Golden State Valkyries vs. New York Liberty: WNBA Preview, TV Info & Tip-Off Time (June 28, 2026)

Game 20

The Valkyries (12-7) close out a three-game home stand by hosting the New York Liberty (12-7) in a marquee matchup of two evenly matched teams tied for fourth in the WNBA standings. Golden State won the first meeting of the season — a 87-70 victory in New York on May 21 — and will look to claim the season series in their only home date against the Liberty in 2026.

When

Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 4:00 PM PT | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

How to Watch

TV: ESPN
Streaming: Disney+
Radio: 95.7 The Game / Audacy App

All fans in attendance receive a Valkyries sweatband, presented by Ross (30th anniversary WNBA celebration giveaway).

Latest Video

In this clip of Podhalla, Garrett Gonzales and Brian Gonzales break down SF Standard reporter Jane Kenny's Juste Jocyte timeline using quotes straight from head coach Natalie Nakase. They unpack the inconsistency in the communication, how she's been deployed out of her best position, why the Valkyries' small-ball athlete-heavy second unit may be squeezing her out of rotation, and why developing her and winning at the same time don't have to be mutually exclusive — especially if the team wants to unlock her for the rest of the season.

Last Time Out

Valkyries: Golden State took a gritty 78-75 win over the Atlanta Dream on Friday night at Chase Center. Gabby Williams went off for 13 of her 16 points in the fourth quarter — going 4-for-4 from the field in the final frame after a quiet first three quarters. Kiah Stokes had her best game of the season, posting a season-high 13 points and a career-best 7 blocks. The win was Golden State's second straight over Atlanta, clinching the season series and pushing the Valkyries to 12-7.

New York Liberty: The Liberty lost 99-88 to the Seattle Storm on Thursday night. Jonquel Jones led New York with 26 points, while Leonie Fiebich added 19 and Sabrina Ionescu chipped in 14 points and 5 assists. The loss was New York's third in their last four games, a rough stretch heading into this road contest.

Ionescu's Return to the Bay — and Kayla Thornton's Revenge Game Awaits

Sabrina Ionescu grew up in the Bay Area, and Sunday will be a homecoming of sorts — though she'll be wearing the other jersey. The four-time All-Star has appeared in just seven games this season after missing significant time with back soreness, and she's still finding her rhythm (9.6 PPG in 27.9 MPG). Expect a motivated Ionescu to feed off a friendly crowd.

On the other side, keep an eye on Kayla Thornton, the former Liberty forward who won a WNBA championship with New York in 2024 before joining Golden State. Thornton tied a season-high with five made threes in Wednesday's win over Atlanta and has been on a roll — 8.8 PPG and 5.4 RPG since returning from a torn ACL that ended her 2025 season. She was also the first All-Star selection in Valkyries franchise history.

Latest News

• Satou Sabally (NYL) — OUT: The Liberty forward has been ruled out for Sunday's game while in the concussion protocol. Her absence is significant for New York's frontcourt depth.

• Sabrina Ionescu (NYL) — ACTIVE: Ionescu (ankle/back) is set to play after missing most of the early season.

• Valkyries Defense: Golden State allows just 78.4 points per game, the best defensive mark in the WNBA, ranking second in Defensive Rating (102.3). Stopping Breanna Stewart — averaging a Liberty-best 19.4 PPG and 8.8 RPG — will be the key defensive challenge of the game.

• Liberty Context: New York faces the Aces in the Commissioner's Cup championship game next Tuesday, so this is their last stop before a major midseason moment.

Tip-off is at 4:00 PM PT. Tune in on ESPN or Disney+, or catch it on 95.7 The Game.