The Los Angeles Sparks took to the court for the first time as a restructured team in the 2025 WNBA preseason, with superstar Kelsey Plum quickly finding her rhythm on the scoreboard. The three-time All-Star maneuvered effortlessly through the defense, scoring the game’s opening basket and marking her first points with her new team.
This matchup represented Plum’s debut with the Sparks following her transfer through a three-team trade from the Las Vegas Aces in February. In addition to the two-time WNBA champion, L.A. also acquired the No. 9 pick in the 2025 draft, which was used to select Sarah Ashlee Barker, along with a second-round pick for the 2026 draft.
Seattle received the current year’s No. 2 pick, which they turned into dunking sensation Dominique Malonga, along with Li Yueru and a first-round pick for 2026, while the Aces gained Jewell Loyd and the 2025 No. 13 pick, which became Aaliyah Nye.
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Prior to the tip-off against the Golden State Valkyries, Plum shared a heartfelt reunion with former teammate Kate Martin, who was also making her debut with the Valkyries after departing the Aces through the expansion draft in December.
It’s all love 🥹
Former teammates Kelsey Plum and Kate Martin reunite ahead of their preseason game. Both will be debuting for new teams!
LAS-GSV | 10pm/ET | Watch FREE on the WNBA App pic.twitter.com/fqOZws6xgD
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 7, 2025
The Sparks ultimately triumphed over Golden State in a closely contested match, coming away with an 83-82 victory, thereby dampening the Valkyries’ inaugural game. Plum logged 11 points and five assists in 23 minutes of play.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist will next take the court for the Sparks when they kick off the regular season on May 16 in a rematch against the Valkyries.
Image Source: Keeton Gale / Shutterstock
