Talbot faces former team in Valkyries season opener

• Steph Talbot's first game for Valkyries is against her old team LA Sparks
• Three Australians go head-to-head when Phoenix hosts Seattle
• May 17, 2025 could be a 'Dream' day for rookies Puoch and Borlase

Ten of Australia's best basketball players suiting up for eight WNBA teams in 2025, in what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and competitive in league history.

The WNBA, the world's premier women's basketball league, now features 13 teams battling for playoff spots and championship glory with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries expansion team.

Adelaide Lightning and Los Angeles Sparks superstar Steph Talbot, 30, was an unprotected pick by the Golden State Valkyries on December 6, 2024 in the WNBA's Expansion Draft.

The season tips off on Saturday, May 17th with a triple-header. The Atlanta Dream will travel to face the Washington Mystics, while the Minnesota Lynx take on the Dallas Wings. Opening day slate is capped by the Los Angeles Sparks visiting the new Golden State Valkyries in their inaugural game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the home of the Golden State Warriors.

Some key storylines to watch as the season unfolds:

1. Golden State's Debut: How will the Valkyries fare in their first WNBA campaign? With a brand new roster — including Katherine-born Talbot — and coaching staff, there will likely be some growing pains, but also the potential for surprise success.
2. New York's back-to-back bid: Australian coaching legend Sandy Brondello is back at the helm of the WNBA champion Liberty. New York is stacked with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
3. Aces' Championship challenge: Las Vegas after going back-to-back in 2022 and 2023 will be ready. A'ja Wilson is the reigning MVP for a reason. She put up all-world numbers in 2024: 26.9 points per game; 11.9 rebounds per game and 2.3 assists.
4. Rookie Impact: This year's draft class is loaded with talent, including two Australians forward Nyadiew Puoch (pick 12 overall) and forward Isobel Borlase (pick 22 overall) by the Atlanta Dream in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
5. Playoff Race: With only eight postseason berths available, the battle for playoff spots will be intense.

Australian players and their season openers.

• May 17, 2025: Minnesota Lynx at Dallas Wings — Australian Opals centre Alanna Smith, fresh off an outstanding WNBA Finals campaign against the Liberty, goes on the road to face the Dallas Wings.‍
• May 17, 2025: Atlanta Dream at Washington Mystics — WNBA rookies Puoch and Borlase might get their first minutes against Australian Opals teammate Jade Melbourne when Atlanta travels to the Nation's Capital to take on the Mystics.
• ‍May 18, 2025: Phoenix Mercury at Seattle Storm — WNBL MVP-in-waiting and Seattle Storm guard Sami Whitcomb is set to visit Australians Bec Allen and Amy Atwell when the Mercury host four-WNBA champions on their open day.
• May 18, 2025: Indiana Fever at Chicago Sky — Australian guard Kristy Wallace will be part of an absolute blockbuster when Caitlin Clark and her Indiana Fever travel to Chicago to go head-to-head with Angel Reese and the Sky.

Some of the most anticipated matchups in the early part of the schedule include:

• May 18, 2025: Las Vegas Aces at New York Liberty — A potential Finals preview between two stacked rosters
• May 24, 2025: Connecticut Sun at Minnesota Lynx — Always a competitive rivalry between these perennial contenders
• May 28, 2025: Golden State Valkyries at New York Liberty — The expansion team faces its toughest test yet
• June 2, 2025: Connecticut Sun at New York Liberty — An Eastern Conference showdown and Commissioner's Cup game

The regular season runs through September 10, 2025, with the playoffs tipping off shortly after.

WNBA fans are in for a treat in 2025. Buckle up for what promises to be a thrilling ride from opening night through the Finals!