The start of the 2025 WNBA season is just days away, bringing renewed rivalries, emerging fan favorites, and more than 200 matchups showcasing the best basketball talent on the planet.
The league’s 29th season tips off on Friday, May 16, with the regular season concluding on September 11, followed by the Finals in mid-October. This year’s schedule is even more packed thanks to the arrival of the Golden State Valkyries, increasing each team’s total games from 40 to 44.
Veteran stars like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Kelsey Plum will battle rising talents such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink, while rookies like Paige Bueckers, Dominique Malonga, and Sonia Citron look to make their mark in the league.
Clark vs. Reese vs. Bueckers
Recognizing the intensity of the rivalry between Clark and Reese, the WNBA wasted no time scheduling their first showdown. The Chicago Sky will visit the Indiana Fever’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse on the second day of the season, with additional matchups on June 7, July 27, August 9, and September 5.
Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, will face Bueckers-the top pick in 2025-for the first time on a professional court on June 27, when the Fever travels to American Airlines Center to take on the Dallas Wings. The two will meet again on July 13, August 1, and August 12.
Although Bueckers and Reese weren’t major rivals in college, fans are eager to see what unfolds when they clash in the WNBA. The Sky and Wings first face off on May 29 at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, followed by rematches on May 31 and July 9.
Must-match matchups
In addition to the highly anticipated newcomers battles, the WNBA’s schedule is packed with marquee matchups featuring established superstars. Here are some must-see games:
May 16: Los Angeles Sparks at Golden State Valkyries – The league’s newest team debuts, led by Tiffany Hayes and Kate Martin.
May 17: Minnesota Lynx at Dallas Wings – Bueckers makes her WNBA debut, supported by defensive standout DiJonai Carrington and All-Star MVP Arike Ogunbowale.
May 17: Las Vegas Aces at New York Liberty – 2022 MVP Breanna Stewart squares off against 2024 Finals MVP Jonquel Jones.
May 25: Connecticut Sun at Atlanta Dream – A high-flying duel featuring elite centers Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones, as Atlanta takes on Tina Charles’ Connecticut squad.
May 30: Los Angeles Sparks at Las Vegas Aces – Sparks’ brand new star Kelsey Plum returns to Sin City to face her former team, with whom she won two championships.
July 30: New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx – Reigning DPOY Napheesa Collier challenges the offensive firepower of Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
July 30: Phoenix Mercury at Indiana Fever – Mercury sharpshooter Alyssa Thomas faces her fiancée, DeWanna Bonner, in a game where the final score might not be the biggest storyline.
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