The Golden State Valkyries and the New York Liberty have played some exciting games since the Valkyries joined the WNBA. This article gives you a full timeline of their matches. You will learn about the biggest moments, the top players, and how this young rivalry has grown. Whether you are a new fan or you have watched every game, this guide will help you understand the story between these two teams.
A New Rivalry Begins
The Golden State Valkyries joined the WNBA as an expansion team in 2025. From the start, fans wanted to see how this new team would perform against strong opponents. The New York Liberty were one of the toughest teams in the league. They had just won a championship and had many star players. So, every game between these two teams became a big test for the Valkyries.
May 27, 2025: Liberty Wins Big
The first meeting between the two teams took place on May 27, 2025. The New York Liberty were undefeated at the time, and they showed why. Breanna Stewart scored 24 points, Jonquel Jones added 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and the Liberty never trailed in a 95-67 win over the Valkyries.
This game showed the gap between an experienced championship team and a new expansion team still learning to play together. The Liberty controlled the game from the first quarter, and the Valkyries could not find a way back.
May 29, 2025: A Closer Battle
Just two days later, the teams played again. This time, the game was much closer. Breanna Stewart scored 27 points and Sabrina Ionescu added 24 to help the New York Liberty hold on to beat the Golden State Valkyries 82-77, and the Liberty remained unbeaten.
Even though the Liberty won again, the Valkyries showed real improvement. They stayed close for most of the game and pushed a top team to their limit. This gave Valkyries fans hope that better days were coming.
June 25, 2025: A Tight Finish
The third matchup was another close game. New York won 81-78, but the game came down to the final minutes. Sabrina Ionescu made seven free throws in the last two minutes and had a key steal with 26 seconds left, while Breanna Stewart had 23 points and 10 rebounds, as the Liberty held off the Valkyries.
This game proved that the Valkyries could compete with one of the best teams in the league. They lost, but they made the Liberty work hard for every point.
September 2, 2025: The Valkyries Get Their First Win
Later in the 2025 season, the story changed. The Valkyries finally beat the Liberty. On September 2, 2025, Golden State won 66-58. The Golden State Valkyries beat the New York Liberty 66-58 in a game played in San Francisco, California.
This win was important for the Valkyries. It showed that the young team had grown a lot since their first meeting in May. Their defense had improved, and they were now able to beat a top-level opponent.
May 21, 2026: A Statement Win
The rivalry continued into the 2026 season. On May 21, the Valkyries earned an impressive win at Barclays Center. The Golden State Valkyries’ strong defense led them to an 87-70 victory over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Gabby Williams led the way with 16 points and four three-pointers, while Veronica Burton added 13 points and seven assists.
One part of this game stood out. Golden State played strong defense in the third quarter, holding New York to just 12 points on 5-for-20 shooting, their lowest-scoring quarter of the season. This quarter turned the game in the Valkyries’ favor.
Three-point shooting also made a big difference. The Valkyries made seven more three-pointers than the Liberty, which gave them 21 extra points, and they shot 37.1 percent from three compared to 25 percent for New York.
This win showed how far the Valkyries had come in just one year. They were no longer just a new team learning the league. They had become a real challenge for one of the best teams in the WNBA.
The Head to Head Record
So far, the two teams have played five games since 2025. The Golden State Valkyries have won 2 games and the New York Liberty have won 3 games. The scores have often been close, which shows that these two teams match up well against each other.
The Liberty still lead the overall record, but the Valkyries have closed the gap. Each new game between these teams brings excitement, because either side can win.
What Makes This Matchup Special
There are a few reasons why fans enjoy watching the Valkyries face the Liberty:
Strong players on both sides. The Liberty have stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. The Valkyries have built their own strong group, including Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, and Gabby Williams.
A mix of experience and growth. The Liberty are a championship team with a lot of experience. The Valkyries are still growing as a team, so fans get to watch them improve game by game.
Close, exciting games. Many of the matches between these two teams have been close. Even when one team wins by a big margin, the next game often turns into a tight battle.
Familiar faces. Some Valkyries players used to play for other Eastern Conference teams, which adds extra emotion when they face teams like the Liberty.
Looking Ahead
The two teams are set to meet again, with a game planned for June 28, 2026, at Chase Center. Fans on both sides are excited to see if the Valkyries can keep improving against one of the league’s top teams, or if the Liberty will take back control of the rivalry.
As the Valkyries continue to grow, this matchup is likely to become one of the more interesting rivalries to watch each WNBA season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more games between the Valkyries and the Liberty?
As of now, the New York Liberty lead the head-to-head record with 3 wins, while the Golden State Valkyries have won 2 games out of the 5 matches played since 2025.
When did the Valkyries get their first win against the Liberty?
The Valkyries earned their first win against the Liberty on September 2, 2025, winning the game 66-58.
Who are the key players to watch in this matchup?
For the Liberty, watch for Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. For the Valkyries, key players include Kayla Thornton, Veronica Burton, and Gabby Williams.
