2025 WNBA Playoff First Round Bracket

Overview:

The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are poised to be one of the most significant in league history. With a revamped playoff format, expanded Finals, and a field loaded with star power, fans have much to anticipate. This article breaks down the schedule, matchups, standings, format changes, and what to watch for in this year’s postseason.

The 2025 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) postseason begins Sunday, September 14 and runs through mid-October. The league has made some major changes this year — most notably to the Finals format — that could impact how the champion is crowned. Here’s everything you need to know.

Teams & Standings

  • Eight teams qualified for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs. Seeding is based on regular season records, regardless of conference.
  • Final regular season standings of the playoff field:
    1. Minnesota Lynx (34-10)
    2. Las Vegas Aces (30-14)
    3. Atlanta Dream (30-14)
    4. Phoenix Mercury (27-17)
    5. New York Liberty (27-17)
    6. Indiana Fever (24-20)
    7. Seattle Storm (23-21)
    8. Golden State Valkyries (23-21)

Format & Changes

  • First Round: Best-of-three series using a 1-1-1 format (higher seed hosts games 1 and 3, lower seed hosts game 2).
  • Semifinals: Best-of-five series (format 2-2-1).
  • Finals: For the first time ever, the WNBA Finals will be played as a best-of-seven (format 2-2-1-1-1).

Key Storylines & What to Watch

  • Minnesota Lynx enter as the top seed with the league’s best record.
  • Las Vegas Aces bring strong momentum after a late season surge.
  • Upset potential: Matchups like Mercury vs. Liberty and Dream vs. Fever could go either way.
  • The expanded Finals format means more endurance, more opportunities for comebacks, and greater emphasis on roster depth.

How to Watch

  • All playoff games will broadcast via ESPN family of networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) and ABC in the U.S.
  • International viewers can tune in via WNBA League Pass and select regional broadcasters.

Conclusion

With format changes, intense matchups, and talented playoff teams, WNBA Playoffs 2025 is set to be a milestone in league history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s plenty to be excited about: first-round drama, a longer Finals, and potential upsets that could reshape the league’s future.

Sources

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