Expansion Valkyries tip off 2025 WNBA schedule - ESPN

The WNBA will begin its 2025 season on May 16, highlighted by expansion franchise Golden State hosting Los Angeles. Also on opening day, Dallas, which has the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft and is expected to take UConn guard Paige Bueckers, will host 2024 runner-up Minnesota.

WNBA teams will play 44 games and conclude the regular season Sept. 11, followed by the playoffs, which have expanded to a best-of-seven series for the WNBA Finals. The semifinals remain best-of-five and the first round stays best-of-three, although that format changes to 1-1-1, guaranteeing both teams get a home game.

The WNBA's television and streaming schedules will be released later.

The Valkyries, who join the league as its 13th team, have their expansion draft Friday (ESPN, 6:30 p.m. ET). Golden State will pick fifth in the 2025 draft in April. The Sparks, who finished last in 2024, have the No. 2 selection in the draft.

Washington, with the No. 4 pick in the draft, will host to the other opening-day game, facing Atlanta.

Defending WNBA champion New York gets started on May 17, hosting two-time champion Las Vegas, led by 2024 unanimous MVP A'ja Wilson. Indiana and 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark begin their season on May 17 as well, facing Chicago and Angel Reese. The Sky have the No. 3 pick in April's draft.

Stephanie White is now guiding the Fever and Tyler Marsh the Sky, as several teams will have new coaches for 2025. Connecticut, Dallas and Washington still have not hired their coaches.

New York and Minnesota, who battled five games for the WNBA title in October, face off four times in 2025: in Minneapolis on July 30 and Aug. 16, and in New York on Aug. 10 and Aug. 19.

New York and Las Vegas, who met in the 2023 WNBA Finals won by