Aces vs Liberty 2025 is heating up again. Are the WNBA’s top teams still the league’s fiercest rivalry? Let’s break down the season so far.
If you’re a WNBA fan, you’ve already circled every Aces vs Liberty 2025 matchup on the calendar. What started as a star-studded battle in 2023 has evolved into a full-blown rivalry with championship implications, heated moments, and coast-to-coast energy. As both teams sit near the top of the standings yet again, the question is simple: Is this still the WNBA’s most elite rivalry?
Let’s dig into the storylines, player matchups, recent games, and what this rivalry means for women’s basketball 2025.
The Origins of the Rivalry: Superteams Collide
The Aces and Liberty first clashed with serious stakes during the 2023 season when both teams built superteams through free agency and trades.
What Sparked the Fire:
- Las Vegas Aces added Candace Parker to a core of A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Chelsea Gray.
- New York Liberty brought in Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot to join Sabrina Ionescu.
These weren’t just good teams. They were powerhouses stacked with MVPs and All-Stars, destined to meet in the Finals—and they did in 2023, with Vegas taking the title.
2025 Season So Far: Dead Even in the Standings
As of July 20, 2025, both teams are near the top of the league again.
| Team | Record | Seed |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Aces | 18–5 | 1st |
| New York Liberty | 17–6 | 2nd |
Their regular-season series is tied 1–1, with their third matchup scheduled for August 8 on ESPN—a game expected to draw over 1.5 million viewers, according to SportsMediaWatch.
Star Power and Stacked Lineups
This rivalry thrives on the strength of its rosters.
Las Vegas Aces Key Players:
- A’ja Wilson – Current MVP frontrunner, averaging 22.9 PPG and 9.7 RPG
- Kelsey Plum – Explosive scorer, fresh off a 30-point night vs Seattle
- Chelsea Gray – Floor general and clutch shot-maker
New York Liberty Key Players:
- Breanna Stewart – 2023 MVP, still putting up elite two-way numbers
- Sabrina Ionescu – One of the best 3-point shooters in the league
- Jonquel Jones – Quietly dominant in the paint
Player Stat Comparison (2025 Season Averages)
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A’ja Wilson | 22.9 | 9.7 | 2.5 | 37% |
| Breanna Stewart | 21.1 | 8.3 | 3.2 | 34% |
| Kelsey Plum | 19.4 | 2.1 | 5.8 | 41% |
| Sabrina Ionescu | 17.6 | 3.8 | 6.4 | 42% |
These numbers aren’t just good—they’re MVP-level. Every matchup between these teams feels like an All-Star game with real stakes.
Recent Game Recap: Sparks Fly in Vegas
The most recent meeting on July 5 was a thriller. The Aces edged out the Liberty 89–87 thanks to a last-second jumper from Plum and a clutch block by Wilson.
Game Highlights:
- Wilson: 24 points, 12 rebounds
- Stewart: 23 points, 3 blocks
- Ionescu hit five 3s in the second half
- Game featured two technical fouls and four lead changes in the final minute
This one had it all—elite basketball, intensity, and drama.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Loves the Chaos
The hashtag #AcesvsLiberty trended for over 24 hours on X after their last game.
Fan comments included:
“This is the rivalry the W needed.”
“Stewie vs A’ja is better than any NBA rivalry right now.”
“Can we get a best-of-7 every year, please?”
And honestly? They’re not wrong.
TV Ratings and Growing National Interest
Games between these two teams consistently rank among the most-watched in the league.
- Their July 5 game drew 1.4 million viewers on ABC.
- Liberty vs. Aces games now consistently outdraw NBA Summer League games.
- According to Front Office Sports, WNBA sponsorship revenue is up 45% since 2022, partly due to matchups like this.
This rivalry is helping carry the league’s visibility to new heights.
Endorsements: Aces and Liberty Stars Cashing In
It’s not just on-court success. These players are building brands off the court too.
Recent Endorsements:
- A’ja Wilson – Gatorade, Nike, and Google
- Sabrina Ionescu – Nike signature shoe (first for a WNBA guard)
- Stewart – Puma, Beats by Dre
- Plum – Under Armour + mental health campaigns
With so much star power concentrated between these two teams, the marketing potential is massive.
How This Rivalry Shapes the WNBA Playoffs 2025
Assuming both teams stay healthy, they’re likely headed for another Finals collision course.
Why that matters:
- Potential repeat of the 2023 Finals
- Legacy stakes for Wilson, Stewart, and Ionescu
- More media attention, ticket sales, and broadcast coverage
And let’s not forget—these teams don’t like each other. On-court chirping and off-court shade have added fuel to this fire.
Final Thoughts: Aces vs Liberty 2025 Is Still Must-Watch Basketball
The Aces vs Liberty 2025 rivalry isn’t just the best in the WNBA—it might be the most compelling in all of pro basketball. It has everything: stars, stakes, drama, and deeply invested fan bases. Whether you’re new to the W or a longtime supporter, you don’t want to miss their next chapter.
💬 Your Turn
Who you got in the rivalry—Aces or Liberty? Do you think this year’s Finals is already set? Drop your take in the comments, hit that share button, and subscribe to stay updated with the best WNBA news and rivalries.
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FAQs
1. How many times have the Aces and Liberty played in 2025?
They’ve played twice so far in the regular season and are tied 1–1, with one more matchup scheduled.
2. Who won the WNBA Finals in 2023 and 2024?
The Aces won in 2023, while the Liberty claimed the 2024 title, making 2025 a potential rubber match.
3. Are the Aces and Liberty the top teams in the WNBA in 2025?
Yes, both teams currently sit at the top of the standings and are favorites for another Finals clash.
4. What TV channel airs Liberty vs Aces games?
ESPN, ABC, and CBS regularly air these matchups, with replay access via WNBA League Pass.
5. Who are the biggest stars in the rivalry?
A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu are the headliners, with major fan followings and All-Star status.
