With the release of the highly anticipated 2025 WNBA schedule, fans are already circling their calendars for the must-see matchups of the upcoming season. From the debut of the league’s newest expansion team to heated rivalries and championship rematches, the 2025 season promises to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the incredible talent of the world’s best women’s basketball players.
Golden State Valkyries Set to Make a Splash
All eyes will be on the Golden State Valkyries as they take the court for their inaugural season. The Valkyries, led by head coach Natalie Nakase, a former assistant under Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon, are poised to make an immediate impact in the league. Fans will get their first glimpse of the expansion team on opening day, May 16, as they host the Los Angeles Sparks.
Dallas Wings’ No. 1 Pick Debut
The Dallas Wings, who won the draft lottery and are expected to select UConn star Paige Bueckers with the top pick, will also be in action on opening day. The Wings will host the Minnesota Lynx, giving fans an early look at the rookie sensation and her matchup against the defending champion Lynx.
Bueckers, one of the front-runners for the 2024-25 NCAA national player of the year with UConn, projects as the favorite for WNBA Rookie of the Year.
– According to a close source
Fierce Rivalries Renewed
The 2025 season will also reignite some of the league’s most intense rivalries, including:
- Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever: Rookie sensations Caitlin Clark (Fever) and Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese (Sky) elevate this geographic rivalry to new heights.
- Las Vegas Aces vs. Minnesota Lynx: A matchup of the league’s last two MVPs, A’ja Wilson (Aces) and Napheesa Collier (Lynx), is a must-see on June 17.
- New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces: A rematch of the 2023 WNBA Finals and 2024 semifinals, featuring MVPs Breanna Stewart (Liberty) and A’ja Wilson (Aces).
WNBA Finals Rematch
Perhaps the most anticipated matchup of the 2025 season will be the WNBA Finals rematch between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx. The Liberty, who won their first championship in a thrilling five-game series last season, will host the Lynx at Barclays Center on August 10. Fans will be eager to see if the Lynx can avenge their heartbreaking Game 5 overtime loss on the same court.
This s— was stolen from us.
– Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve after the Game 5 loss
New Faces in New Places
The 2025 season will also feature several prominent coaches in new roles:
- Stephanie White returns to the Indiana Fever for her second stint as head coach
- Tyler Marsh takes over the Chicago Sky
- Karl Smesko (Atlanta Dream) and Lynne Roberts (Los Angeles Sparks) transition from successful college coaching careers to the WNBA
As the pieces fall into place through the expansion draft, free agency, and the 2025 WNBA Draft, these 10 must-see matchups are just the tip of the iceberg for what promises to be an incredible season of women’s basketball. From rising stars to legendary veterans, fierce rivalries to fresh faces, the 2025 WNBA season has something for every fan. Mark your calendars and get ready for a thrilling ride!
