diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index cbb5be49c..344c94295 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -34,3 +34,7 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-backport
     branch: 2.19.x
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 2.25.x
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index 203644341..c7d7423f1 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -172,6 +172,24 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - 'Kokoro - Test: Java GraalVM Native Image'
       - 'Kokoro - Test: Java 17 GraalVM Native Image'
       - javadoc
+  - pattern: 2.25.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (17)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
+      - cla/google
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Java GraalVM Native Image'
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Java 17 GraalVM Native Image'
+      - javadoc
+      - library_generation
+      - unmanaged_dependency_check
 permissionRules:
   - team: yoshi-admins
     permission: admin
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 25ff835b0..12e6a2c04 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ If you are using Maven without the BOM, add this to your dependencies:
 <dependency>
   <groupId>com.google.cloud</groupId>
   <artifactId>google-cloud-datastore</artifactId>
-  <version>2.25.1</version>
+  <version>2.25.2</version>
 </dependency>
 
 ```