17
May
Season Openers
Talbot faces former team in Valkyries in first game
Australians Alanna Smith (Minnesota Lynx), Sami Whitcomb (Seattle Storm) and Steph Talbot (Golden State) are back for the 2025 WNBA season. Pictures: Getty Images
Australian Opals coach Sandy Brondello is chasing back-to-back WNBA titles with NY Liberty in 2025
- Steph Talbot's first game for Valkyries is against her old team LA Sparks
- Jade Melbourne's Washington Mystics face the Atlanta Dream on opening day
- Sami Whitcomb goes up against her former club Seattle Storm and Opals teammate Ezi Magbegor
Six of Australia's best basketball players — and one coach — are chasing a WNBA title for seven different WNBA teams in 2025, in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive in league history.
The WNBA, the world's premier women's basketball league, now features 13 teams battling for playoff spots and championship glory with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries expansion team.
Adelaide Lightning and Los Angeles Sparks superstar Steph Talbot, 30, was an unprotected pick by the Golden State Valkyries on December 6, 2024 in the WNBA's Expansion Draft.
The season tips off on Saturday, May 17th with a triple-header. The Atlanta Dream will travel to face the Washington Mystics, while the Minnesota Lynx take on the Dallas Wings. Opening day slate is capped by the Los Angeles Sparks visiting the new Golden State Valkyries in their inaugural game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the home of the Golden State Warriors.
Some key storylines to watch as the season unfolds:
- Golden State's Debut: How will the Valkyries fare in their first WNBA campaign? With a brand new roster — including Katherine-born Talbot — and coaching staff, there will likely be some growing pains, but also the potential for surprise success.
- New York's back-to-back bid: Australian coaching legend Sandy Brondello is back at the helm of the WNBA champion Liberty. New York is stacked with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
- Aces' Championship challenge: Las Vegas after going back-to-back in 2022 and 2023 will be ready. A'ja Wilson is the reigning MVP for a reason. She put up all-world numbers in 2024: 26.9 points per game; 11.9 rebounds per game and 2.3 assists.
- Playoff Race: With only eight postseason berths available, the battle for playoff spots will be intense.
Australian players and their season openers.
- May 17, 2025: Minnesota Lynx vs Dallas Wings — Australian Opals centre Alanna Smith, fresh off an outstanding WNBA Finals campaign against the Liberty, goes on the road to face the Dallas Wings.
- May 17, 2025: Washington Mystics vs Atlanta Dream — Australian Opals starting point guard Jade Melbourne faces the Atlanta Dream
- May 18, 2025: Phoenix Mercury vs Seattle Storm — WNBL MVP Sami Whitcomb takes on Australian Opals teammate Ezi Magbegor.
- May 18, 2025: Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky — Australian wing Bec Allen plays her first game for the Sky against Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever.
Some of the most anticipated matchups in the early part of the schedule include:
- May 18, 2025: Las Vegas Aces at New York Liberty — A potential Finals preview between two stacked rosters
- May 24, 2025: Connecticut Sun at Minnesota Lynx — Always a competitive rivalry between these perennial contenders
- May 28, 2025: Golden State Valkyries at New York Liberty — The expansion team faces its toughest test yet
- June 2, 2025: Connecticut Sun at New York Liberty — An Eastern Conference showdown and Commissioner's Cup game
The regular season runs through September 10, 2025, with the playoffs tipping off shortly after.
WNBA fans are in for a treat in 2025. Buckle up for what promises to be a thrilling ride from opening night through the Finals!
