The Los Angeles Sparks narrowly defeated the Golden State Valkyries 83–82 in a thrilling WNBA preseason opener on May 6, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This game marked the inaugural appearance of the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s newest expansion team, adding a fresh dynamic to the WNBA’s Western Conference.

Five takeaways from Valkyries' first preseason game

 Game Overview

The Sparks, led by standout performances from Rickea Jackson and Azurá Stevens, managed to hold off a resilient Valkyries squad. Jackson contributed 13 points, while Stevens added 11, providing the necessary scoring to secure the win. The game was closely contested, with both teams showcasing their talents and strategies. Despite the loss, the Valkyries demonstrated significant potential, especially in the second half.

Five takeaways from Valkyries' first preseason game

 Valkyries’ Strong Second Half

After trailing by 14 points at halftime, the Valkyries mounted an impressive comeback, outscoring the Sparks in the second half. Forward Laeticia Amihere was a standout, scoring 20 points in the second half, including a dramatic last-second three-pointer that nearly secured the win for the Valkyries. Belgian center Kyara Linskens also made a notable impact, grabbing eight rebounds and helping drive a 32-point third quarter. Veteran players like Monique Billings, Kayla Thornton, and Tiffany Hayes provided stability and leadership for the rookie-heavy team. Rookies Kaitlyn Chen, Carla Leite, Migna Toure, and Linskens made their WNBA debuts, contributing to the team’s overall performance. Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Valkyries showed cohesion and promise for the upcoming season.

 

Golden State Valkyries announce team's preseason schedule

 

 

 Fan Engagement and Future Outlook

The game attracted significant attention, drawing a crowd of 17,428 fans to the Chase Center. The Valkyries have already made headlines by being the first WNBA team to sell 10,000 season tickets, reflecting high fan interest and expectations in the Bay Area. Coach Natalie Nakase acknowledged the enthusiastic local support and the pressure it brings, emphasizing the importance of building a competitive team.

Five takeaways from Valkyries' first preseason game

Looking ahead, both teams are set to face each other again in the regular season opener on May 16 at the Chase Center. This matchup is anticipated to be a significant event, marking the beginning of a new California rivalry in the WNBA. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive game as both teams aim to start the season strong.