The 2025 WNBA season has officially begun, with the reigning champions, the New York Liberty, set to kick off their title defense against the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. Anticipation is high as fans look forward to this exciting matchup featuring two of the league’s top teams.
The Liberty, boasting a talented roster led by Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, are expected to be formidable contenders once again. New York’s offense is known for its efficiency, and the team is also recognized for having the second-best rebounding performance in the league. With new player Natasha Cloud joining the squad to fill the void left by Courtney Vandersloot, the Liberty aim to enhance their overall game, including defensive strength.
On the opposing side, the Aces will be harnessing the talents of A’ja Wilson, who had an impressive season last year, averaging 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, which earned her a third MVP award. This season, the Aces have bolstered their roster by adding six-time All-Star Jewell Loyd, who will be teaming up with Wilson and Jackie Young to create a deeper scoring lineup.
In the early stages of their matchup, the Liberty managed to take a commanding 47-33 lead over the Aces into halftime, capitalizing on a strong second-quarter performance. Stewart led the Liberty with 13 points, while Cloud made an impact with 10 points and three assists. Although A’ja Wilson also contributed significantly with 13 points for Las Vegas, the Liberty’s dominance in rebounding gave them a crucial edge.
The WNBA showdown is set to commence at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 17, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, offering fans an exciting start to the season.
The upcoming game is not just a chance for the Liberty to defend their championship title but also serves as a reminder of the growing competitiveness in the WNBA. With exceptional players and intense matchups like this one, the league continues to elevate women’s professional basketball, drawing ever-increasing attention from fans around the globe.