5 Shocking Predictions for Aces vs Valkyries in 2025
The Las Vegas Aces have a new challenger. We're making 5 shocking predictions for the WNBA's newest rivalry against the Golden State Valkyries in 2025.
Jasmine Carter
WNBA analyst and columnist with a passion for stats and a flair for predictions.
The WNBA landscape is electric, and the current is flowing straight from Las Vegas. The Aces, a dynasty in the making, have dominated the league with a combination of MVP talent, veteran leadership, and championship swagger. They've been the undisputed queens of the court. But every dynasty eventually faces a worthy challenger, and a storm is brewing in the Bay Area.
Enter the Golden State Valkyries. Set to make their debut in 2025, the league's newest expansion team isn't just another roster to fill a schedule. Backed by a proven championship organization, a hungry fanbase, and the promise of a top draft pick, the Valkyries are poised to make immediate noise. The stage is set for an instant, heated West Coast rivalry that could define the next era of the WNBA.
While most analysts are predicting a learning curve for the newcomers, we're looking deeper. We believe this matchup will be less of a coronation and more of a cage fight from day one. Forget the safe bets. Here are five shocking predictions for the Aces vs. Valkyries rivalry in 2025.
1. A Legendary Scoring Duel to Kick Things Off
Mark your calendars for the very first meeting between these two teams. While the initial focus will be on the team dynamic, we predict the individual brilliance will steal the show in a way no one sees coming. This won't just be a high-scoring game; it will be a historic one-on-one battle. We're predicting that two-time MVP A'ja Wilson and the Valkyries' star rookie (let's say it's a generational talent like Paige Bueckers) will both explode for 40+ points in the same game.
A'ja, notoriously dominant, will be keen to put the upstarts in their place. But the Valkyries' new star, playing with the freedom of having nothing to lose and everything to prove, will match her shot for shot. The result? A back-and-forth offensive masterpiece that instantly becomes an I was there when...
moment for the WNBA, setting a fiery tone for every future matchup.
Hypothetical Duel Box Score
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A'ja Wilson (LVA) | 42 | 13 | 4 | 58% |
| Valkyries Rookie (GSW) | 40 | 6 | 8 | 52% |
2. The Valkyries Will Win the Inaugural Season Series
This is where it gets truly shocking. An expansion team defeating a dynasty in a season series? It sounds impossible, but hear us out. The Aces are titans, but they are not invincible. A long season, the target on their back, and the potential for even minor injuries can create vulnerabilities.
The Valkyries, meanwhile, will be built for this. A smart front office will not just build with youth; they'll strategically pluck underrated veterans in the expansion draft and sign a key, high-impact free agent who is hungry for a fresh start. They will play a fast-paced, modern style that could catch the Aces off guard. While Las Vegas might win the first game on sheer talent, we predict the Valkyries will make sharp adjustments, leveraging their depth and a house money
mentality to steal the next two games and win the season series 2-1. The WNBA world will be stunned, and the rivalry will be cemented.
3. A Rivalry-Fueled Blockbuster Trade Rocks the League
Losing the season series to an expansion team won't sit well with the Las Vegas Aces' front office. Complacency is the death of a dynasty, and this new threat will be a splash of ice-cold water. Our third shocking prediction is that, by the trade deadline, the Aces will make a blockbuster move specifically in response to the Valkyries' emergence.
Feeling the pressure and seeing a legitimate challenger in their conference, the Aces will sacrifice future assets—likely a future first-round pick and a key bench player—to acquire a proven All-Star caliber wing. They'll target a player who can provide elite perimeter defense and consistent three-point shooting, a direct counter to the Valkyries' likely guard-heavy attack. This trade won't just be about improving their team; it will be a statement to Golden State and the rest of the league: the throne is not up for grabs.
4. The Rookie Outshines the 'Point Gawdddd'
Chelsea Gray isn't just an All-Star; she's a basketball genius, the 'Point Gawdddd' herself, and the engine of the Aces' offense. Few can match her court vision and clutch play. But our fourth prediction is that the Valkyries' rookie point guard will not only hold her own but will win the head-to-head matchup over the course of the season.
This isn't a knock on Gray, but a testament to the fearlessness of the new generation. The Valkyries' young floor general will use her quickness and athleticism to pressure Gray on defense and will showcase a dazzling offensive package that gives the Aces fits. While Gray will still have her moments of brilliance, the narrative coming out of their games will be about the torch being passed. The rookie will post better aggregate numbers in their head-to-head games, fueling a Rookie of the Year campaign and signaling a shift in the point guard hierarchy.
Season Series PG Matchup: A Prediction
| Stat (Per Game Average) | Chelsea Gray (LVA) | Valkyries Rookie (GSW) |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 14.5 | 19.0 |
| Assists | 7.0 | 8.5 |
| Turnovers | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| Steals | 1.0 | 2.0 |
5. The Rivalry Goes Viral (And It Gets Personal)
In modern sports, rivalries aren't just forged on the court; they're amplified on social media, in press conferences, and in the hearts of the fans. Our final prediction is that the Aces-Valkyries rivalry will have a viral, off-court moment that makes it personal and takes the league by storm.
It could be anything. Perhaps after a tough loss, A'ja Wilson makes a seemingly innocent post-game comment like, They played hard. It's always cute when the new kids get a win.
Within minutes, a Valkyries player quote-tweets the video with a simple, cutting emoji—maybe a crown or a baby bottle. Or maybe it's a heated, extended trash-talking exchange between Kelsey Plum and a fiery Valkyries guard that gets caught on a hot mic.
Whatever the catalyst, this moment will ignite a firestorm of debate and memes online, drawing in casual fans and making every future game a must-see event. The league will have its new marquee rivalry, one built not just on talent, but on palpable tension and personality.
Conclusion: A New Era is Upon Us
The 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, and the birth of the Aces-Valkyries rivalry is a primary reason. While these predictions are bold, they're rooted in the potential for something truly special: a clash of a dominant, established power with a fearless, ambitious newcomer.
Whether it's record-breaking duels, shocking upsets, or off-court drama, one thing is certain: this rivalry will be anything but boring. The Las Vegas Aces have their throne, but the Golden State Valkyries are coming to lay siege. Get your popcorn ready.
What are your boldest predictions for the Aces vs. Valkyries? Let us know in the comments below!