Today's location to catch New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces WNBA match: Free online streaming available
In the world of women's basketball, the WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity. As the 2025 season progresses, the league is breaking records, expanding, and attracting more fans than ever before.
This season, the WNBA has set a new single-season attendance record, with over 2.5 million fans attending games involving 13 teams so far. This surpasses the previous record set in 2002, reflecting growing fan interest. The league has also expanded to 13 teams with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, the first expansion team since 2008. Further expansion plans include adding teams in Portland, Toronto (both set for 2026), and proposals for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia between 2028 and 2030.
The 2025 season began in May and runs through September, with playoffs starting mid-September. For the first time, the Finals now employ a best-of-seven format, increasing competitive intensity. Ten of the 13 teams are in playoff contention, indicating a competitive league landscape.
The WNBA has also seen increased broadcasting investment, with all preseason games being nationally televised or streamed live. Games on ABC have seen a 17% increase in ratings compared to last season, while ESPN games have seen a slight increase.
However, the season hasn't been without its challenges. Key players have been sidelined due to injuries, such as Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Angel Reese. Despite these injuries, the league has managed to maintain strong ratings and attendance numbers.
One of the highlights of the season has been the performance of Sue Bird, a former player for the Seattle Storm. Bird is set to have a statue unveiled in her honor before the Storm's game against Phoenix on Saturday. Moreover, Bird is slated to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame early next month.
In the game between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, A'ja Wilson of Las Vegas Aces was named AP player of the week, averaging 25.3 points, 13 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in three wins last week. The game will start at 9:30 p.m. ET and can be watched on ESPN. It will take place at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and can be streamed on DirecTV (with a free trial), fuboTV, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV.
Unfortunately, the season has also been marred by negative attention, with sex toys being thrown on the court at various WNBA arenas over a two-week span. However, this incident has subsided over the last few days.
The Minnesota Lynx have been one of the standout teams this season, winning all three games without MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier. This has increased their lead to 6 1/2 games in the standings. Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm have lost five straight games, falling to ninth in the power poll rankings.
In conclusion, the WNBA in 2025 is marked by record-breaking attendance, expansion, a more competitive playoff format, broader broadcasting, and strong fan interest, with ongoing challenges typical of sports leagues such as player injuries but no major reported on-court incidents disrupting the season. The addition of the Golden State Valkyries to the WNBA has contributed to strong attendance numbers, with the team selling out all of their home games and averaging more than 18,000 fans. The league continues to grow and thrive, providing exciting basketball for fans everywhere.
The WNBA in 2025 has set a new single-season attendance record with over 2.5 million fans attending games, surpassing the previous record set in 2002 and reflecting increasing fan interest. Moreover, the league has expanded to 13 teams with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, and plans for additional teams in Portland, Toronto, and more are underway.
Despite some setbacks like injuries to key players, the WNBA's 2025 season has been marked by strong ratings and attendance numbers, record expansion, and increased broadcasting investment. This season, the league has seen all preseason games broadcast or streamed live, and games on ABC and ESPN have seen boosts in ratings compared to last season.
