The wait is over! The WNBA is again!
On Friday evening, a trio of video games will kick off regular-season motion.
Issues begin at 7:30 p.m. ET with the Washington Mystics internet hosting the Atlanta Dream whereas the Dallas Wings face the Minnesota Lynx. Then the evening concludes with the Golden State Valkyries taking part in the Los Angeles Sparks at 10 p.m. ET.
All three video games might be broadcast on ION. These matchups, together with choose video games by way of Could 21, additionally might be obtainable to stream without spending a dime by way of WNBA League Cross as a part of the league’s Tip-Off Check Drive.
So, we all know what’s on the schedule, however what ought to we be waiting for? Listed below are probably the most intriguing storylines within the three season openers:
Rookie, vet bigs make their respective debuts
We now have vastly completely different debuts occurring within the matchup between the Dream and the Mystics.
For Washington, Kiki Iriafen will make her official WNBA debut. The rookie from USC is having a heck of every week. She simply earned her grasp’s diploma in entrepreneurship and innovation and celebrated the accomplishment after observe on Thursday.
Friday, she’ll swimsuit up for her first regular-season motion as a Mystic, whereas Brittney Griner might be doing the identical for the Dream.
Now, Griner is an 11-year veteran, however that is her first time taking part in for a crew apart from the Phoenix Mercury within the WNBA. The dominant large will look to ascertain power in Atlanta’s frontcourt. It would take a while for followers to get used to seeing Griner in a special jersey, however opponents should regulate rapidly. Griner dominated the Mystics within the preseason, scoring 16 factors and grabbing 10 boards. One other efficiency like that can put the Dream in a terrific place to start the season 1-0.
Paige Bueckers is right here
Is Paige Bueckers well worth the hype? We’ll get a really early reply to that query on Friday as she fits up for her WNBA debut towards the Lynx.
This might be a house sport for Dallas, and it’ll be a tricky one as Minnesota was a terrific crew final season, making a WNBA Finals look. The matchup additionally provides an additional wrinkle of inspiration for Bueckers, because the Lynx are the crew the Minnesota native grew up supporting.
Full circle second ✨
Paige Bueckers shares what it means to make her WNBA debut towards the crew she grew up watching.
Tune in to ION tomorrow at 7:30pm/ET because the Dallas Wings host the Minnesota Lynx as a part of WNBA Tip-Off offered by @CarMax pic.twitter.com/5FpP2K4rKT
— WNBA (@WNBA) Could 15, 2025
Within the preseason, Bueckers averaged 12.5 factors, 4.5 rebounds and three.5 assists. Let’s see if these numbers enhance or lower now that the video games rely.
The Valkyries will make historical past
Whatever the consequence, Friday might be a historic evening in San Francisco.
It will likely be the Valkyries’ first WNBA house sport, and with a sold-out Chase Heart rocking, the clips from this sport might be well-known. Followers ought to count on to see loads of celebrities, together with Warriors celebrity Steph Curry, prepared to observe this particular second.
Steph Curry on being concerned with the @valkyries this season:
“I am gonna be a fan. I am gonna be at as many video games as attainable… I am excited to observe them play and need them nothing however success.” pic.twitter.com/AuEZih1eab
— 95.7 The Recreation (@957thegame) Could 15, 2025
They’ll be taking up their Southern California rivals from LA, so count on loads of vitality as this new rivalry heats up on Friday evening.
Recreation info
Washington Mystics (0-0) vs. Atlanta Dream (0-0)
When: Friday, Could 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET
The place: CareFirst Area in Washington, DC
How you can watch: WNBA League Cross, ION
Dallas Wings (0-0) vs. Minnesota Lynx (0-0)
When: Friday, Could 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET
The place: Faculty Park Heart in Arlington, TX
How you can watch: WNBA League Cross, ION
Golden State Valkyries (0-0) vs. Los Angeles Sparks (0-0)
When: Friday, Could 16 at 10 p.m. ET
The place: Chase Heart in San Francisco, CA
How you can watch: WNBA League Cross, ION
