The 2025 WNBA playoffs kicked off on Sunday with a full slate of games, revealing a lack of close contests as the Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, and Atlanta Dream swept to easy victories. The sole tight matchup came when the New York Liberty edged out the Phoenix Mercury in overtime, dominating the additional period.

With a new best-of-three first-round format, the Mercury, Indiana Fever, Seattle Storm, and Golden State Valkyries face make-or-break situations, having lost their opening games.

Upcoming Schedule

Tuesday, Sept. 16

• Game 2: No. 3 Dream at No. 6 Fever, 7:30 p.m. – ESPN / fubo
• Game 2: No. 2 Aces at No. 7 Storm, 9:30 p.m. – ESPN / fubo

Wednesday, Sept. 17

• Game 2: No. 4 Mercury at No. 5 Liberty, 7:30 p.m. – ESPN / fubo
• Game 2: No. 1 Lynx at No. 8 Valkyries, 9:30 p.m. – ESPN / fubo

The following teams need significant improvements to avoid elimination and will be ranked by their chances of success in Game 2.

1. Phoenix Mercury

Game 1 was a struggle with both teams displaying physicality and making numerous turnovers. Despite losing, the Mercury remain in the competition and will attempt to rebound against the Liberty at Barclays Center.

2. Indiana Fever

Struggling to create opportunities without Caitlin Clark, the Fever need to resurrect their offensive game to challenge the Dream effectively.

3. Seattle Storm

Opening as the underdogs against the Aces, the Storm need to find their rhythm after a lackluster performance in Game 1.

4. Golden State Valkyries

Making history as an expansion team, the Valkyries face a tough challenge against the top-seeded Lynx, who outclassed them in their last encounter.