Historically, WNBA expansion teams have struggled in their first season. How many games might Golden State win in 2025?

The Golden State Valkyries will check off another milestone Tuesday when they host the Los Angeles Sparks in their first game. Though only a preseason contest, this is a significant moment for the Valkyries, who are the first expansion team to enter the WNBA since the Atlanta Dream in 2008.

Nakase most recently served as an assistant with the Aces, winning back-to-back WNBA titles in 2022 and ’23. Prior to that, she worked in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers, most recently as an assistant coach and player development coach with the G League Agua Caliente Clippers.