You can find the full WNBA schedule for August 1, 2025, in this article, including all game times and viewing options.
The WNBA playoff race intensifies with five compelling matchups on Friday, August 1, 2025. With All-Star week behind us, teams are making their final push for playoff positioning. Today’s WNBA games today feature championship contenders, rising rookies, and crucial conference battles that could shape the postseason landscape.
WNBA Games Today: Complete Schedule August 1, 2025
Time (ET) | Away Team | Home Team | TV | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7:30 PM | Phoenix Mercury (16-9) | Atlanta Dream (15-10) | ION | Gateway Center |
7:30 PM | New York Liberty (17-7) | Connecticut Sun (4-20) | ION | Mohegan Sun Arena |
7:30 PM | Golden State Valkyries (11-13) | Chicago Sky (7-18) | ION | Wintrust Arena |
7:30 PM | Indiana Fever (14-12) | Dallas Wings (7-19) | ION | American Airlines Center |
10:00 PM | Los Angeles Sparks (11-14) | Seattle Storm (15-11) | ION | Climate Pledge Arena |
Bottom Line: Five games tip off simultaneously at the exact times listed above, with a late West Coast finale. All games are broadcast on the national ION network, with no regional broadcasts for today’s slate, providing easy viewing access for WNBA fans nationwide.
Featured Matchup: Indiana Fever @ Dallas Wings
The Caitlin Clark Absence Storyline
The marquee matchup features significant star power despite Caitlin Clark’s continued absence due to groin injury. The Fever (14-12) travel to Dallas without their superstar, but have shown resilience by winning three straight games and six of their last eight.
Key storylines:
- Fever are 6-7 without Clark this season but have found offensive rhythm
- Kelsey Mitchell leads Indiana with season-high 35 points in recent win
- Rookie Paige Bueckers shines for Dallas, averaging 18.3 points as an All-Star selection
- Venue upgraded to 20,000-seat American Airlines Center due to fan demand
Betting Analysis: Indiana favored at -3.5 with O/U 171.5. The Over presents strong value as the Fever have scored 77+ points in five straight games without Clark, while Dallas opponents average 86.5 points against them.
Championship Contenders Clash: New York Liberty @ Connecticut Sun
The defending champion Liberty (17-7) visit the struggling Sun (4-20) amid their season-worst three-game losing streak. The Liberty had a strong start to the season, setting the tone for their current position atop the standings. This mismatch on paper could provide bounce-back opportunity for New York.
Key factors:
- Liberty missing Breanna Stewart (knee), Nyara Sabally (knee), Kennedy Burke (calf)
- Finals MVP Jonquel Jones recently returned from ankle injury (Liberty are 10-2 with Jones)
- Connecticut has lost 12 of last 13 games, most by 14+ points
- Previous meeting: Liberty won 100-52 blowout
Expert Pick: Liberty -11 presents value despite recent struggles. Connecticut’s offensive woes (66.0 ppg during losing streak) against New York’s championship experience creates significant talent gap.
Western Conference Battle: Phoenix Mercury @ Atlanta Dream
This pivotal matchup features two teams tied at 16 wins, battling for top-three positioning in competitive standings. The outcome of this day could be decisive for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
Critical storylines:
- Alyssa Thomas posting historic numbers (15.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 9.4 apg) – unmatched in WNBA history
- Phoenix struggling recently (4-5 in last five games)
- Atlanta’s Brittney Griner (neck) and Rhyne Howard (knee) injury concerns
- Dream won previous meeting by 11 points
Prop Bet Value: Allisha Gray Over 6 rebounds (+106) – she’s cleared this mark in seven of eight games without Howard, facing Phoenix’s weak rebounding team.
Expansion Team Spotlight: Golden State Valkyries @ Chicago Sky
The inaugural season Valkyries (11-13) visit injury-depleted Chicago (7-18) seeking momentum after snapping three-game losing streak.
Key dynamics:
- Rookie Kate Martin, whose college career showcased her ability in high-pressure situations, is emerging as a clutch performer for Golden State
- Chicago’s Angel Reese leads WNBA in rebounding (12.6 RPG) with 16 double-doubles
- Sky missing key players: Ariel Atkins (leg), Courtney Vandersloot (ACL)
- Previous meeting: Valkyries won 83-78
West Coast Finale: Los Angeles Sparks @ Seattle Storm
The night concludes with Cameron Brink’s anticipated return from ACL injury for the Sparks against former teammate Nneka Ogwumike’s Storm.
Notable elements:
- Brink made season debut after devastating injury
- Sparks better on road (8-6) than home (3-9)
- Seattle dominated first meeting 98-67
- Storm struggling post-All-Star break (1-2 record)
- Both teams feature world-class international players, highlighting the global talent in women’s basketball
Current WNBA Standings & Playoff Implications
With eight playoff spots available from 13 teams, every game carries postseason weight. Teams that qualify for the playoffs also gain access to increased money and revenue opportunities, making each win even more valuable:
Eastern Conference Leaders:
- New York Liberty (17-7) – defending champions
- Indiana Fever (14-12) – rising contender
- Atlanta Dream (15-10) – veteran-led surge
Western Conference Battle:
- Phoenix Mercury (16-9) – playoff positioning fight
- Seattle Storm (15-11) – consistent contender
- Los Angeles Sparks (11-14) – fighting for final spot
Injury Report Impact on WNBA Games Today
Key absences reshaping today’s matchups:
Major Injuries:
- Caitlin Clark (Indiana): Groin injury, no return timeline set
- Breanna Stewart (New York): Knee bruise, indefinite absence
- Rhyne Howard (Atlanta): Knee injury since July 11
- Cameron Brink (Los Angeles): ACL recovery, limited minutes expected
These injuries create opportunities for role players to step up and could significantly impact betting lines and game outcomes.
Expert Betting Picks for WNBA Games Today
Top Value Plays:
- Indiana @ Dallas Over 171.5 – High-scoring potential despite Clark’s absence
- New York -11 vs Connecticut – Talent gap too significant despite Liberty’s struggles
- Allisha Gray 6+ Rebounds (+106) – Consistent production without Howard
DFS Considerations:
- Sabrina Ionescu: Leading Liberty scoring in Stewart’s absence
- Paige Bueckers: All-Star rookie averaging 18.3 points for Dallas
- Angel Reese: WNBA rebounding leader with double-double upside
How to Watch WNBA Games Today
All five games broadcast on ION, providing nationwide coverage. Additional viewing options include:
- Streaming: WNBA League Pass (blackout restrictions apply)
- Cable/Satellite: ION available on most providers
- Streaming Services: DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Prime Video (select games) carry ION
A subscription may be required for some streaming platforms.
The official WNBA website provides up-to-date streaming and broadcast information.
Historical Context & Season Outlook
The 2025 WNBA season features an expanded 44-game schedule, creating additional revenue opportunities but raising player workload concerns. Recent injuries to stars like Clark highlight the physical demands of the extended format.
Key Season Notes:
- Golden State Valkyries’ successful expansion debut
- Record viewership and attendance figures
- Increased competitive balance across conferences
- Growing international player presence
Looking Ahead: Playoff Picture
With regular season ending September 11 and playoffs beginning September 14, today’s games could significantly impact final seeding. The new best-of-seven Finals format adds extra importance to securing home-court advantage. The Mystics are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, and their performance tonight could be crucial for their postseason hopes.
Playoff Format Reminder:
- Eight teams qualify
- First Round: Best-of-three
- Semifinals: Best-of-five
- Finals: Best-of-seven (new in 2025)
Today’s WNBA games today showcase the league’s incredible depth and competitive balance. From championship defense to rookie sensations to comeback stories, Friday’s five-game slate delivers compelling basketball that will shape the playoff race heading into the season’s final month.
Whether you’re following Paige Bueckers’ All-Star rookie campaign, monitoring the Liberty’s championship defense, or watching the Valkyries’ historic first season, tonight offers something for every basketball fan. The 7:30 PM ET tip-off provides perfect Friday night entertainment, culminating with West Coast action at 10:00 PM ET.