WNBA Playoffs Begin with Historic 44-Game Season, Expansion Team Makes Debut

The 2025 WNBA season has been historic and highly competitive, culminating in record-breaking attendance and intense playoff races. The playoffs begin on September 14, with the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx facing the expansion Golden State Valkyries, who made a remarkable debut by reaching the playoffs and selling out all home games. The Lynx, featuring MVP contender Napheesa Collier—who achieved a rare 50/40/90 shooting season—and a deep, versatile roster, are favored to claim their fifth championship, seeking redemption after last year's Finals loss. Other key seeds and matchups remain undecided as the regular season ends, with teams like the Las Vegas Aces on winning streaks aiming for home-court advantage, highlighting the competitive balance and emerging superstars shaping the league's future. Across the league, individual performances, such as those by Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury, are also redefining records and expectations. The WNBA's evolving landscape promises an exciting postseason featuring both established contenders and rising teams poised to challenge for the title.