• The Golden State Valkyries played their first-ever preseason game, losing to the Los Angeles Sparks 83-82 in front of a sold-out crowd at Chase Center.
• Laeticia Amihere led the Valkyries with 20 points, and the team showed resilience by rallying from a 14-point halftime deficit.
• The Valkyries' debut is significant not only for bringing WNBA back to the Bay Area but also for honoring the legacy of women's professional basketball pioneers like Anna Johnson, who played for the San Francisco Pioneers in the late 1970s.

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's first expansion team since 2008, tipped off their inaugural preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Despite an 83-82 loss, the game marked a historic moment for the team and the Bay Area, drawing a crowd of 17,428 enthusiastic fans. The Valkyries demonstrated their potential by rallying from a significant halftime deficit, fueled by a strong performance from their bench and the energy of the home crowd. This event signifies a new chapter for women's professional basketball in the region, building upon the legacy of past teams and players.

• What: The Golden State Valkyries played their first preseason game, losing by one point to the Los Angeles Sparks.
• Who: Key players include Laeticia Amihere (Valkyries leading scorer), Monique Billings, Kayla Thornton, and coaches Natalie Nakase and Vanja Černivec. Historical figure Anna Johnson, former player for the San Francisco Pioneers.
• When: The preseason game took place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The Valkyries' season opener is May 16, 2025.
• Where: The game was held at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

The Golden State Valkyries' debut represents a significant milestone for the WNBA and the Bay Area. The game's close finish and enthusiastic fan support suggest a promising future for the team. The Valkyries' management is focused on building a competitive team for the long term, prioritizing player character and strategic draft picks. Furthermore, the event serves as a reminder of the rich history of women's professional basketball in the Bay Area, honoring pioneers like Anna Johnson and her teammates on the San Francisco Pioneers, who paved the way for future generations of players. The Valkyries face the challenge of building team cohesion and securing a consistent scoring threat, but their emphasis on culture and competitiveness positions them for growth.

"They've been working on this since 2016, so to see it come to life is amazing."

"Our crowd showed up...It felt like a playoff game. That's what it felt like and you could see our players feeding off their passion."

"To make your mark on life, you have to have an education."

Despite a narrow preseason loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, the Golden State Valkyries' debut was a momentous occasion, marked by excitement, a strong fan presence of 17,428, and a resilient performance that included a comeback from a 14-point deficit. This level of support, the highest for any preseason game this year, underscores the Bay Area's enthusiasm for its new team and women's sports. Led by head coach Natalie Nakase, the first Asian American woman to hold such a position in the WNBA, the Valkyries are committed to building a competitive team culture focused on process, high standards, and player development. The team's blend of seasoned veterans like Tiffany Hayes and Kayla Thornton with promising newcomers reflects a strategy aimed at fostering a cohesive unit with high character and competitiveness. Even without top draft pick Justė Jocytė, the Valkyries are focused on establishing a strong foundation and a legacy of success. As they move forward, the Valkyries carry the torch for women's basketball pioneers in the Bay Area, striving to create a welcoming atmosphere, inspire the next generation, and establish a lasting presence in the WNBA. With a dedicated training facility, a rapidly growing fanbase exceeding 10,000 season ticket holders, and a clear vision for long-term development, the Golden State Valkyries are poised to make a significant impact on and off the court.