WNBA Dimes

Here are the key developments from the WNBA on September 30, 2025, covering dramatic playoff clinchers, leadership controversies, and off‐court business moves to inform your writing for WNBA Dimes.

## Phoenix Mercury Storm Back to Clinch Finals Berth
On Sunday in Phoenix, the Mercury erased a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, punching their ticket to the 2025 WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021. After trailing 68-55 through three quarters, Phoenix unleashed a 31-13 rally in the final period. DeWanna Bonner was the catalyst, pouring in 11 of her 13 points in that stretch, including two go-ahead three-pointers with 4:46 and 2:03 remaining. Alyssa Thomas paced the comeback with 23 points and 10 assists, while Satou Sabally added 21 points and six rebounds.

Minnesota was shorthanded without suspended head coach Cheryl Reeve and injured All-Star Napheesa Collier. Kayla McBride carried the Lynx offense with a game-high 31 points on 6-of-11 three-point shooting, and Courtney Williams chipped in 20 points, but the Lynx could not hold off Phoenix’s furious finish. The Mercury will now await the winner of the Indiana Fever–Las Vegas Aces series to begin the Finals on Friday. ([wnba.com](https://www.wnba.com/news/2025-playoffs-lynx-mercury-game-4-recap))

## Las Vegas Aces Survive Overtime to Advance
Later on Tuesday night in Las Vegas, the second-seeded Aces edged the sixth-seeded Indiana Fever 107-98 in overtime to win their semifinal series 3-2 and set up a Finals matchup with Phoenix. A’ja Wilson led the way with 35 points and nine rebounds, while Jackie Young contributed 32 points. Despite losing star guard Kelsey Mitchell to severe leg cramping in the third quarter—after she had poured in 15 points and hit all three of her three-point attempts—the Fever pushed the Aces into extra time. Odyssey Sims finished with 27 points, Natasha Howard added 16, and Aliyah Boston contributed 10 rebounds in a valiant effort.

In OT, Las Vegas pulled away thanks to clutch free throws and a staunch defensive stand. The victory marks the Aces’ third trip to the Finals in four years, aiming to add to their championships in 2022 and 2023. ([wdio.com](https://www.wdio.com/ap-top-news/aces-beat-fever-107-98-in-ot-of-game-5-of-semis-advance-to-wnba-finals-to-face-the-phoenix-mercury/?utm_source=openai))

## Leadership Under Fire: Collier and Reeve Speak Out
Following Minnesota’s season‐ending loss, All-Star forward Napheesa Collier publicly blasted WNBA leadership and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert as “tone-deaf” and “dismissive,” attributing on-court errors and player safety concerns to negligent governance. Collier referenced a controversial no-call that led to her ankle injury in Game 3 and accused league executives of prioritizing control over collaboration. She also highlighted ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, stressing that inadequate responsiveness to player grievances damages the league’s integrity.

Head coach Cheryl Reeve, suspended and fined for her own postgame criticisms in Game 3, voiced similar frustrations before receiving a record $15,000 fine—the largest ever imposed on a coach or player—and a one-game suspension. Indiana’s Stephanie White and Las Vegas’s Becky Hammon were also fined $1,000 each for publicly defending Reeve’s stance on officiating accountability. Commissioner Engelbert has since expressed disappointment but reaffirmed her respect for the athletes. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/lynx-star-collier-rips-into-wnba-leadership-2025-09-30/?utm_source=openai))

## Off-Court Business: New Media Rights Deal
On the same day, the WNBA announced a landmark 11-year media rights agreement with VERSANT, granting USA Network exclusive broadcast rights to WNBA games. The accord—running through 2036—aims to expand national viewership and capitalize on growing interest in women’s basketball. Under the deal, USA Network will air a regular slate of primetime matchups and marquee playoff contests, while digital streaming rights will be co-managed to ensure broad accessibility. League officials anticipate that the partnership will boost ratings and sponsorship revenue, further reinforcing the WNBA’s position in the U.S. sports market. ([wnba.com](https://www.wnba.com/news?utm_source=openai))

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These developments on September 30, 2025, encapsulate the WNBA’s blend of on-court drama, player activism, and strategic growth initiatives—providing rich material for in-depth coverage in WNBA Dimes.