Aces vs Valkyries: The Ultimate 2025 Rivalry Guide
Get ready for the WNBA's hottest new rivalry! Our 2025 guide breaks down the Las Vegas Aces vs. Golden State Valkyries, from star players to key matchups.
Derek Carter
Seasoned sports journalist covering the WNBA's evolution and most compelling storylines.
Forget everything you thought you knew about WNBA rivalries. While Liberty vs. Aces has been electric, a new storm is brewing out West. The dynastic Las Vegas Aces, queens of the court, are about to meet their brand-new, Bay Area challengers: the Golden State Valkyries. This isn't just another game on the schedule; it's the birth of an epic. Welcome to your ultimate guide for the WNBA's most anticipated rivalry of 2025.
The Reigning Queens: A Dynasty in the Desert
To understand this rivalry, you first have to understand the benchmark for greatness in the WNBA today: the Las Vegas Aces. They aren't just a team; they're a basketball dynasty in real-time. Coached by the legendary Becky Hammon, the Aces have cultivated a culture of excellence that is as relentless as it is entertaining.
The Unshakeable Core
At the heart of their dominance is a core group that most GMs can only dream of. You have:
- A'ja Wilson: The two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Wilson is a generational talent whose game has no weaknesses. She's a force in the paint, a nightmare in transition, and the undisputed leader of the team.
- Chelsea Gray: The "Point Gawdd." Gray is the floor general, a clutch performer whose basketball IQ is off the charts. When the game is on the line, the ball is in her hands.
- Kelsey Plum: A walking bucket. Plum is a dynamic scorer who can light it up from anywhere on the court, stretching defenses to their breaking point.
- Jackie Young: The ultimate glue player who has evolved into a star in her own right. A lockdown defender and an efficient offensive weapon, Young is the Swiss Army knife every championship team needs.
This group’s chemistry, forged through multiple championship runs, gives them an almost telepathic connection on the court. They play a fast-paced, high-octane brand of basketball that is simply overwhelming for most opponents.
The New Challengers: Forging an Identity in the Bay
Enter the Golden State Valkyries. The WNBA's newest expansion team isn't just here to participate; they're here to take over. Backed by the deep pockets and championship-building expertise of the Golden State Warriors' ownership group, the Valkyries have a mandate to compete from day one.
The Excitement of the Unknown
As of early 2025, the Valkyries' roster is a thrilling blank canvas. Their front office faces the monumental task of building a team through the expansion draft and free agency. Here’s what we can expect:
- The Expansion Draft: The Valkyries will get to select one unprotected player from most of the existing WNBA teams. This is where they'll find their foundational pieces—solid veterans and promising young players who can establish a culture.
- Free Agency Splash: With a brand-new arena and a Bay Area buzz, Golden State is an incredibly attractive destination for top-tier free agents. Don't be surprised if they make a serious run at a disgruntled star or a proven veteran looking for a fresh start.
- A New Philosophy: The team's first head coach will be crucial. Will they hire an offensive guru to try and match the Aces' firepower, or will they bring in a defensive mastermind to build a gritty, tough-nosed identity to counter the league's top teams? The choice will define their path for years to come.
The hype is real. With a record number of season ticket deposits, the Bay Area is starving for a WNBA team to call its own, and the Valkyries are poised to deliver.
Head-to-Head: A Tale of Two Philosophies
When these two teams meet, it will be a fascinating clash of styles, histories, and expectations. One is the established power; the other is the ambitious upstart. Here's how they stack up on paper.
| Feature | Las Vegas Aces | Golden State Valkyries |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Proven Dynasty, "Superteam" | Ambitious Upstarts, "Blank Canvas" |
| Star Power | A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum | TBD (Expansion Draft & Free Agency) |
| Coaching | Becky Hammon (Proven Champion) | TBD (High-profile search expected) |
| Playing Style | High-Tempo, Offensive Juggernaut | Unknown (Likely to build a distinct identity) |
| X-Factor | Unbeatable Team Chemistry | The Element of Surprise & Bay Area Hype |
| Fanbase | The Passionate "Aceholes" | Energized & Tech-Savvy New Market |
Key Matchups to Watch in 2025
Rivalries are built on iconic individual battles. While the Valkyries' roster is still taking shape, we can already imagine the chess matches that will define these games.
A'ja Wilson vs. The Valkyries' Big: Whoever Golden State tasks with guarding A'ja Wilson will have the toughest job in the league. Will they acquire a veteran bruiser to try and slow her down physically, or will they use a more agile, modern big to try and draw her out of the paint? This matchup in the post will be a central battleground.
Kelsey Plum & Chelsea Gray vs. The Valkyries' Backcourt: The Aces' backcourt is a scoring and playmaking machine. The Valkyries will need to find tough, intelligent, and disciplined guards in the expansion draft to have any hope of containing them. Look for a classic battle between Las Vegas's offensive firepower and whatever defensive identity Golden State tries to forge.
Becky Hammon vs. The New Coach: This is the ultimate chess match. Hammon is a master of in-game adjustments and motivation. The Valkyries' new coach will have to be innovative and fearless to out-scheme one of the best minds in basketball. Every timeout, every substitution, and every play call will be scrutinized.
Why This Rivalry Matters for the WNBA
This isn't just about two teams. The Aces-Valkyries rivalry represents a pivotal moment for the WNBA. It's:
- A New Marquee Event: This instantly becomes a must-watch game, driving ticket sales, national TV ratings, and social media engagement.
- Clash of Markets: The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas against the tech-driven, progressive energy of the Bay Area. It's a compelling narrative that writes itself.
- Legacy vs. Ambition: Can the established dynasty hold off the hungry, well-funded newcomer? It's a classic sports storyline that will captivate fans, both old and new.
Simply put, a heated rivalry between Las Vegas and Golden State is good for everyone. It elevates the entire league.
The Final Whistle: Key Takeaways
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the collision course between the Aces and Valkyries is the story to watch. Let's boil it down.
Rivalry Cheat Sheet
- The Aces are the Final Boss: With a core of A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum, they are the proven, dynastic power of the WNBA.
- The Valkyries are the Great Unknown: Backed by major investment, they have the potential to build a contender quickly through the expansion draft and free agency.
- It’s a Clash of Everything: This rivalry pits established chemistry against raw ambition, a proven coach against a new vision, and two passionate West Coast markets against each other.
- Mark Your Calendars: Every single matchup between these two teams in 2025 will be appointment television.
Whether you’re a die-hard Acehole or ready to join the Valkyries' ride, one thing is certain: the WNBA landscape has been forever altered. This rivalry is more than just wins and losses; it’s about legacy versus ambition. Get your popcorn ready. It’s going to be a blockbuster.