First W in the Books for the Valkyries 🏆

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

The Golden State Valkyries secured their first win in franchise history on Wednesday, edging out the Washington Mystics 76–74 in a thriller at home. Veronica Burton, who was out of the league just a year ago, led the charge with a career-high performance: 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. (SB Nation)

WHY IT MATTERS: Most people had the Valkyries pegged for the bottom of the standings this year, but they're showing they came to compete. Burton’s breakout game and the team’s early-season fight are proof of just how deep the talent runs in the W. And with their second sellout crowd in a row, Golden State fans are clearly all in. A historic night for the newest franchise.

👉 Watch Veronica Burton reflect on the milestone win

USA Basketball just named the four players who will represent the U.S. in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series. The season begins May 23-24 in Marseille, France. (USA Basketball)

WHY IT MATTERS: The United States has a long history of success in international basketball, and there’s a hefty amount of pressure on Team USA to bounce back from the bronze medal win at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Each of these four players brings experience in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 formats and recently trained together at USA Basketball’s development camp. This Women’s Series is an opportunity for them to continue to develop in preparation for the next Olympics.

For today’s home opener against the Indiana Fever, the Atlanta Dream will debut a striking monochrome black court, designed by Playa Society in collaboration with Cash App. The court’s centerpiece is a bold message in all caps at midcourt: “Pay Some Respect to Women’s Sports.” (PR Newswire)

WHY IT MATTERS: This is the first time a WNBA team has partnered on a custom “statement court,” and it’s a smart, meaningful blend of branding and mission. Even more impactful is that the court will be donated to a local youth organization after the game. Players will also rep the design during warmups.

👉 See the Dream’s new court design