Game Changers: The 2025 WNBA Finals

Letter From the Editors

The WNBA can’t stop breaking records. The last season of pro women’s basketball had the biggest crowds and most viewers in 22 years — impressive, yes. But 2025 was like, “Nah, hold my Gatorade.”

Here’s some of the league’s recent triumphs: It had the highest-ever single-season attendance, drawing over 2.5 million fans across 226 games. The Golden State Valkyries entered the W and immediately became the most valuable franchise in U.S. women's sports history (they’re worth a casual $500 million). With 18,064 fans at all 22 sold-out home games, they surpassed the average attendance record, and the team is only just getting started.

The 2025 WNBA Finals kicked off on Oct. 3 with the Las Vegas Aces hosting the Phoenix Mercury at Nevada’s Michelob ULTRA Arena, and the Aces currently lead the series 2-0. Ahead of Game 1, Bustle headed to Vegas to meet a few of the players and hear what winning means to them. If you’re not already into women’s basketball, there’s never been a more exciting time to tune in. So grab a seat and take a look — it’s tip-off time.

Aaliyah Nye

Las Vegas Aces Guard/Forward

I feel like a winner when… I follow God.

My winning strategy is… Keep faith.

My favorite win: When I was at Alabama, we played LSU and finally won after three years. We were dancing in the locker room.

When I want to win… I listen to gospel music or Broadway… or Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR.

Kalani Brown

Phoenix Mercury Center

I feel like a winner when… I’m on the court with my teammates, celebrating. People just love to scream, right?

The ultimate winner will always be… Serena Williams, Maya Moore. They’ve gone through little rough patches, they’ve gotten what they wanted, and they left. Now they’re mommies. It’s so important to have an identity outside of your sport.

When I want to win, I listen to… Baddie music. If I feel like that girl, then I’m going to play like that girl.

A’ja Wilson

Las Vegas Aces Center

When I want to win, I listen to… Gospel.

I feel like a winner… Every day. Every day.

Natasha Mack

Phoenix Mercury Forward/Center

Nickname: Mack Truck

I feel like a winner when… I can do my little dancey dance. I like to do it at home with the Mighty Mercury, with my hip-hop crew. I’m going to show y’all later.

Winning is… When everyone’s on the same page. When we won the last game and everybody was cheering and I was rolling on the floor, I was like, “Yeah, we’re connected.”

Winning isn’t… Meaningful when you don’t sacrifice something.

Cheyenne Parker-Tyus

Las Vegas Aces Forward

I feel like a winner when… I’m intentional with my mindfulness. When I’m mentally in a good place, it’s all positive vibes.

When I want to win, I listen to… “Fly” by Nicki Minaj and Rihanna: “I came to win, to fight, to conquer, to thrive.”

The ultimate winner will always be… Grateful and resilient. It ain’t easy to win, so you have to get through the hard times. The losses be lessons.

Dana Evans

Las Vegas Aces Guard

I feel like a winner… When I’m having fun.

My winning strategy is… A consistent routine. In the morning, I pray, recover, and rest.

Winning is... Everything. And it isn’t easy.

When I want to win, I listen to… R&B, rap, and gospel. I love all genres.

The ultimate winner will always be… God.

Kierstan Bell

Las Vegas Aces Forward

I feel like a winner when… My teammates are winning. I’m super proud of this group for staying with each other.

My winning strategy is… Resting.

Winning is… Fun. Duh. Winning isn’t boring, let’s say that. You can’t get bored with greatness.

When I want to win, I listen to… Rod Wave, my favorite artist.

The ultimate winner will always be… My family.

Megan Gustafson

Las Vegas Aces Center

I feel like a winner when… My teammates hype me up. I’m quiet compared to them, so when they’re cheering and yelling for me, it gets me out of my shell.

My winning strategy… Be the hardest worker — and the smartest. I’m not the most athletic person, so I’ve got to beat people with my brain.

Winning is… A process. It’s not about the end result — it’s about how you do it and how you go through every single day.

NaLyssa Smith

Las Vegas Forward

I feel like a winner when... I’m winning, of course.

When I want to win, I listen to... Devotionals. A mantra that helps me is “Be still and know I'm with you,” Psalms 46:10. I have that tattooed on my wrist.

My winning strategy is... Play as hard as I can.

The ultimate winner will always be... God.

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The Las Vegas Aces guard made WNBA history during the Finals.

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Star Players

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By Nina Kahn

Sports

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The WNBA Finals

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By Kelsey Mulvey

The WNBA Finals

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