WNBA Schedule: A Complete Look at the Season Format
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) features a dynamic and growing calendar that showcases top-tier women’s basketball talent across the United States. The 2025 season introduces expanded games and new milestones, making it essential for fans and newcomers alike to understand the league’s structure.
Regular Season
The 2025 WNBA regular season runs from May 16 to September 11, with each of the league’s 13 teams playing 44 regular-season games. This increase from 40 games (used from 2023 to 2024) reflects the league’s ongoing expansion and the addition of the Golden State Valkyries.
Teams typically play two to four games per week, with schedules optimized for both weekday evenings and weekend slots.
WNBA All-Star Weekend
Held in mid-July, the WNBA All-Star Game celebrates the league’s biggest stars. The 2025 edition takes place on July 19, and includes:
- Skills Challenge
- Three-Point Contest
- All-Star Game, which in 2025 featured Team Clark vs. Team Collier, captained by the top vote-getters
- The weekend is broadcast across ABC and ESPN platforms
Commissioner’s Cup
First introduced in 2021, the Commissioner’s Cup remains a highlight of the regular season. Key features in 2025 include:
- Designated “Cup games” during the early part of the regular season
- Top teams from each conference compete in the Cup Championship Game
- In 2025, the title game was held on July 1, earlier than in past seasons
- A $500,000 prize pool, with bonuses and cryptocurrency incentives for players
WNBA Playoffs
The playoffs begin on September 14, 2025, with the potential to run through October 17. The top 8 teams, regardless of conference, qualify based on overall regular-season records.
2025 Playoff Format:
- First Round: Best-of-three series
- Semifinals: Best-of-five series
- WNBA Finals: Now expanded to a best-of-seven series, marking a historic shift in league format
This change ensures the most competitive championship series in WNBA history.
Offseason Calendar
After the season ends, key offseason events include:
- Free Agency: Starts in January
- WNBA Draft: Held in April (2025 Draft took place on April 14)
- Training Camp: Begins late April
- Preseason Games: Held in early May
Teams use this period to rebuild, sign new talent, and prepare for the upcoming season.
How to Watch
WNBA games are available across multiple platforms:
- TV Broadcasts: ESPN, ABC, CBS Sports Network, and ION
- Streaming Services: WNBA League Pass, Prime Video, ESPN+, and Disney+
- Local Access: Regional sports networks and radio stations offer additional coverage
