Golden State Valkyries Clinch No. 2 Seed Over Los Angeles Sparks

The Golden State Valkyries are entering their final regular-season game on Thursday night needing a victory against the eliminated Los Angeles Sparks to secure the second playoff seed. While heavily favored, the Valkyries aim for home-court advantage through at least the semifinals rather than battling for first place. A win guarantees hosting rights if they advance, whereas a loss would drop them to third and force road play in potential later-round matchups against higher seeds. The Sparks' 11-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike is retiring after this final game as she leaves the team that has lost five consecutive contests to Golden State.