As the Sparks hosted the Minnesota Lynx—last season’s WNBA runners-up—in their home opener, the energy inside the arena matched the buzz outside of it. Kelsey Plum has already delivered one clear message: whether on the court or in the tunnel, she’s here to make an impact.

The loss couldn't dampen the excitement from the sellout crowd of 18,064 at the arena that has been transformed into Valkyries purple

The Golden State Valkyries made history in multiple ways during their inaugural game and home opener against the Los Angeles Sparks. The expansion franchise did everything possible to commemorate a night full of firsts and was rewarded with thunderous cheers from the electric San Francisco crowd,