What Are Some of the Key Storylines for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs and Offseason?
The WNBA playoffs are set to begin on Sunday, September 14th, 2025, and the stage is set for one of the most compelling postseasons in league history. Eight teams have made their way to the postseason, seeded one through eight. The first round is a best-of-three series, followed by best-of-five semifinals. For the first time, the WNBA Finals expanded to a best-of-seven series, raising the stakes for a championship run. With changes to the game format and plenty of drama on and off the court, this postseason is sure to be action-packed.
One of the most intriguing first-round battles is the Indiana Fever, seeded sixth, against the Atlanta Dream, seeded third. Indiana looked incredibly strong entering the season, but playoff hopes took a hit with star guard Caitlin Clark sidelined for the rest of the season due to groin and ankle injuries, leaving her teammates to shoulder the load. The Atlanta Dream is having a surprise season. Led by their star guard Rhyne Howard, the Dream look to continue to show that they can be a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA. The same can’t be said for the Chicago Sky, whose star Angel Reese will be absent after suspension and back injury, clouding their postseason outlook.
Several players are poised to define the playoffs. Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesha Collier completed a rare 50-40-90 shooting season, placing her firmly in the MVP conversation as she leads a title push. Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers finished her rookie season after a historic campaign with 692 points, the third most by a rookie in WNBA history. Veteran contenders include Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu with the New York Liberty and A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces, aiming for another championship run. These athletes will battle not only for the WNBA title but also for individual honors like MVP and all-star recognition, making every possession and matchup critical in this high-stakes postseason.
Off the court, significant developments have also shaped the playoff backdrop. The Connecticut Sun’s ownership situation has drawn state attention, with the attorney general investigating reports of potential sale or relocation. Women’s basketball as a whole is experiencing rapid growth, with WNBA views rising significantly in the past few years. Beyond the WNBA, Unrivaled, the new three-on-three league founded by WNBA stars, recently hit a $340 million valuation after its latest round of funding. This year’s playoffs combine historic firsts, superstar performances, and high-stakes uncertainty. With rookies making their mark, veterans chasing legacies, and the league itself expanding its footprint, the 2025 postseason promises to be must-watch basketball.
