The WNBA Playoff Picture 2025 is heating up. See current standings, top teams, and which matchups could define the postseason run.
As we enter the home stretch of the regular season, the WNBA Playoff Picture 2025 is becoming clearer—and more intense. With standout rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese making major waves, fans are seeing one of the most competitive playoff races in recent memory. The stakes? Sky-high.
Whether you’re a casual fan or deep into the WNBA news cycle, this breakdown of the current playoff hunt gives you everything you need—from latest standings to key games that could shake up women’s basketball 2025.
Let’s get into who’s in, who’s out, and what it all means.
Current WNBA Standings (As of July 29, 2025)
| Seed | Team | Record | Streak | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas Aces | 21–5 | W4 | Caitlin Clark |
| 2 | New York Liberty | 20–6 | W3 | Breanna Stewart |
| 3 | Connecticut Sun | 18–8 | L1 | Alyssa Thomas |
| 4 | Minnesota Lynx | 16–10 | W2 | Paige Bueckers |
| 5 | Chicago Sky | 14–11 | W3 | Angel Reese |
| 6 | Phoenix Mercury | 13–12 | L2 | Skylar Diggins-Smith |
| 7 | Atlanta Dream | 12–13 | L1 | Rhyne Howard |
| 8 | Dallas Wings | 11–14 | W1 | Arike Ogunbowale |
| — | Indiana Fever | 9–17 | L3 | Aliyah Boston |
| — | Seattle Storm | 8–18 | L4 | Jewell Loyd |
With just a few weeks left, every game counts.
Las Vegas Aces: The Team to Beat Again?
No surprise here — the Las Vegas Aces are dominating again. But this year, they have a new weapon: Caitlin Clark.
She’s not just a rookie; she’s a floor general averaging 21.5 PPG and leading the league in assists at 8.8 per game. Paired with A’ja Wilson, this team is a serious threat to repeat as champs.
“Caitlin Clark changed the tempo of this team instantly,” said ESPN analyst Monica McNutt.
And the fans? They’re all in. Clark’s games consistently bring in 1.6M+ viewers and sell out arenas coast-to-coast.
The Rise of Angel Reese and the Sky
Angel Reese has made the Chicago Sky a must-watch team. Her rebounding and leadership have helped the Sky claw their way back into playoff position.
Her stats speak volumes:
- 14.9 PPG
- 12.4 RPG (Top 3 in the league)
- 17 double-doubles this season
Reese’s intensity and personality are turning casual fans into loyal followers. On TikTok alone, her postgame interviews get millions of views.
Paige Bueckers Boosts Minnesota’s Late Push
Paige Bueckers started the season quietly but is now red-hot. The Minnesota Lynx are benefiting big-time.
She’s averaging:
- 17.1 PPG
- 4.5 APG
- 1.8 SPG
The Lynx are 7–3 in their last 10 games and climbing the ranks. If Bueckers keeps this up, Minnesota could upset a higher seed in round one.
Key Matchups That Could Shake the Bracket
Here are the regular season games every WNBA fan should have circled:
-
Aces vs Liberty – Aug 3
Clark vs Stewart. A battle of MVP candidates and likely Finals preview. -
Sky vs Lynx – Aug 8
Reese vs Bueckers. Two Rookie of the Year contenders in a game with major seeding implications. -
Mercury vs Wings – Aug 12
This could decide who gets the final playoff spot.
These games don’t just affect standings — they shape momentum heading into the postseason.
WNBA Playoff Format 2025 (Quick Refresher)
For fans who need a quick catch-up, here’s how the postseason works:
- 8 teams qualify
- Single-elimination for first round (seeds 5–8)
- Best-of-three for quarterfinals
- Best-of-five for semifinals and Finals
Every win matters — especially for seeds 5 through 8 trying to avoid early exits.
Most Valuable Player Candidates Entering Playoffs
While the Rookie of the Year race grabs headlines, the MVP conversation is heating up too.
Top 2025 MVP contenders:
- A’ja Wilson – Consistent dominance on both ends
- Caitlin Clark – Rookies don’t usually win MVP, but her numbers are absurd
- Breanna Stewart – Still one of the best two-way players
- Alyssa Thomas – Triple-double machine
Keep an eye on these players as we hit the final stretch.
Social Media Drama Adds Fuel to the Fire
Let’s not ignore the off-court storylines that make this season extra spicy.
- Aces coach Becky Hammon caught heat for calling out the refs after a tight loss to the Liberty.
- Angel Reese clapped back at ESPN commentators who questioned her “emotional” play: “I’m passionate. That’s the game. Get used to it.”
These moments fuel engagement and bring new fans into the WNBA conversation.
Endorsements & Star Power Impacting Viewership
The WNBA is everywhere in 2025 — and that’s no accident.
- Caitlin Clark: Gatorade, Nike, State Farm
- Angel Reese: Reebok, Amazon Prime, McDonald’s
- Paige Bueckers: Under Armour, Red Bull
These players are becoming lifestyle icons — not just athletes. Their presence in commercials and social media is directly boosting viewership, especially among Gen Z and young adults.
Can Anyone Stop the Aces?
That’s the question. With Clark and Wilson leading the charge, the Aces look unstoppable. But the Liberty have depth, Connecticut has experience, and Chicago has momentum.
If the playoffs started today, here’s how the bracket would look:
| Matchup | Notes |
|---|---|
| #1 Aces vs Winner of Mercury/Wings | Clark’s playoff debut |
| #2 Liberty vs Winner of Sky/Dream | Reese vs Stewart? Sign us up. |
| #3 Sun vs Lynx | Grit vs hot streak |
| #4 Lynx vs Sky | Bueckers vs Reese rematch |
Call to Action
Who’s your pick to win it all? Think Clark can carry the Aces to back-to-back titles? Or will Angel Reese and the Sky shock the league? Drop your predictions in the comments, share this article with your squad, and subscribe for weekly WNBA news, stats, and playoff analysis.
Also Read: Latest Trending News
External Source: WNBA Official Website
FAQs
1. When do the WNBA Playoffs 2025 start?
The playoffs begin in mid-September, shortly after the regular season concludes.
2. How many teams make the WNBA Playoffs?
Eight teams qualify for the postseason.
3. Who is leading the WNBA in scoring this season?
Caitlin Clark currently leads the league with 21.5 PPG.
4. Can a rookie win WNBA MVP?
It’s rare, but Caitlin Clark is making a strong case in 2025.
5. What’s the most anticipated matchup this season?
Aces vs Liberty remains the top rivalry, especially with playoff seeding on the line.
