The 2025 WNBA playoffs are set to commence on September 14, with eight teams advancing to compete for the championship. This season marks a significant change as the WNBA Finals will expand to a best-of-seven series for the first time, featuring a 2-2-1-1-1 structure where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. The regular season concludes on September 11, and while the Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, and Chicago Sky have been officially eliminated from contention, the playoff picture is rapidly taking shape.

As of Tuesday's games, only two teams have officially clinched a postseason berth. The Minnesota Lynx were the first to secure their spot, maintaining a commanding lead at the top of the standings for most of the season. Led by MVP front-runner Napheesa Collier, the Lynx opened with nine consecutive victories and won 17 of their first 19 games. They demonstrated resilience, going 5-2 while Collier was sidelined with an ankle injury. The Las Vegas Aces became the second team to clinch a playoff spot, overcoming a challenging start that included a three-game losing streak in mid-June and a .500 record at the All-Star break. Their resurgence has been fueled by an impressive 11-game winning streak, starting after a record-setting 53-point home loss to Minnesota. A'ja Wilson has been a pivotal force, scoring at least 30 points in five of these victories and becoming the first WNBA player with a 30-point, 20-rebound game. The Aces solidified their berth with a 79-74 victory over the Chicago Sky, a game where Jackie Young contributed 22 points and seven assists, while Wilson added 18 points and nine rebounds. During this game, Candace Parker's No. 3 jersey was retired by the Sky, making her the second WNBA player to have her number retired by two different teams.

The playoff schedule is detailed across several weeks. The First Round, a best-of-three 1-1-1 format, will run from Sunday, September 14, to Friday, September 19, with games broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2. The Semifinals, a best-of-five 2-2-1 format, are scheduled from Sunday, September 21, to Tuesday, September 30, also on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2. The historic WNBA Finals will kick off on Friday, October 3, and could extend until Friday, October 17, with games airing on ESPN and ABC.

With only sixteen days left in the regular season, the battle for the remaining playoff berths is intense. Beyond the clinched Lynx and Aces, the top teams like the Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty are also vying for playoff seeding and home-court advantage. Five teams are within four games of each other, realistically competing for the final three spots: the Seattle Storm, Golden State Valkyries, Indiana Fever, Los Angeles Sparks, and Washington Mystics.

The **Seattle Storm** (20-18) currently hold the sixth seed with a 95.1% chance of making the playoffs. Despite inconsistencies and a six-game losing streak in August, they have recovered with four wins in their last five games, including a buzzer-beater by Nneka Ogwumike. Rookie Dominique Malonga has emerged as a key player. The Storm will aim to improve their home record (8-10) as they close the season with four home contests.

The **Indiana Fever** (19-18) have an 88.2% chance of making the playoffs, despite significant challenges, including Caitlin Clark being limited to 13 games and three other guards out for the season. New additions like Odyssey Sims, Shey Peddy, and Aerial Powers bring veteran experience to a team facing a tough remaining schedule against fellow playoff contenders.

The **Golden State Valkyries** (19-18) have defied preseason expectations, achieving a WNBA record for most wins by an expansion team in their inaugural season. With a 76.8% playoff chance, they are poised to become the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its debut. Veronica Burton has been a revelation, leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals, stepping up particularly after All-Star Kayla Thornton's season-ending injury.

The **Los Angeles Sparks** (17-18) are striving to end a playoff drought since 2020, with a 39.3% chance of making the postseason. Their high-octane offense, with Rickea Jackson's increased scoring averaging 17.3 PPG in her last 15 games, will be crucial. With the most games remaining (nine), including six in the final 11 days, the Sparks recognize the need for strong defense.

The **Washington Mystics** (16-22) have a slim 0.6% chance of making the playoffs. Despite a surprisingly strong season led by rookie All-Stars Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, the trade of Brittney Sykes and recent losses have lowered their standing. Shakira Austin, with her strong recent performances, is also a pivotal player for any last-ditch effort to climb the standings.