Dec 2, 2024 - Sports

Golden State Valkyries open inaugural season against Los Angeles

Ross Terrell

The Valkyries' opponents for its first season are set. Photo: Courtesy of Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries first-ever regular season game will unfold at home against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16.

Driving the news: The WNBA released team schedules Monday and the league's 29th season will feature a record 44 games. That's up from 40 games the past two seasons.

Zoom in: Golden State's inaugural season opens with its first three games versus the Sparks (twice) and Washington Mystics — teams that finished at the bottom of the WNBA's standings last year.

Yes, but: Their next five games are somewhat of a gauntlet. They take on the defending champion New York Liberty twice on the road before hosting the Minnesota Lynx — the team the Liberty defeated in the finals.

After traveling to the Phoenix Mercury, they'll host the 2022 and 2023 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.

The intrigue: Fans' first chance to see Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at the Chase Center won't come until June 19. Clark and co. make their second stop in San Francisco on Aug. 31.

Fun fact: Golden State has two homestands of five games, their longest stretches. Their lengthiest road test is also five games from July 27-Aug. 3.

What's next: Roster building. The WNBA expansion draft is Friday, Dec. 6 at 3:30pm on ESPN.

You can view the full schedule here.

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Golden State Valkyries open inaugural season against Los Angeles

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