Golden State Valkyries secure season-opening victory over Seattle Storm
Janelle Salaun leads the charge with 20 points as the Valkyries prepare for home opener against Phoenix Mercury
The Golden State Valkyries have successfully launched their 2026 WNBA campaign with a comprehensive 91-80 victory over the Seattle Storm. The match, which took place on Friday evening in the Pacific Northwest, marked the league's opening night and served as a significant early indicator for the newest franchise in the league.
Janelle Salaun was the primary architect of the win, recording a team-high 20 points in 27 minutes off the bench. Her performance included five three-pointers on 11 attempts from deep, alongside two rebounds and one assist. This scoring output from the reserves highlighted the depth available to the Valkyries as they navigate their inaugural season.
Supporting Salaun's effort, three other team members contributed double-figure scoring totals. Kaitlyn Chen added 14 points off the bench, while starters Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton recorded 16 and 13 points respectively. These consistent contributions across the roster provided the necessary stability to secure a convincing margin over the established Seattle franchise.
The game also featured a notable narrative element with the debut of Gabby Williams. The forward scored seven points in her first appearance for the Valkyries, playing against her former squad. Williams contributed six rebounds and four assists, demonstrating an immediate impact in her transition to the new organisation.
Prior to the contest, the NBA's Golden State Warriors publicly expressed support for the Valkyries on social media, reinforcing the institutional alignment between the two entities in the Bay Area. This gesture underscores the broader strategic intent to unify fanbases within the region as the WNBA continues to expand its geographic footprint.
Looking ahead, the Valkyries will return to their home arena, the Chase Center, for their scheduled home opener. The upcoming fixture pits the new franchise against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, providing a test of their defensive structure in front of a home crowd.
