The Sparks looked like they were fading from the playoff race as the calendar turned to September, but they pulled off a 17-point comeback to stun the Storm in Seattle on Monday. On Tuesday, the Valkyries took care of the Liberty and the Fever fell to the Mercury.

The Liberty's repeat bid suffered a blow before the season even tipped off. Two-time All-Defensive honoree Betnijah Laney-Hamilton suffered a meniscus injury while playing in Unrivaled, and that ruled her out for all of 2025.

The Liberty clinched a playoff berth Tuesday night despite falling 66-58 to the Valkyries and were in no mood to celebrate as the team continues to struggle with just three games left in the regular season.