When the Las Vegas Aces square off against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, fans across the country are already buzzing. The tip‑off will be at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time and the action will stream live on ABC. Both teams earned their spots the hard way: the Aces entered as the No. 2 seed, while the Mercury fought back as the No. 4 seed, setting up a classic under‑dog‑meets‑favorite showdown.
Road to the Finals
The playoff trail began on September 14, 2025, just three days after the regular season wrapped on September 11. The Minnesota Lynx dominated the league with a 30‑4 record, clinching the first postseason berth on September 5 and sparking a fierce battle for the top seed. Yet it was the Aces, guided by veteran coach Becky Hammon, who posted a 28‑6 record and secured the No. 2 seed after a late‑season surge.
Meanwhile, the Mercury, under the steady hand of Vanessa Nygaard, finished 24‑10 and entered the postseason as the fourth seed. Their first‑round victory over the No. 5 seed was a nail‑biter that went into overtime, a pattern that would repeat in the semifinals when they upset the No. 1 seeded Lynx on a buzzer‑beater three‑pointer.
Because the WNBA’s eight‑team bracket pits the highest seed against the lowest in each round, the Mercury’s path was littered with higher‑seeded foes, making each win feel like a small miracle. Their resilience has been the story of the 2025 playoffs, and it sets the tone for a Finals that could swing either way.
Game‑One Details and What to Expect
- Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT)
- Venue: Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas
- Broadcast: Live on ABC, with streaming on the league’s official app
- Key Matchups: Aces' star guard Kelsey Plum vs. Mercury's veteran point guard Diana Taurasi
Both coaches have been tight‑lipped about lineups, but insiders say Hammon will lean on Plum’s shooting after she logged a league‑best 22.1 points per game. Nygaard, on the other hand, plans to exploit the Aces’ slightly smaller frontcourt by running a high‑pace pick‑and‑roll with Brianna Turner.
"We have worked all season for this moment," Hammon said in a pre‑game press conference. "The energy in this arena is electric, and we intend to bring home that championship."
Nygaard countered, "Our journey as a lower seed proves our resilience. Tonight, we play our brand of basketball—fast, aggressive, and unrelenting."
Statistically, the Aces hold a 58 % shooting percentage at home this year, while the Mercury have posted a 45 % three‑point conversion rate on the road—a figure that could be decisive if the game turns into a shooting duel.
Broadcast Schedule & Fan Access
The partnership between ESPN and ABC ensures that the entire seven‑game series will be accessible across multiple platforms. After Game 1 on ABC, Game 2 shifts to ESPN at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 10. If the series proceeds, Game 3 returns to ABC on Sunday, October 12, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Potential Games 4, 5, 6, and 7 are slotted for ESPN on October 14, 15, 16, and 17 respectively, with the decisive Game 7 slated for 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 17.
Streaming options include the WNBA app, ESPN+, and ABC’s digital hub, all offering live stats, alternate camera angles, and real‑time commentary. For viewers without cable, a free‑trial promotion from ESPN+ will run through the finals, giving casual fans a low‑risk way to watch.
What the Series Means for Both Franchises
For the Aces, a championship would cement their rise as the league’s newest dynasty. Since relocating to Las Vegas in 2018, the franchise has qualified for the playoffs each season and captured its first title in 2022. A second ring would boost the team’s marketability, potentially increasing ticket revenue by an estimated 12 % and drawing more sponsorships.
The Mercury, meanwhile, are chasing their third championship, the last of which came in 2007. A title this year would validate the front office’s decision to rebuild around younger talent while retaining veterans like Taurasi. It could also accelerate the WNBA’s growth in the Southwest, a region that has historically lagged behind the league’s East‑Coast fanbase.
Both cities stand to benefit economically. Las Vegas expects an influx of roughly 15,000 visitors over the series, translating into $22 million in hospitality revenue, according to the Nevada Hotel & Casino Association. Phoenix anticipates a similar boost, especially if the series extends to a Game 7, which would generate national attention and spur merchandise sales.
Looking Ahead: Potential Game‑7 Scenarios
If the series reaches the full seven games, the logistical choreography will be intense. Game 7 is slated for ESPN at 8:00 p.m. ET on October 17, likely back in Las Vegas, following the league’s 2‑2‑1‑1‑1 format. Analysts predict that the winner will be the team that can dominate the paint in the fourth quarter. The Aces’ interior presence, anchored by A'ja Wilson, could neutralize the Mercury’s perimeter firepower.
Injury reports are also a wild card. Both teams entered the finals with relatively clean bills, but a minor ankle tweak reported on Mercury guard Brenna Stewart could limit her minutes if the series stretches.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2025 Finals are set to be one of the most watched in recent memory, showcasing the league’s rising parity and the growing appetite for women’s professional basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can fans watch Game 1 if they don’t have cable?
Game 1 will stream live on the free WNBA app and on ABC’s digital platform. Additionally, ESPN+ is offering a 30‑day free trial that covers all subsequent games, so cord‑cutters can watch without a traditional TV subscription.
What are the key statistical differences between the Aces and the Mercury?
The Aces post a 58 % field‑goal rate at home and average 78 points per game, while the Mercury rank second in the league for three‑point shooting (42 %) and have a slightly higher defensive rating, allowing 70 points per game on the road.
Will the series format stay the same if a Game 7 is needed?
Yes. The WNBA sticks to a 2‑2‑1‑1‑1 format for the Finals. That means the first two games are in Las Vegas, the next two in Phoenix, then alternating venues for Games 5, 6, and 7.
What does a championship mean for the Mercury’s franchise future?
A title would validate Phoenix’s rebuild strategy, likely leading to increased ticket sales, higher sponsorship deals, and a stronger recruiting pull for free‑agents looking to join a winning culture.
How significant is the economic impact for Las Vegas hosting the finals?
The Nevada Hotel & Casino Association projects roughly 15,000 extra visitors, injecting about $22 million into hotels, restaurants, and local businesses over the series, making the event a major boost for the city’s tourism sector.
