2025 WNBA schedule release: Key dates every fan needs to circle on their calendar

WNBA fans were in for a treat on the first Monday of December as the 2025 schedule dropped earlier than expected. The week started with a bang with the schedule and will end with one as the Golden State Valkyries' expansion draft will be held on Friday.

We're still five months away from WNBA action (shoutout to Unrivaled for holding us over until then!), but the anticipation for next season is high. Several new coaches around the league will make their official debuts, including Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase.

Several dates need to be circled on your calendar whether you're a fan of a particular team or not. You don't want to miss a second of the action.

How many games will each WNBA team play in 2025?

Each team will play a record-high 44 games (22 home games and 22 road games).

When does the 2025 WNBA season start?

The 2025 regular season will begin on Friday, May 16. The Washington Mystics will host the Atlanta Dream, the Dallas Wings will host the Minnesota Lynx, and the Golden State Valkyries will host the Los Angeles Sparks.

When do the Golden State Valkyries make their franchise debut?

The Golden State Valkyries will play their first-ever WNBA game against the Sparks on Friday, May 16. It will be a historic night for the Bay Area.

When will potential No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers make her WNBA debut?

Potential No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers could make her WNBA debut on Friday, May 16, when the Wings host the Lynx. Dallas won the draft lottery, but Bueckers hasn't officially declared for the draft yet. She's focused on (hopefully) leading UConn to another national title.

When does the WNBA Commissioner's Cup start?

The Commissioner's Cup will be held in June, with the first games being played on Sunday, June 1.

When do the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx play?

The Liberty and Lynx will play for the first time since the 2024 WNBA Finals on Wednesday, July 30, in Minneapolis. New York will host Minnesota on Sunday, Aug. 10. The two teams will play again on Saturday, Aug. 16, in Minneapolis, and Tuesday, Aug. 19, in Brooklyn.

When does the 2025 WNBA regular season end?

The final day of the regular season will be on Thursday, Sept. 11. The Chicago Sky will host the New York Liberty, the Dallas Wings will host the Phoenix Mercury, the Minnesota Lynx will host the Golden State Valkyries, and the Los Angeles Sparks will host the Las Vegas Aces.