The short answer to the question “When Does the 2025 WNBA Season Start?” is, well, right now. If you’re thinking, “Hey! Didn’t we just have the WNBA Draft on April 14th?” You’d be correct. The turn around for college athletes is a whirlwind, especially if your name is Paige Bueckers, who went from winning a National Championship on April 6th with UConn to being drafted first overall to the Dallas Wings. There is quite literally no time off for these college athletes. The majority finish college ball and jump right into training camp on April 27, then play in their first WNBA regular season games starting Friday, March 16th.
WNBA Key Dates
Like I said, the season starts NOW. The Atlanta Dream take on the Washington Mystics to kick off the season at 7:30 p.m. ET this Friday, May 16th, with the Minnesota Lynx squaring off against the Dallas Wings at the same time. The Los Angeles Sparks begin their season against a new foe added to the mix: the Golden State Valkyries, who kick off their inaugural season with a home game at 10:00 p.m. ET.
OPENING WEEKEND
FRIDAY, MAY 16TH:
- Atlanta Dream @ Washington Mystics — 7:30 p.m. ET
- Minnesota Lynx @ Dallas Wings — 7:30 p.m. ET
- Los Angeles Sparks @ Golden State Valkyries — 10:00 p.m. ET
SATURDAY, MAY 17TH:
- Las Vegas Aces @ New York Liberty — 1:00 p.m. ET
- Chicago Sky @ Indiana Fever — 3:00 p.m. ET
- Seattle Storm @ Phoenix Mercury — 10:00 p.m. ET
SUNDAY, MAY 19TH:
- Washington Mystics @ Connecticut Sun — 1:00 p.m. ET
- Minnesota Lynx @ Los Angeles Sparks — 6:00 p.m. ET
The W sure knows how to build a schedule, as this opening weekend is nowhere short of great storylines. The Golden State Valkyries make their regular-season debut in prime time against Kelsey Plum and the Sparks, while Angel Reese and newest Chicago Sky member Hailey Van Lith battle against none other than Caitlin Clark. Plus, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft—Ms. Paige Buckets—gets a taste of fellow UConn alum Napheesa Collier to start her professional career. Buckle up.
Here are some other key states to remember as the 2025 season gets started:
- July 17-21: WNBA All-Star Break
- July 19: WNBA All-Star Game
- September 11: Regular Season Ends
- September 14: Playoffs Begin
- October 17: Last Possible Finals Date
How to Bet!
I’ve got even more good news for you. DraftKings Sportsbook is the place to bet on all things WNBA this season, and the markets are as hot as the competition. Game lines through this Sunday, May 18th are already live, with numerous other prop bets available for the taking. Want to bet on Arike Ogunbowale three-pointers? Caitlin Clark assists? Player Pts + Reb + Ast O/U combos? Yup. It’s all on DraftKings Sportsbook.
To get us started, here’s my favorite SGPx for opening weekend of the W:
3-Pick Parlay:
Caitlin Clark Three Pointers Made Over 3.5 (-110)
Paige Bueckers Points Under 14.5 (-115)
LA Sparks Moneyline (-298)
All season long, right here on DraftKings Network, we’ll stay locked in with the hottest WNBA storylines while providing betting trends, game-by-game previews, game bets and prop bets. The W is back, baby!
