In Brief

The 2025 WNBA Playoffs First Round kicks off on September 14 with an updated 1-1-1 format. Here’s your full bracket, matchup schedule, and where to catch the action on TV.

Key Points

  • The First Round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs begins Sunday, September 14.
  • Format change: First Round now best-of-three with a 1-1-1 home court format.
  • Eight teams qualify, seeded 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5.
  • Games air on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 depending on date/time.
  • Game 3 of each First Round series is only if needed.

(New York / September 14, 2025) — The 2025 WNBA Playoffs First Round tips off today, marking the beginning of an exciting stretch for women’s basketball. Fans across the country can follow every matchup, game time, and broadcast channel as eight teams battle it out for semifinal spots.

Context & Format

This year, the WNBA has introduced key changes to its playoff structure. Most notably, the First Round now uses a best-of-three format with a 1-1-1 home arrangement. That means the higher seeded team hosts Game 1 and, if necessary, Game 3, while the lower seed hosts Game 2. This ensures both teams get a home game in the series. SI+2WNBA+2

The Finals have also been expanded this season to a best-of-seven series format. Reuters+2Bleacher Report+2

Teams & Matchups

Here are the seedings and matchups for the First Round: Wikipedia+2SI+2

SeedTeam
1Minnesota Lynx
2Las Vegas Aces
3Atlanta Dream
4Phoenix Mercury
5New York Liberty
6Indiana Fever
7Seattle Storm
8Golden State Valkyries

Matchups:

  • (1) Minnesota Lynx vs. (8) Golden State Valkyries

  • (2) Las Vegas Aces vs. (7) Seattle Storm

  • (3) Atlanta Dream vs. (6) Indiana Fever

  • (4) Phoenix Mercury vs. (5) New York Liberty Wikipedia+2SI+2

    • First Round Schedule & Broadcast

    Below is the full schedule for the First Round, including game times and TV channels (Eastern Time). Game 3 in each series is conditional, only played if needed. SI+2WNBA+2

    Game #DateTime (ET)MatchupChannel
    Game 1Sunday, Sept 141:00 PMValkyries @ LynxESPN SI+1
    Game 1Sunday, Sept 143:00 PMFever @ DreamABC SI+1
    Game 1Sunday, Sept 145:00 PMLiberty @ MercuryESPN SI+1
    Game 1Sunday, Sept 1410:00 PMStorm @ AcesESPN SI+1
    Game 2Tuesday, Sept 167:30 PMDream @ FeverESPN SI+1
    Game 2Tuesday, Sept 169:30 PMAces @ StormESPN SI
    Game 2Wednesday, Sept 177:30 PMMercury @ LibertyESPN SI+1
    Game 2Wednesday, Sept 179:30 PMLynx @ ValkyriesESPN SI
    Game 3*Thursday, Sept 187:30 PMStorm @ AcesESPN2 SI
    Game 3*Thursday, Sept 189:30 PMFever @ DreamESPN2 SI
    Game 3*Friday, Sept 197:30 PMValkyries @ LynxESPN2 SI
    Game 3*Friday, Sept 199:30 PMLiberty @ MercuryESPN2 SI

    “Game 3 if needed.” SI+1

    What’s Confirmed / What’s Pending

  • It is confirmed that all First Round games will air through ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC. SI+1

  • All matchups and seedings have been finalized. Wikipedia+1

  • Exact times for Game 3s are listed, but may be subject to minor changes. WNBA+1

    • What to Keep an Eye On

  • Whether any of the higher seeds will be upset, particularly the top seed Minnesota Lynx against the surprising expansion team Golden State Valkyries. Wikipedia+1

  • How the new 1-1-1 format affects travel and momentum for both home and away teams.

    • Conclusion & Next Steps

    The First Round is set to deliver intense matchups starting September 14. As each series progresses, semifinal schedules will be announced based on outcomes. Fans should verify local listings as channel assignments may vary by region.

    Expect more details on broadcasting rights internationally and streaming options in the coming days. And as always, the weather, injuries, or logistical delays could lead to schedule tweaks.

    Advertisement

    Comments

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment!