Betting on the WNBA in 2025 has never been more exciting or more popular. Thanks to rising talent, record-breaking viewership, and expanded betting markets, more fans are looking to turn their basketball knowledge into smart wagers. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just new to WNBA betting, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, including where to bet, how the odds work, and why this league might be one of the best-kept secrets in sports betting.
Overview of WNBA Betting Growth
Once a quiet corner of the sports betting world, betting on the WNBA has transformed into a fast-growing market that’s catching the attention of both casual fans and seasoned bettors.
The Early Days: A Niche Market
Limited Lines and Low Visibility
Just a few years ago, the WNBA barely made a dent in betting markets. Many sportsbooks didn’t post lines for regular-season games, and when they did, the betting options were minimal. Most attention was focused on bigger leagues like the NBA and NFL, leaving women’s basketball largely overlooked.
What Changed? Star Power and Demand
The Caitlin Clark Effect and Beyond
The rise of superstars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu helped push the WNBA into the national spotlight. Caitlin Clark, in particular, brought a massive college fan base into the pro league, boosting both viewership and wagering interest. Her transition to the WNBA generated record-breaking attention and carried new fans to sportsbooks offering lines on her games.
Growing Fan Engagement
With more fans tuning in and teams growing their followings on social media, sportsbooks had no choice but to take notice. According to ESPN, WNBA betting volume jumped more than 200% between 2022 and 2024, signaling that the league was no longer a side note—it was becoming a serious betting market.
The Sportsbook Response
Expanded Coverage from Major Platforms
Legal sportsbooks across the U.S. and internationally responded by expanding their offerings. Today, platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars provide full WNBA coverage. Bettors can now wager on:
- Point spreads
- Moneylines
- Over/unders (totals)
- Player props
- Same-game parlays
- Futures markets (like MVP and championship odds)
And this isn’t just for the playoffs, it’s available throughout the entire season.
The Role of Media and Social Influence
More Games, More Eyes, More Bets
Sports media outlets have also played a huge role in betting growth. ESPN, CBS Sports, and other networks now broadcast more WNBA games than ever, often paired with pre-game and in-game betting discussions. This visibility drives traffic to sportsbooks and encourages casual fans to explore betting options.
Social Media and DFS Growth
Communities on Twitter/X, Reddit, and YouTube have popped up, dedicated to betting on the WNBA. Meanwhile, daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms like PrizePicks and Underdog have expanded their WNBA offerings, bringing even more crossover between fantasy players and sports bettors.
Why Now Is the Time
A Less Efficient Market Means More Opportunity
One of the biggest reasons serious bettors are jumping into WNBA markets is simple: it’s still inefficient. Unlike the NBA or NFL, where sportsbooks use massive datasets and sharp action to tighten their lines, WNBA lines are often softer and slower to adjust. That means if you do your homework, you can find real value.
Expansion = Bigger Markets
The WNBA’s upcoming expansion—teams like the Golden State Valkyries, plus future franchises in Toronto, Cleveland, and Philadelphia—will only increase betting opportunities. More teams mean more games, more stars, and more lines to wager on.
Betting on the WNBA Has Entered a New Era
In 2025, betting on the WNBA will no longer be just for die-hard fans. It’s a serious, growing part of the sports betting ecosystem. With rising stars, broader coverage, and real value on the betting board, the WNBA offers a smart, exciting option for new and experienced bettors alike. And the smart money is already ahead of the curve.
Best Sportsbooks for WNBA Odds
If you’re going to bet, you need a reliable sportsbook. Not all of them offer the same odds or bet types, and some give better value than others. Here are some of the top places to start betting on the WNBA in 2025:
FanDuel
FanDuel was one of the first major sportsbooks to embrace the WNBA fully. It offers competitive moneylines, spreads, and totals for every game, plus fun player props like points, rebounds, and assists. Their mobile app is one of the easiest to use, which makes it great for beginners.
DraftKings
DraftKings is another solid choice for WNBA betting. The platform gives you a wide variety of bet types, and their same-game parlays work well with WNBA action. DraftKings also frequently offers odds boosts for WNBA matchups, helping bettors get more value on their picks.
BetMGM
Known for great futures markets, BetMGM lets you bet on things like who will win the WNBA MVP or which team will win the title. Their odds are usually updated quickly and accurately, and their platform offers helpful stats and data to guide your bets.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars also gives strong odds for WNBA games and player props. If you’re into tracking line movement, Caesars tends to be sharp with early odds—great for experienced bettors looking for an edge.
While these are the big four, don’t forget to shop around. Odds can vary slightly from one sportsbook to another. Getting the best number on a point spread or moneyline can make a real difference in your long-term success when betting on the WNBA.
2025 WNBA Finals Betting Odds: Updated Futures for Every Team
If you’re betting on the WNBA in 2025, knowing where each team stands in the championship race is key. Futures markets give you the chance to lock in long-term value—especially before the playoffs begin. Below is a current snapshot of the latest WNBA Finals odds from ESPN BET, showing which teams are favored and which ones are long shots.
Latest WNBA Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| New York Liberty | +140 |
| Minnesota Lynx | +245 |
| Indiana Fever | +475 |
| Phoenix Mercury | +750 |
| Las Vegas Aces | +1500 |
| Seattle Storm | +2200 |
| Atlanta Dream | +2800 |
| Golden State Valkyries | +10000 |
| Washington Mystics | +20000 |
| Los Angeles Sparks | +25000 |
| Dallas Wings | +30000 |
| Connecticut Sun | +50000 |
| Chicago Sky | +50000 |
Breaking Down the WNBA Futures Market
New York Liberty (+140)
The Liberty are the clear favorites to win the 2025 WNBA Finals. With elite talent like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, they’re dominating both on the court and in the futures market. If you’re betting on the WNBA with a focus on chalk plays, this is the top pick.
Minnesota Lynx (+245)
A close second, the Lynx have been on a tear this season, powered by Napheesa Collier. At +245, they offer solid value for bettors looking for a realistic title contender with slightly better returns than the favorite.
Indiana Fever (+475)
Caitlin Clark’s arrival has not only changed the Fever’s trajectory, it’s also drawn huge interest from bettors. While they’re still building chemistry, their offensive ceiling makes them one of the most popular teams for WNBA futures bets.
Phoenix Mercury (+750)
The Mercury have surged thanks to a strong midseason push. With veterans stepping up and a balanced roster, they’re one of the best value plays if you’re looking beyond the top two.
Las Vegas Aces (+1500)
The Aces are two-time defending champions, but injuries and roster changes have made this season more difficult. Still, at +1500, they remain a high-upside sleeper pick for futures betting.
Mid-Tier Teams: Storm, Dream
The Seattle Storm (+2200) and Atlanta Dream (+2800) are talented squads that could sneak into contention. Their odds reflect the challenge ahead, but for risk-tolerant bettors, these lines could pay off big.
Long Shots and Rebuilders
Teams like the Golden State Valkyries (+10000), Washington Mystics (+20000), and Chicago Sky (+50000) are considered long shots to win the 2025 title. While unlikely, these odds might appeal to bettors who enjoy high-risk, high-reward plays—especially if you’re tracking trends or situational matchups.
Should You Bet WNBA Futures Now?
Futures odds in the WNBA shift throughout the season based on injuries, standings, and betting volume. If you believe a team will heat up in the second half, locking in their current price could lead to big value come playoff time. Betting on the WNBA isn’t just about tonight’s game—it’s about seeing the bigger picture and finding the right spot to strike.
Make sure to check your sportsbook regularly for odds updates, injury reports, and betting promos tied to WNBA action. Whether you’re backing a favorite like the Liberty or taking a shot on a long shot like the Storm, the futures market is one of the most exciting parts of WNBA betting in 2025.
Common Bet Types: Spread, Moneyline, and Over/Under
Understanding the basics of how to bet on WNBA games is important before placing your first wager. There are three main types of bets you’ll see for every game.
Spread
The spread is a point difference set by the sportsbook to make the game more even. For example, if the Las Vegas Aces are -6.5 against the Chicago Sky, they must win by 7 or more points to “cover” the spread. If you bet on the Sky at +6.5, they can either win the game or lose by 6 points or fewer and your bet still wins.
Moneyline
The moneyline is a bet on which team will win the game, with no point spread involved. Favorites are shown with a minus (-) and underdogs with a plus (+). A line of -150 means you’d need to bet $150 to win $100. A line of +130 means a $100 bet would win you $130. Betting on the WNBA with moneylines is common when you’re confident in a team’s win, regardless of the score difference.
Over/Under (Totals)
This is a bet on the total points scored in the game by both teams. If the line is 162.5 and you bet the over, you win if the total score is 163 or more. Betting the under means you need the score to stay at 162 or fewer. In WNBA circles, sharp bettors often look for value on the under, especially in games between strong defensive teams.
Advanced Betting Strategies for the WNBA
Once you know the basics, it’s time to level up. Betting on the WNBA successfully over time requires more than just luck. Here are a few advanced strategies to help you outsmart the books.
Follow Line Movement
Watch how the odds move after they’re released. If a team opens as a small favorite but moves to a bigger favorite before tip-off, that usually means smart bettors (also known as sharps) are putting money on that side. You can use this as a clue and either follow the smart money or look for value going the other way.
Use Injury and Rotation News
Because WNBA rosters are smaller than NBA teams, one injury or coaching decision can have a huge impact. A missing starter might swing the spread by multiple points. Sites like Her Hoop Stats and beat reporters on X (formerly Twitter) can help you stay up to date.
Bet Early in the Season
Oddsmakers have less data early in the season, which gives sharp bettors an advantage. This is often when the best sports betting blogs publish their most profitable picks. Betting on the WNBA in the first few weeks often gives you softer lines, especially if you follow preseason trends and roster changes.
Look for Market Inefficiencies
Because betting on the WNBA is still less popular than the NBA, sportsbooks sometimes make mistakes in their lines. For example, totals can be too high or too low based on outdated stats. Watching trends—like how certain teams perform on back-to-back nights—can help you spot these inefficiencies before the line adjusts.
Why Betting on the WNBA Is Undervalued Compared to the NBA
One of the biggest reasons more bettors are turning to the WNBA is that it’s still undervalued by the general public. The NBA has millions of fans and bettors, which means sportsbooks are sharp and efficient with their lines. In the WNBA, fewer people betting means more opportunity to find soft spots.
Public money in NBA betting often moves lines quickly and can create inflated favorites or overvalued stars. In contrast, betting on the WNBA offers a more even playing field for bettors who do their homework. You’re not battling against thousands of professional sharp bettors—just a smaller, more focused crowd.
In addition, trends are easier to spot. The WNBA’s smaller schedule, tighter rotations, and consistent pace of play make it easier to predict game flow and outcomes if you follow the league closely. This means your research can pay off faster, and your edge can stay stronger longer.
Sites like thesportseconomist.com regularly dive into these angles, showing how line movement, statistical matchups, and player usage trends make betting on the WNBA a profitable niche for smart bettors.
Where to Start Today
Ready to start betting on the WNBA? Here’s how you can take the first step:
- Choose a legal sportsbook with strong WNBA coverage.
- Watch a few games and follow stats closely to get a feel for team dynamics.
- Start with simple bets—moneyline or totals—before diving into parlays or props.
- Read content from trusted sports betting blogs that specialize in women’s basketball.
- Track your bets, learn from each result, and refine your process.
Betting on the WNBA in 2025 is about more than just picking winners, it’s about understanding a growing league, recognizing value others ignore, and staying consistent. With the right strategy, tools, and knowledge, you can give yourself a real shot at long-term success.
