The Golden State Valkyries made history in multiple ways during their inaugural game and home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks. The expansion franchise did everything possible to commemorate a night full of firsts and was rewarded with thunderous cheers from the electric San Francisco crowd, but nothing got the fans more hyped up than watching Kayla Thornton score the team's first-ever points.

The Valkyries were the highlight of the WNBA's season-opening slate, with celebrities and NBA players, including from the sibling franchise Golden State Warriors, showing up to support the fresh organization in the team's initial outing.

Warriors superstar Steph Curry even voiced his support early, declaring himself a fan of the squad on the eve of the Valkyries' debut.

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Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum.
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May 16, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; An overhead view of the arena during the fourth quarter of the game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Valkyries make WNBA history with massive crowd for inaugural game
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase (center) gestures during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center.
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“I'm going to be a fan. I'm going to be here at as many games as possible,” Curry said decisively. “It's great for the entire Bay, you know, the inaugural season. The atmosphere was pretty cool when they had the preseason game here. So I'm excited to watch them play and wish them nothing but success.

“It'll be really cool to be here opening night when they get to kind of plant their flag [and show] what Valkyries basketball means around here,” Curry concluded.

Fans were vocal about their displeasure with the Valkyries' roster moves ahead of the regular-season tip-off, slamming the front office on social media for seemingly not having enough star power on the team to draw viewership and create excitement throughout the campaign. Despite this, people still turned out in record numbers to witness history unfold in real time.

Even with the highs of the night, the Valkyries are still waiting to see when they'll notch their first win.