The WNBA just dropped its 2025 season schedule, and fans across the country are buzzing. With fresh matchups, more games, and a palpable energy from the league’s steady rise in popularity, this season promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
The Expanded Season: A Win for Fans
First off, let’s talk numbers. The 2025 season boasts a record-breaking 44 games per team, up from 40 in 2024. That’s four more opportunities for fans to catch their favorite stars in action. The league is doubling down on its growth, and this schedule reflects that. With more games comes more exposure, a broader fan base, and a chance for the WNBA to continue breaking barriers in sports.
“We look forward to tipping off the WNBA’s 29th season in May of 2025 and continuing to build on the success of last season, when the WNBA delivered its most-watched Draft and All-Star Game, and set records for viewership, attendance, digital consumption and merchandise sales. The upcoming free agency period and the 2025 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm will create a tremendous level of excitement, and we are also looking forward to the expansion Golden State Valkyries taking the court for the first time.” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert
Key Matchups and Dates
Mark your calenders for Friday, May 16, for the opening night triple header. The three-game slate features the Atlanta Dream at the Washington Mystics, the Minnesota Lynx at the Dallas Wings, who own the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and the Los Angeles Sparks at the Valkyries.
All eyes will be on Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese this coming season as the two of the leagues brightest young stars. 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever take on the Chicago Sky on Saturday, May 17. The New York Liberty will begin their title defense on May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces.
Following the NBA’s mid-season tournament, this year the WNBA will have its mid-season tournament: the Commissioner’s Cup. The Commissioner’s Cup will occur from June 1-17, culminating in a championship game on July 1. The regular season will pause to highlight this event. Wins and losses count towards the regular season win-loss record and the championship team will take a substantial $500,000 prize. Crypto company Coinbase is sponsoring the Commissioner’s Cup and will award $5,000 in cryptocurrency to each player in the championship game.
Prime Time Coverage: All Eyes on the W
Count on more national broadcast slots. ESPN, ABC, and CBS have all stepped up their coverage, ensuring that fans won’t miss marquee matchups. Friday nights are shaping up to be WNBA primetime, with the league locking in a consistent schedule to make it easier for fans to tune in.
Streaming services like Amazon Prime and League Pass are also expanding their offerings, giving fans more flexibility to catch games wherever they are.
Rookies, Legends, and Storylines to Watch
This season also marks the arrival of the much-anticipated 2025 rookie class, led by generational talent Layla Brown out of UConn. Can she live up to the hype and make an immediate impact? On the flip side, veterans like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird are continuing to inspire fans with their longevity, reminding us all why they’re legends of the game.
Will the Aces dominate again, or will a team like the Dallas Wings finally break through? Every game is a piece of the puzzle, building toward what promises to be a thrilling playoff run.
The 2025 schedule is a reflection of the league’s rise in relevance. From record-breaking attendance in 2024 to a surge in merchandise sales, the WNBA is no longer just “on the rise.” It’s here.
