The Las Vegas Aces' decision to move star guard Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks via a blockbuster three-team trade in late January dramatically changed not only the WNBA landscape, but also the Sparks' 2025 season outlook.

In the Sparks’ 84-67 win, Plum became the first player in league history to record at least 35 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game. She also set both the Sparks franchise record and the WNBA record for most points in a season opener.

It was a special moment.” .@julie35vanloo FEELING IT on opening night with 3 straight threes! pic.twitter.com/vKFqSnBMuw — Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) May 17, 2025 It didn’t matter that the Valkyries still trailed by six in the third quarter.