The 2025 WNBA season was intensely competitive and fierce, where teams went head-to-head with remarkable physicality. The best sustained WNBA rivalries come packed with tension, typically built on historic playoff battles.
Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty
“Friendships go out the window when you play,” said Mike Thibault, former Sun coach. The two teams have been battling for a while due to their neighboring location. This rivalry comes from the desire to lead the East Conference, especially after the Liberty won the WNBA Championship in 2024.
In 2023, there was an argument between Sun players Dijonai Carrington and Olivia Nelson-Ododa. It was caught on camera, spreading rapidly on social media.
That night the Sun lost 91-82, ending their run in Game 5 of the semifinal series. The intensity of the game was high, leading to a fight among teammates highlighting just how fierce and competitive the rivalry is.
Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky
Caitlyn Clark and Angel Reese have been highly competitive rivals since their college years. Their games have drawn large audiences because everyone’s eager to witness this duo face-off. Some of the drama back then was created by the media, and some by the games they played, but nonetheless, they are one of the most popular rivalries.
However, it’s not just because of these two players the teams have this relationship. Dating back to 2013, the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky would play each other in the playoffs, trading series wins, and made the two “arch-nemeses.”
Courtney Vandersloot, player for the Sky in 2011 and back with them now, once stated in an interview, “[The Fever] were our weakness.” This highlights that this rivalry is not new; it has existed for some time now.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury
The WNBA’s ‘most prominent rivalry’ takes place in the Western Conference Finals, where these teams meet almost annually. When they play, the game goes back and forth, physical on all aspects, and leave fans on the edge of their seats. “No two teams have met more often in the Western Conference Finals,” according to Mercury team news.
Back in 2014, the Lynx dominated the rivalry for a long time, until the Mercury crafted a team that made them an opponent to look out for. The WNBA finals of 2014 resulted in a Mercury victory, which is why the 2025 semifinals game sparked passion for both teams fans. It mirrored the intense match-up from 2014.
The 2025 semifinals resulted in the Mercury earning the victory to advance to the Finals against the Las Vegas Aces. Fans from both teams are excited for what’s to come in the upcoming 2026 season.
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