When Do WNBA Playoffs Start in 2025? Full Breakdown Here

The 2024 WNBA playoffs were a banger in terms of entertainment and exceptional performances from the players in the league. However, the adrenaline rush that the past season gave to the fans has left them wanting more. That’s why the question that’s on every WNBA fan’s mind is when do WNBA playoffs start? The 2024 WNBA Playoffs officially began on September 22, 2024, concluding with the New York Liberty winning their first championship against the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling five-game WNBA Finals that wrapped up on October 20, 2024. Speaking of, the 2025 WNBA Playoffs which is scheduled to commence in September 2025. The top eight teams with the highest winning percentage will qualify for the playoffs. For the first time, the WNBA Finals in 2025 will adopt a best-of-seven format, indicating the league's continued growth and emphasis on a more extensive championship series.

When Do WNBA Playoffs Start in 2025?

To answer the question of when do WNBA playoffs start, it will start on September 14, 2025, on the eve of Monday. Before the Playoffs, all the WNBA teams will compete with each other, and the top eight will get to play the playoffs. And it will be just a trailer of what the WNBA will be bringing to the table in the upcoming years. As per the ongoing WNBA season, we can say the strong contenders for the playoffs can be the Minnesota Lynx (11-1), the New York Liberty (10-2), the Phoenix Mercury(10-4), and so on. The ticket-selling count will eventually increase in the league, leading to more revenue for the league. However, as the exciting ongoing WNBA season, fans are looking forward to seeing which teams will make it to the playoffs. In this article, we will get to know all the information about the WNBA's regular season and WNBA playoffs.

When is the last day of the WNBA Regular Season?

Answering the question, the WNBA regular season will end on September 11, 2025, before the WNBA playoffs begin. The 2025 WNBA regular season, which began on May 16, 2025, marks the league's 29th season. This year, each team will be playing a record-high 44 games, with each team playing 22 home games and 22 road games. This expanded schedule reflects the league's growing popularity and demand among fans. A significant mid-season event is the fifth annual Commissioner's Cup tournament, which takes place over 17 days in June. All games played during this window contribute to the Commissioner's Cup standings, ranking in the Commissioner's Cup Championship on July 1. This tournament adds another layer of competition and a chance for teams to earn early-season silverware and prize money. The WNBA All-Star Break is scheduled from July 17-21, with the WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis. This mid-season showcase allows fans to see the league's best talents compete. The trade deadline for the 2025 season is set for August 7, 2025.

How long do the WNBA Playoffs last?

Speaking about the last date of the WNBA playoffs in 2025, as per the key dates provided by the WNBA is October 19, 2025. As per the beginning date mentioned above, we can estimate 2025 WNBA Playoffs are set to last just over a month. This duration is influenced by the new, extended playoff format for 2025. The First Round will be a best-of-three series, followed by best-of-five semifinals, and a historic best-of-seven WNBA Finals, which is a new addition this season. This shows the demand for the WNBA playoffs among the fans.

When Do WNBA Finals Start?

As per the date provided, the WNBA finals will end on October 19, 2025, and will begin after the conclusion of the First Round (best-of-three) and the Semifinals (best-of-five). While the exact start date will depend on how quickly the earlier playoff series conclude. This year marks a significant change, introducing the best-of-seven series for the first time in WNBA history. This extended format, using a 2-2-1-1-1 pattern, means the series could last longer, offering more thrilling championship basketball than in previous seasons. However, let's see if these new additions can set up the thrill in the minds of the fans for the upcoming season; it will be great for the game.

What would the Playoffs look like if the season ended today?

If the WNBA regular season wrapped up today, we'd be diving headfirst into an intense playoff picture, featuring the league's top eight teams competing for the championship. Based on current standings, the Minnesota Lynx is holding strong at the top, closely followed by the New York Liberty. The Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream are also looking good, while the Seattle Storm, Golden State Valkyries, and Indiana Fever are securing their spots. The Las Vegas Aces, despite a slower start, are currently holding onto the eighth and final playoff position. The first round would see the Lynx face the Aces, the Liberty go up against the Valkyries, the Mercury challenge the Fever, and the Dream battle the Storm. These first-round matchups are best-of-three, with the higher seed hosting games 1 and 3 (starting in 2025). As we move to the semifinals, it's a best-of-five, and the WNBA Finals will be an extended best-of-seven series, promising even more thrilling basketball for fans!

How to Watch WNBA Playoffs?

Answering the question of where to watch WNBA playoffs, there are several convenient ways to tune in, whether you prefer traditional TV or streaming. The primary broadcasters for the WNBA Playoffs will be carrying the games. This means if we have a cable TV subscription that includes these channels, then we are all set to watch a significant portion of the postseason action, including the WNBA Finals. If we have cut the cord, various live TV streaming services offer access to these channels. Popular options include various services that provide free trials, which can be a way to catch playoff games without a long-term commitment. If the game is not broadcast nationally or locally in your area, a dedicated subscription service is a way to watch the WNBA playoffs. This service, accessible through the WNBA app and website, offers live and on-demand access to most games. So, whether you're a cable subscriber or a streamer, you have plenty of options to follow all the exciting WNBA playoff matchups!