The WNBA will begin its 2025 season on May 16, highlighted by expansion franchise Golden State hosting Los Angeles. Also on opening day, Dallas, which has the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft and is expected to take UConn guard Paige Bueckers, will host 2024 runner-up Minnesota.
WNBA teams will play 44 games and conclude the regular season Sept. 11, followed by the playoffs, which have expanded to a best-of-seven series for the WNBA Finals. The semifinals remain best-of-five and the first round stays best-of-three, although that format changes to 1-1-1, guaranteeing both teams get a home game.
The WNBA’s television and streaming schedules will be released later.
The Valkyries, who join the league as its 13th team, have their expansion draft Friday (ESPN, 6:30 p.m. ET). Golden State will pick fifth in the 2025 draft in April. The Sparks, who finished last in 2024, have the No. 2 selection in the draft.
Washington, with the No. 4 pick in the draft, will host to the other opening-day game, facing Atlanta.
Defending WNBA champion New York gets…
