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Valkyries Beat Sky 69-63, Announce Blackout Day

5/15/2026

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Valkyries Secure Victory

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Chicago Sky 69–63 before 18,063 fans.
Gabby Williams' 18 points and Kiah Stokes' 11 rebounds helped the Valkyries hold Chicago to a season-low 24 first-half points on 27.0% shooting.
Coach Natalie Nakase announced a blackout day, a plan to practice the team’s weaknesses, and a travel schedule to New York on May 21 with the game on Prime Video and Audacy App.

Summary

Chicago Sky Wins

Chicago Sky earned their first franchise win, beating the Golden State Valkyries 69-63.
The win gave Chicago a 2-0 start, its first unbeaten opening in three years.
Chicago’s defense now ranks second in points allowed (73.0) and holds opponents to a league-best 34.9% shooting.
Guard Natasha Cloud debuted with seven points and four rebounds, prompting Coach Tyler Marsh to say the team’s identity is built on “dogs” and “ultra-competitors.”

History

Historical Context

The WNBA began on June 21 1997 with eight NBA-backed teams, its first game drawing 14,284 fans as the Los Angeles Sparks fell to the New York Liberty. Decades later, the league’s newest expansion, the Golden State Valkyries (approved Oct 5 2023), faced the Chicago Sky, whose recent win echoes the early breakthrough performances that helped the fledgling league prove its competitive parity.

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Valkyries Secure Victory

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Chicago Sky 69–63 before 18,063 fans.
Gabby Williams' 18 points and Kiah Stokes' 11 rebounds helped the Valkyries hold Chicago to a season-low 24 first-half points on 27.0% shooting.
Coach Natalie Nakase announced a blackout day, a plan to practice the team’s weaknesses, and a travel schedule to New York on May 21 with the game on Prime Video and Audacy App.

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