Valkyries vs Aces Game 1: Time, TV, Semifinal Format
The Golden State Valkyries and Las Vegas Aces meet in Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA semifinals on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN. The semifinals are a best-of-five series (first to 3 wins), with the higher seed (Las Vegas, #2) hosting Games 1 and 2.
Game 1 Date, Time, and TV Details
Game 1 tips off at 8:30 PM Eastern Time (5:30 PM Pacific) on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The game airs nationally on ESPN and streams on the ESPN app and Fubo (with a subscription). If you’re in the Bay Area, local broadcast rights may also carry the game on NBC Sports Bay Area, but the national ESPN feed is the primary outlet.
For international viewers, the WNBA League Pass app carries all playoff games, though blackout restrictions apply in the U.S. for nationally televised games. Check your local listings for the exact channel number, as cable packages vary.
Semifinal Format: Best-of-Five, 2-2-1
The WNBA semifinals use a best-of-five series with a 2-2-1 home-court format. The higher seed (Las Vegas, #2) hosts Games 1 and 2, the lower seed (Golden State, #3) hosts Games 3 and 4 (if needed), and Game 5 returns to the higher seed’s home. This is the same format used since 2015, replacing the previous 2-3 format.
- Games 1 & 2: Las Vegas (higher seed) hosts.
- Games 3 & 4: Golden State (lower seed) hosts, if necessary.
- Game 5: Las Vegas hosts, if necessary.
All games are scheduled on alternating days (e.g., Game 2 on Tuesday, Game 3 on Friday, Game 4 on Sunday, Game 5 on Tuesday), but the league may adjust for travel or television. The first team to 3 wins advances to the WNBA Finals.
How the Valkyries and Aces Got Here
This is the first playoff meeting between the two franchises. The Valkyries, an expansion team that began play in 2025, finished the regular season with a 24-16 record, earning the #3 seed. They swept the #6 Phoenix Mercury in the first round (2-0), winning both games by double digits. The Aces, the two-time defending champions, finished 27-13 as the #2 seed and swept the #7 Seattle Storm 2-0 in the first round.
During the regular season, the teams split their four meetings, with each winning on its home court. The Aces won the most recent matchup, 89-82, on August 31 in Las Vegas. The Valkyries’ home win came on July 20, a 95-88 overtime victory.
Key Players to Watch
For the Valkyries, guard Kayla Thornton (15.2 PPG) and forward Tiffany Hayes (14.8 PPG) lead the scoring, but the team’s success hinges on the playmaking of point guard Natisha Hiedeman (7.1 APG) and the defensive anchor, center Elizabeth Williams (2.1 BPG). The Aces counter with the league’s MVP, A’ja Wilson (27.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG), and guard Jackie Young (19.4 PPG). The backcourt battle between Hiedeman and Young will be critical.
The Aces’ starting lineup is one of the most experienced in the league, with four players who have won multiple championships. The Valkyries, by contrast, have no player with a WNBA Finals appearance. This experience gap could be decisive in close games.
How to Watch the Rest of the Series
Here’s the full schedule for the series (times ET, subject to change):
- Game 1: Sun, Sep 21 – 8:30 PM – ESPN
- Game 2: Tue, Sep 23 – 9:00 PM – ESPN
- Game 3: Fri, Sep 26 – 8:00 PM – ESPN2 (in San Francisco)
- Game 4 (if needed): Sun, Sep 28 – 3:00 PM – ABC
- Game 5 (if needed): Tue, Sep 30 – 8:30 PM – ESPN
All games are also available on the ESPN app with a cable login. For cord-cutters, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all carry ESPN and ABC in most markets. Check your local listings for channel numbers.
Common Misconceptions About the Format
A frequent fan question is whether the semifinals are a single-elimination or a series. They are a series, unlike the first round (which is best-of-3 since 2022). Another misconception is that the higher seed always hosts Game 5; that is true, but only if the series reaches Game 5. The 2-2-1 format means the higher seed gets the extra home game only if the series goes the distance.
Some fans also assume the lower seed hosts Games 3 and 4 on consecutive nights, but the league schedules a travel day between them. The format is designed to minimize travel while giving the lower seed a chance to seize home-court advantage.
What to Know About Tickets and Venue
Game 1 tickets at Michelob ULTRA Arena (capacity 12,000) are sold out, but resale tickets are available on secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek. Prices for Game 1 are averaging around $150 for upper-level seats, with courtside seats exceeding $1,000. For Games 3 and 4 in San Francisco (at Chase Center, capacity 18,064), tickets are also in high demand; the Valkyries’ first playoff home game is expected to sell out.
If you’re attending in person, arrive at least 45 minutes early for security screening. The arena allows clear bags only, and outside food is prohibited. Parking near the arena is limited; ride-sharing is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Game 1 of Valkyries vs Aces?
Game 1 is at 8:30 PM ET (5:30 PM PT) on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The game is at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.
What channel is the game on?
Game 1 is on ESPN. You can also stream it on the ESPN app or via Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV.
Is the WNBA semifinal a best-of-five?
Yes, the semifinals are best-of-five (first to 3 wins). The first round is best-of-three, and the Finals are best-of-five.
Who has home-court advantage?
The Aces, as the #2 seed, have home-court advantage over the #3 seed Valkyries. That means they host Games 1, 2, and 5 (if needed).
When is Game 2?
Game 2 is Tuesday, September 23, at 9:00 PM ET, also in Las Vegas. If the series goes to Game 3, it will be Friday, September 26 in San Francisco.
Has a #3 seed ever beaten a #2 seed in the WNBA semifinals?
Yes, it has happened twice: in 2019, the #3 Connecticut Sun beat the #2 Los Angeles Sparks, and in 2021, the #3 Chicago Sky beat the #2 Connecticut Sun. The Sky went on to win the championship that year.
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