VALKYRIES TIP-OFF INAUGURAL SEASON HOSTING SPARKS
The Golden State Valkyries will host their first-ever regular-season game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center on Friday. All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative 'First of a Lifetime' Valkyries T-Shirt. The Valkyries' first preseason game was also at Chase Center and against the Sparks, with Golden State losing a nail-biter 83-82. The Sparks had the worst record in the WNBA last season (8-32) but added three-time all-star and two-time WNBA champion Kelsey Plum this offseason. 

Valkyries vs. Sparks
Friday, May 16 | Tipoff: 7 p.m.
WATCH: ION (national)
LISTEN: 95.7 The Game
BUY TICKETS

LAST TIME OUT
The Golden State Valkyries rode their second-half shooting stroke to their first win in franchise history, defeating the Phoenix Mercury in the preseason finale 84-79. The Valkyries hit 10 of their 13 3-pointers in the second half and had 21 assists on 25 made field goals. Guard Migna Touré led the way with 19 points off the bench — Golden State's second unit outscored Phoenix's by 20 points, 51-31. Forward Kayla Thornton (12 PTS) and guard Carla Leite (11 PTS) joined Touré in double figures. » Full Game Recap

PREVIOUS GAME STARTERS
GSV: Tiffany Hayes, Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Monique Billings and Temi Fágbénlé
LAS: Kelsey Plum, Rae Burrell, Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens

VALKYRIES ROSTER FINALIZED
The Valkyries officially have their 12-woman roster ahead of their inaugural season, consisting of guards: #0 Carla Leite, #15 Tiffany Hayes, #20 Kate Martin, #22 Veronica Burton, and #35 Julie Vanloo; forwards: #5 Kayla Thornton, #7 Stephanie Talbot, #13 Janelle Salaün, and #24 Cecilia Zandalasini; and centers: #14 Temi Fágbénlé, #25 Monique Billings, and #31 Kyara Linskens.

LOS ANGELES SCOUTING REPORT
Although the Los Angeles Sparks won just eight games last season, they made strides towards a bright future, with two standout rookies drafted in the top five. In the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Sparks selected 6'4 two-way big Cameron Brink second overall and 6'2 forward Rickea Jackson fourth overall. Brink played just 15 games in her rookie campaign before tearing her ACL, but established herself as one of the league's top rim protectors, ranking second in blocks per game (2.3). Jackson played in all 40 games, ranking third among rookies in scoring (13.4 PPG). The Sparks had the second pick of the 2025 Draft but traded it in a three-team deal to land three-time all-star guard Kelsey Plum. Plum can bring her veteran leadership and championship experience to the team and aid the development of her young, talented front court.