The anticipation is building as the 2025 WNBA gears up for another thrilling season, with stars ready to light up the court. Excitement is already buzzing across the league as teams fine-tune their rosters and sharpen their game plans.
From seasoned veterans to rising rookies, storylines are building that promise a season full of drama and unforgettable moments. Training camps are underway, and preseason games offer just a glimpse of what’s ahead.
With rivalries heating up and fresh talent making waves, the countdown to opening night has fans, players and coaches on edge. As the league prepares to tip into action, all eyes are on the calendar…
What is the start date of the 2025 WNBA regular season?
The wait is nearly over: the 2025 WNBA regular season tips off on Friday, May 16, 2025. Fans across the country are marking their calendars as the league prepares for its 29th season, one that promises to be unlike any before.
Lexie Hull #10 of the Indiana Fever dribbles past Zaay Green #14 of the Washington Mystics during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 3, 2025. (Source: Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Opening night comes packed with excitement, including a historic first for the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s 13th franchise and first expansion team since 2008, according to Sports Illustrated.
The inaugural matchups on May 16 set the tone: the Atlanta Dream will visit the Washington Mystics, the Minnesota Lynx face the Dallas Wings, and the Los Angeles Sparks take on the Valkyries in San Francisco.
This season also ups the stakes with a record-high 44 regular season games per team, an increase reflecting the league’s rising popularity and demand. It’s a bold step forward, expanding the WNBA’s footprint on the sports calendar.
WNBA regular season: Key dates and what’s coming
Beyond opening night, the 2025 WNBA calendar is loaded with major moments that will shape the season. From June 1 to July 1, teams will battle in the Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season tournament adding a layer of intensity to the regular grind.
The All-Star Game is another marquee event, set for July 19 in Indianapolis, where the league’s biggest names will collide in a showcase of skill and star power. Expect fresh rivalries and breakout moments as veterans meet the next wave of rising talent.
As summer winds down, the focus sharpens toward the playoffs, beginning September 14. The postseason promises a fierce run to the title, with the Finals expected to wrap by October 17. With added games, expanded rosters, and the buzz of a new team, 2025 shapes up as a landmark season for the WNBA.
