The 2025 WNBA season stirs anticipation as fans and insiders alike await its kickoff. Early reports hint at a dynamic schedule and emerging rivalries, setting the stage for a transformative chapter in professional women’s basketball.
League executives maintain a measured discretion while promising innovative scheduling and strategic enhancements. These subtle shifts suggest a competitive season designed to highlight both veteran prowess and rising talent.
As pre-season preparations intensify, analysts predict that this season will redefine on-court narratives. With a blend of tradition and fresh energy, the upcoming campaign promises intriguing twists without revealing all the details.
Official start date
The wait is almost over. The 2025 WNBA season officially begins on May 16, ushering in a new era marked by expansion and rising expectations, according to the official website of the organization.
Rhyne Howard #10 of the Vinyl dribbles the ball against Brittney Sykes #20 of Rose BC during the third quarter of the Unrivaled Championship Final 2025 at Wayfair Arena on March 17, 2025. (Source: Rich Storry/Getty Images)
All eyes will be on the debut of the league’s 13th franchise—the Golden State Valkyries, who open the season at home against the Los Angeles Sparks. This is the WNBA’s first expansion team since 2008, a sign of the league’s continued growth and momentum.
Key opening games
The 2025 WNBA season tips off on Friday, May 16, and it wastes no time delivering high-stakes action. Among the standout matchups is the historic debut of the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s first expansion team in over 15 years, as they host the Los Angeles Sparks in San Francisco at 10:00 p.m. ET.
All eyes will be on how the Valkyries perform in their first official appearance, signaling the start of a new era for the league. Earlier that evening, the Minnesota Lynx visit the Dallas Wings, who are expected to hold the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream face off against the Washington Mystics, rounding out a full opening night slate that offers something for every fan. The excitement continues on Saturday, May 17, with a blockbuster showdown between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces—a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals.
The New York Liberty pose after the win over Minnesota Lynx in Game Five of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 20, 2024. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)
Scheduled to air nationally on ABC at 1:00 p.m. ET, the game features the league’s top two superteams and promises playoff-level intensity from the jump. With rivalries reigniting and fresh storylines emerging, opening weekend sets a high bar for what’s to come in 2025.
Early storylines
With the 2025 WNBA Draft just days away (April 14), speculation runs wild. Will Paige Bueckers become the No. 1 overall pick? The Dallas Wings are expected to make that call, and her arrival could instantly change the balance of power in the league.
Meanwhile, the integration of the Golden State Valkyries into the competitive landscape adds intrigue—how quickly can an expansion team find its footing? Add to that major free agency shifts and the looming Olympic break, and there’s no shortage of drama waiting to unfold.
2024 recap
The 2024 WNBA season wasn’t just memorable, it was historic. After years of building momentum, the league delivered one of its most compelling and competitive campaigns to date.
Aliyah Boston #7 and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts as they play the Connecticut Sun during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first round in 2024. (Source: Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
At the heart of the action were the New York Liberty, a team stacked with talent that finally lived up to its potential by securing the first championship in franchise history. Led by Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty dethroned the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces in a dramatic five-game Finals series that went down to the wire.
But the season’s impact extended far beyond the scoreboard. A’ja Wilson continued her dominance, earning her third league MVP title while also anchoring the Aces on both ends of the court.
Rising stars like Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark (who entered the league midseason through hardship exemption) brought fresh energy and expanded the fanbase, especially among younger viewers.
Off the court, the numbers told a powerful story: 2024 was the most-watched regular season in 24 years, with record-breaking ratings across ESPN, ABC and CBS. In-arena attendance hit a 22-year high, and merchandise sales soared, further signaling the WNBA’s ascent into mainstream sports culture.
