WNBA Key Dates: Everything to Know About the 2025 Season

The WNBA released the 2025 schedule on Monday.

The WNBA logo is seen on the court at Gateway Center Arena. / Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The WNBA released its 2025 regular season schedule on Monday, and now fans are getting ready for the games to tip off—even if there’s still five months of waiting ahead.

It'll be a historical season for the league, as next year will mark the first time the teams will play 44 games. The additional games, combined with the additional eyeballs the league picked up in its breakout season in 2024, means the W is looking at another big year.

The 2025 WNBA Schedule is LIVE 🗓️

Browse through key matchups that will shape the upcoming szn, such as recent Finals rematches and battles between teams with No. 1 overall draft picks, and our annual Commissioner’s Cup games.

Check it all out on https://t.co/HF5BTljYz4 pic.twitter.com/a4S79NIP1Q

— WNBA (@WNBA) December 2, 2024

And this next season will literally be bigger, as the league is expanding to 13 teams with the Golden State Valkyries will making their WNBA debut. They are set to build out their initial roster this Friday, December 6, with the expansion draft. The league will add its 14th team, based in Toronto, in 2026.

After the Valkyries get their team set this week, there are many more important dates as the calendar turns to 2025, including some before the season starts. Take a look below.

Key Dates for 2025 WNBA Season

While the regular season doesn't begin until May, there's still some important dates to keep an eye out for before the season begins. Here's a list of the dates to watch for throughout 2025.

Date	Event
January 21	Free Agency Negotiations Begin
February 1	Free Agents Open to Sign Contracts
April 14	WNBA Draft
May 16	Regular Season Begins
June 1–17	Commissioner's Cup
July 1	Commissioner's Cup Title Game
July 17–21	All-Star Break
July 19	All-Star Game
September 11	Regular Season Ends

When is the 2025 WNBA Draft?

The 2025 WNBA Draft will take place on Monday, April 14. The Dallas Wings won the draft lottery for the No. 1 pick, followed by the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics.

The location for the draft is still to be determined.

When Does the 2025 WNBA Regular Season Start?

The 2025 WNBA season begins on Friday, May 16. Three key matchups will take place on opening day: the Washington Mystics will host the Atlanta Dream, the Dallas Wings (who have the No. 1 pick in the draft) will host the league's runners-up Minnesota Lynx and then the Golden State Valkyries will make their WNBA debut while hosting the Los Angeles Sparks.

When is the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game?

The WNBA All-Star break will be held from Thursday, July 17 until Monday, July 21. The All-Star Game will be played on Saturday, July 19 in Indianapolis with the Indiana Fever acting as host.

When Does the 2025 WNBA Regular Season End?

The WNBA will play from May 16 until Thursday, Sept. 11. Each team will play 44 games this season for the first time in league history.

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