The excitement of postseason basketball has officially arrived as the 2025 WNBA Playoffs are set to begin, promising a thrilling series of matchups full of intensity, strategy, and elite performances. After a landmark regular season highlighted by the rise of new stars, the return of revamped franchises, and continued dominance from powerhouse teams, the field of the top eight teams is now locked in.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the First Round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs-matchups, dates, times, format updates, and TV channels. Get ready for a postseason packed with drama, talent, and a deep passion for the game.
WNBA Playoffs 2025 Format
The first round once again begins as a best-of-three series. Unlike earlier formats, however, the matchups now follow a 1-1-1 structure, ensuring that each participating team gets at least one home game.
The semifinals that follow will expand to a best-of-five format, while the biggest change comes in the championship round: the WNBA Finals will now be a best-of-seven series.
That shift gives contenders a longer runway to prove themselves and offers fans more chances to watch the league’s stars compete on the biggest stage.
WNBA Season 2025 Standings
These are the eight teams that qualified for the postseason this year:
- Minnesota Lynx (34-10)
- Las Vegas Aces (30-14)
- Atlanta Dream (30-14)
- Phoenix Mercury (27-17)
- New York Liberty (27-17)
- Indiana Fever (24-20)
- Seattle Storm (23-21)
- Golden State Valkyries (23-21)
WNBA Playoffs 2025 First Round: Results and Schedule
Sunday, September 14
- Game 1: Golden State at Minnesota, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Game 1: Indiana at Atlanta, 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Game 1: New York at Phoenix, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Game 1: Seattle at Las Vegas, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Tuesday, September 16
- Game 2: Atlanta at Indiana, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Game 2: Las Vegas at Seattle, 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Wednesday, September 17
- Game 2: Phoenix at New York, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Game 2: Las Vegas at Seattle, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Thursday, September 18
- Game 3*: Indiana at Atlanta, TBD
- Game 3*: Seattle at Las Vegas, TBD
Friday, September 19
Game 3*: Golden State at Minnesota, TBD
Game 3*: New York at Phoenix, TBD
* If necessary
WNBA Playoffs 2025 Semifinals: Results and Schedule
Sunday, September 21
- Game 1: 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
- Game 1: 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Tuesday, September 23
- Game 2: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Game 2: 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Friday, September 26
- Game 3: 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Game 3: 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Sunday, September 28
- Game 4*: 1 or 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Game 4*: 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Tuesday, September 30
- Game 5*: TBD (TBD)
- Game 5*: TBD (TBD)
* If necessary
WNBA Finals 2025: Results and Schedule
Friday, October 3
- Game 1: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Sunday, October 5
- Game 2: 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Wednesday, October 8
- Game 3: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Friday, October 10
- Game 4: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Sunday, October 12
- Game 5*: 3 p.m. ET (ABC)
Wednesday, October 15
- Game 6*: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Friday, October 17
- Game 7*: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
* If necessary
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