ESPN analysts
Las Vegas Aces	+300	9.3%	2025 champion (The Guardian)
New York Liberty	+340	19.9%	Semi-finalist consensus
Atlanta Dream	+1100	13.8%	Semi-finalist consensus
Phoenix Mercury	N/A	1.1%	Semi-finalist (Andrew Lawrence)
Indiana Fever	N/A	N/A	Semi-finalist (2 analysts)
Seattle Storm	N/A	N/A	First-round exit expected
Golden State Valkyries	Long shot	Minimal	Historic underdogs

Predictions and Expectations

First Round Outlook

Most experts expect Minnesota, Las Vegas, and Atlanta to advance relatively comfortably, despite potential resistance from their opponents. The closest series appears to be Phoenix vs. New York, where the defending champion Liberty are slight favorites despite being the lower seed due to their playoff experience and talent advantage when healthy .

Championship Favorites

The Minnesota Lynx remain the consensus pick to win it all, with their depth, chemistry, and motivation from last year's Finals loss driving them throughout the season. However, the Las Vegas Aces have garnered significant support based on their historic winning streak and A'ja Wilson's otherworldly performance down the stretch .

Potential Cinderella

While unlikely, the Golden State Valkyries have embodied the magic of sports all season, making them a sentimental favorite despite their daunting matchup against Minnesota. As one analyst noted, "Their season has had a bit of magic to it," and pulling off the upset would represent the greatest surprise in league history .

Conclusion: A Postseason of Redemption and Revolution

The 2025 WNBA playoffs represent more than just a championship tournament—they showcase a league in the midst of historic evolution. From format changes to expansion success, from incredible individual achievements to team resilience, this postseason captures the dynamic nature of women's basketball at its highest level.

Whether Minnesota completes their revenge tour, Las Vegas capitalizes on their historic streak, or another team emerges as an unexpected champion, the games promise to deliver drama, excellence, and inspiration. The action begins September 14th, with four compelling matchups that set the stage for what could be the most memorable WNBA postseason in years .

As the athletes take the court, they carry with them the expectations of fans, the legacy of those who came before them, and the promise of elevating the game to new heights. No matter which team ultimately raises the trophy, basketball fans worldwide are the real winners as they witness the culmination of another extraordinary WNBA season.