Wednesday, May 21 marked the first-ever win for the WNBA’s newest team, the Golden State Valkyries. Many more dubs are to come, but that inaugural one will always hit with extra sentimentality: The nascent franchise has the resources and market hype to become a competitor in due time.

The 2025 WNBA season is officially underway, as games have begun to ramp up over the last several days. One of this weekend’s top games will be between the 1-1 Los Angeles Sparks and 0-1 Golden State Valkyries. Both teams met last week, with the Sparks taking the victory behind Kelsey Plum’s 37 points in her LA debut.

The Golden State Valkyries are the WNBA's first expansion team since 2008. Here's everything you need to know.

The Valkyries recovered behind 13 first half points from starting center Temi Fagbenle. The 6-foot-4 center had 13 points, which included hitting two of her three 3-point attempts, to lead Golden State in the first half. Prior to Friday’s game, Fagbenle had just three made 3s in her WNBA career.

Kelsi Thorud reports on what the Golden State Valkyries’ logo represents. Website: YouTube: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter:

Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase says her rookies, Janelle Salaün and Carla Leite, are doing n incredible job so far.

The Valkyries have played two of their 22 regular-season home games so far, with their Chase Center finale set for Sept. 6. From the beginning of the Warriors’ 2024-25 preseason last October until then, the venue would have hosted 73 professional basketball games during that time. But Valkyries game days have quickly cultivated their own energy.

Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes was helped off the court late in the second quarter and didn't return against the Washington Mystics after taking an arm to the face from Shakira Austin and going down for several minutes.