The WNBA playoff picture intensified on September 4, 2025, as the Las Vegas Aces set a franchise record with their 13th consecutive victory. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries made history by becoming the first expansion team to qualify for the postseason in their inaugural season. In a significant blow for the Indiana Fever, guard Caitlin Clark announced her season-ending injury, leaving the team with questions heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
With just seven days remaining in the 2025 regular season, the playoff race is heating up. Currently, six teams have secured their postseason berths: the Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, and Golden State Valkyries. However, three teams — the Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, and Los Angeles Sparks — are still fighting for the final two playoff spots.
Current Standings and Outlook
The Minnesota Lynx (32-9) have already clinched the league’s best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Despite their recent loss to the Aces, the Lynx remain confident, having performed well against Las Vegas during the season with a 3-1 record in their matchups.
The Atlanta Dream (27-14) are positioned well for a strong finish, with remaining games against the Los Angeles Sparks and Connecticut Sun. Having recently defeated both teams, the Dream are aiming for at least two more wins to secure a top seed.
The Las Vegas Aces (27-14) are also in contention for one of the top seeds. They face the Chicago Sky in back-to-back games, with a potential showdown against the Sparks on the horizon. Aces hold the tiebreaker over both Atlanta and Phoenix, adding pressure to their quest for the No. 2 seed.
The Phoenix Mercury (27-14) enter the final week riding high, having won six consecutive games. Star player Kahleah Copper has significantly contributed to this success, especially after overcoming earlier injuries. The Mercury are guaranteed home-court advantage for the first round but must navigate tough matchups against the Dream and the Dallas Wings.
The New York Liberty (24-17) are in a precarious position. They need to win their last three games to have any hope of a top-four seed, which would secure home-court advantage. With four losses in their last six games, maintaining their No. 5 seed is critical as they face challenging opponents.
Teams Battling for Final Playoff Spots
The Golden State Valkyries (23-18) have defied expectations in their first year, making the postseason. They currently sit in sixth place but face tough competition against the Lynx, which could affect their playoff positioning.
The Seattle Storm (22-20) are looking to capitalize on their home games, but their performance has been inconsistent. Despite winning five of their last seven, they are navigating a challenging schedule that includes matchups against the Liberty and Valkyries.
The Indiana Fever (21-20) face a tough road ahead, particularly following Caitlin Clark’s announcement. Although she hasn’t played since mid-July, her absence heightens the stakes for the Fever as they aim to finish strong. The Fever will need to rally against the Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics, and the Lynx in their remaining games.
The Los Angeles Sparks (19-21) have the most games left to play among playoff contenders, with crucial matchups against the Dream and the Mercury. They are under pressure to secure victories to avoid missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
As the regular season draws to a close, the WNBA playoff race remains unpredictable, with every game potentially altering the landscape. Fans eagerly anticipate how the final week will unfold and which teams will secure their spots in the postseason.
