The 2025 WNBA season kicks off on May 16. The German duo will be fighting to defend their title, while stars like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson are also aiming for victory. Find out everything you need to know about the WNBA season here.
The 2025 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) season begins on Friday, May 16. With over 200 games on the schedule and the league’s 29th edition, it promises to be a very special season.
With the addition of the Golden State Valkyries – the league’s 13th team – each team will play 44 games this year, more than ever before in WNBA history. Growth is set to continue, with an expansion to 15 teams already announced for 2026 – a clear indication of the league’s and women’s basketball’s growing popularity.
Led by superstars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, and this year’s No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers, the WNBA’s talent level has arguably never been higher.
German Olympians Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally, who finished seventh with Germany at the Paris Olympics, will also be on the roster of the WNBA champion New York Liberty in 2025.
A demanding season lies ahead for both players, as the WNBA season will not take a break for the European Championship from June 18-29, but they still intend to play for Germany.
Nyara’s sister, Satou Sabally, is focusing entirely on the WNBA this summer. She moved from the Dallas Wings to the Phoenix Mercury and will not participate in the European Championship. However, she plans to play for Germany again at the 2026 World Championship in Berlin.
The numbers also show that interest in the league is at a new peak: According to StubHub, ticket sales have increased by almost 145 percent compared to last season.
Olympics.com takes a look at the players and teams you should keep an eye on this season.
WNBA defending champions New York Liberty are once again in a strong position
The New York Liberty
Image by 2024 Getty Images
The New York Liberty finished last season with the best record in the league (32-8) and capped off their strong regular season with the first title in franchise history – thanks in part to Fiebich and Sabally.
In 2025, the team enters the new season with three All-Stars: Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu. They are further strengthened by Natasha Cloud, who led the league in assists in 2022 and won the championship in 2019. It’s no wonder that Liberty are considered favorites to win the title.
Fans of Nyara Sabally #8 and Leonie Fiebich #13 hold up signs during the Championship ticker tape parade.
Image by 2024 Getty Images
New York Liberty fans celebrate Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich at the 2024 Championship victory celebration.
