The Golden State Valkyries kicked off the 2026 WNBA season in style, delivering a commanding 91-80 victory over the Seattle Storm on the road. The win marks a powerful start for the Bay Area's newest professional women's basketball team, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign.

Leading the charge was Janelle Salaun, who came off the bench to score a game-high 20 points. Salaun was electric from beyond the arc, knocking down five three-pointers on 11 attempts, while also grabbing two rebounds and dishing out an assist in 27 minutes of play. Her hot shooting was a key factor in the Valkyries' ability to pull away from the Storm.

But Salaun wasn't the only Valkyrie making headlines. Kaitlyn Chen added 14 points off the bench, while starters Veronica Burton (16 points) and Kayla Thornton (13 points) also contributed to the balanced scoring attack. Newly acquired forward Gabby Williams, facing her former team, posted seven points, six rebounds, and four assists in her debut for Golden State.

The Valkyries' strong performance was fueled by a supportive message earlier in the day from the Golden State Warriors, who posted on X to wish their sister franchise luck for the season. The sentiment clearly resonated, as the team played with energy and cohesion from the opening tip.

With this road win under their belts, the Valkyries now turn their attention to their home opener at Chase Center on Sunday, where they will face the Phoenix Mercury. Fans in the Bay Area are eager to see if the team can carry this momentum into their first home game of the season.