The 2025 WNBA Finals are set, pitting the Las Vegas Aces against the Phoenix Mercury in what promises to be a fierce battle for the championship. With Game 1 tipping off Friday night in Las Vegas, the series couldn't come at a more electric moment for the league. Jackie Young, the Aces' dynamic guard, has been a standout all season, her scoring prowess and defensive grit helping propel the team past a resilient Indiana Fever in overtime just days ago. Indeed, Young's 22 points in that decisive Game 5 underscored her role as a linchpin, especially as the Aces eye their third finals appearance in four years.
Over on the Mercury side, Phoenix clinched their spot with a gritty semifinal win, leaning on veteran savvy and balanced scoring to outlast challengers. The matchup feels loaded with intrigue—both teams boast potent big threes, but execution under pressure will decide it all. The best-of-seven series schedule kicks off October 3 in Vegas, with Games 1 and 2 hosted by the Aces, shifting to Phoenix for Games 3 and 4 on October 7 and 9. If needed, Game 5 returns to Las Vegas on October 12, followed by potential Games 6 and 7 in Phoenix on October 15 and 17. Broadcasts will span ESPN and ABC, drawing massive viewership as the league's popularity surges.
However, questions linger about depth and injuries; the Aces dodged a bullet against a battered Fever squad, while Phoenix's run exposed occasional lapses in perimeter defense. Young's ability to facilitate alongside A'ja Wilson could tip the scales, yet the Mercury's counterpunch—fueled by stars like Brittney Griner—won't fade easily. Moreover, this finals rematch evokes past rivalries, reminding fans how quickly momentum shifts in playoff basketball.
It's a series that tests not just talent, but resilience in the face of high stakes, leaving room to wonder how these warriors will redefine the WNBA's legacy.