When does the WNBA season begin? Key dates, opening week schedule

When does the 2025 WNBA season begin? Key dates, opening weekend schedule, times, how to watch

After a jam-packed offseason filled with the WNBA expansion draft, the 2025 WNBA Draft, countless blockbuster trades and several high-profile retirements, the 29th WNBA season is officially upon us.

And for the first time in league history, there will be 13 teams listed on the schedule and the standings.

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's 13th franchise and first expansion team since the Atlanta Dream in 2008, will tip off its inaugural season on May 16th at Chase Center with a matchup against the in-state rival Los Angeles Sparks.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming WNBA season, including the opening weekend schedule:

When does the 2025 WNBA season begin?

The 2025 WNBA season officially tips off on May 16 with three games.

How long is the 2025 WNBA season?

The WNBA season runs from May 16 to Sept. 11. Each team will play a total of 44 games over the course of the regular season, up from 40 games played during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will have 41 of their 44 games nationally televised or streamed, while the Las Vegas Aces will have 33 and the defending champion New York Liberty will have 32 this year. 

2025 WNBA season opening weekend schedule, game times, TV channels info

A rivalry matchup between Clark and the Fever and Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky highlights the opening weekend games. It marks the first of five matchups between the Fever and Sky this season.

Here's how the rest of the weekend shakes out (all times Eastern):

Friday, May 16

Atlanta vs. Washington | 7:30 p.m. (ION)

Minnesota vs. Dallas | 7:30 p.m. (ION)

Los Angeles vs. Golden State | 10 p.m. (ION)

Saturday, May 17

New York vs. Las Vegas | 1 p.m. (ABC, ESPN+, Disney+)

Chicago vs. Indiana | 3 p.m. (ABC, ESPN+, Disney+)

Phoenix vs. Seattle | 10 p.m.

Sunday, May 18

Connecticut vs. Washington | 1 p.m.

Los Angeles vs. Minnesota | 6 p.m.

2025 WNBA season key dates to remember

Here's some key dates to add to your calendar for the upcoming season:

June 1-17: Commissioner’s Cup Tournament

July 1: Commissioner’s Cup Championship

July 17-21: WNBA All-Star break

July 19: WNBA All-Star Game

Sept. 11: Regular season ends

Sept. 14: Playoffs begin

Oct. 17: Last possible Finals date

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