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The 2025 WNBA season promises an exciting start, with several compelling matchups and the debut of the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s first expansion team since 2008. The league unveiled its full schedule on Monday, which includes the highly anticipated clash between top 2024 draft picks Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, as well as the Valkyries’ inaugural game.
The Valkyries are set to host the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday, May 16, marking the first day of the 2025 season. This game is especially exciting as it will take place at the Chase Center, Golden State's home arena. The expansion draft for the Valkyries will take place earlier in the day, with the team selecting players for their roster at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Sparks, who hold the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, will face a revamped Golden State team featuring top 2024 draft picks like Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. Brink, recovering from an ACL injury, may not be fully ready for the opener, but her return is eagerly anticipated.
Rivalries and High-Stakes Matchups
The season opener weekend is packed with exciting rivalries and notable games. On Saturday, May 17, the Chicago Sky will face the Indiana Fever at 1 p.m. ET in a game that rekindles their rivalry, especially as Caitlin Clark of the Fever faces Angel Reese of the Sky. Later, the defending champions, the New York Liberty, will host the Las Vegas Aces at 3 p.m. ET in a thrilling rematch of the 2024 semifinals. The Liberty emerged victorious in that series, and fans will be watching to see if they can continue their dominance after winning their first title in October. The Liberty will raise their championship banner that afternoon at Barclays Center, adding extra excitement to the game.
A Busy Opening Weekend
The full opening weekend schedule promises a range of exciting matchups (all times ET):
Friday, May 16:
- Dream at Mystics (7:30 p.m.)
- Lynx at Wings (7:30 p.m.)
- Sparks at Valkyries (10 p.m.)
Saturday, May 17:
- Sky at Fever (1 p.m.)
- Aces at Liberty (3 p.m.)
- Storm at Mercury (10 p.m.)
Sunday, May 18:
- Mystics at Sun (1 p.m.)
- Lynx at Sparks (6 p.m.)
Key Matchups and Team Developments
In addition to the debut of the Valkyries, the opening weekend features other key developments. The Dallas Wings, holding the No. 1 overall pick, are expected to select Paige Bueckers, who could make her debut against MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx on May 16. The Wings will also face Caitlin Clark's Fever multiple times during the season.
The Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury will renew their classic rivalry on May 17, with both teams looking to rebuild after significant roster changes. The Mercury and Storm are poised to look quite different from their 2024 teams, and fans are excited to see what their new rosters will bring to the court.
Exciting Changes and Expansion in the WNBA
The 2025 season will also see the WNBA expand to 44 games, up from 40 in previous seasons. The regular season will run from May 16 through September 11, while the All-Star Game will take place on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The playoff format will also undergo changes, with the first round remaining best-of-three but following a 1-1-1 format for home-court games. The Finals will now feature a best-of-seven series.
Franchises are also looking to expand their reach, with several teams moving select games to larger venues. The Connecticut Sun, for instance, will once again host a game in Boston at TD Garden, home of the NBA’s Celtics and NHL’s Bruins. This game, scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, will be against the Fever. Last year’s game in Boston sold out, setting a franchise attendance record with 19,156 fans in the stands.
New Challenges for the Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever, led by 2024 draft pick Caitlin Clark, will have a lighter schedule to start the season. With several games against teams that missed the playoffs in 2024, including Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington, Indiana will have a chance to ease into the season before facing tougher competition. The Fever’s opening weekend will include a home game against the Sky, and throughout the season, they will play a total of five games against Chicago.
Changing Landscape for the Aces and Liberty
The Las Vegas Aces, led by 2024 MVP A’ja Wilson, will continue their pursuit of dominance in the league. Their highly anticipated matchups against the Liberty will take place on July 8 and again on August 13 in Las Vegas. The Aces have sold out season tickets for the second consecutive year, and their final three home games in the regular season will be played at the T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip.
As interest in the WNBA continues to grow, the league is embracing new opportunities and challenges. With new teams, revamped schedules, and fierce competition, the 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history.
