Following a 16-year hiatus, the WNBA expanded to the Bay Area, adding the Golden State Valkyries to its previously 12-team league. Many fans anticipated the arrival of players like Shyanne Sellers and Kaitlyn Chen, guards coming off two impressive collegiate seasons with the University of Maryland and the University of Connecticut, respectively. Against all skepticism and low expectations, the Valkyries have shown experience and great success both on and off the court. Because of its resolute support for its sports teams, the Bay Area has helped the Valkyries make waves across the league.
The Golden State Valkyries were the first WNBA team to sell over 15,000 season tickets before their first season began. Not only that, but the Valks, close to the end of their inaugural season, are on pace to have the highest home attendance by any WNBA team. Furthermore, the team has continued to make history throughout their debut season. With a record of 19-18 (as of August 25, 2025), the Golden State Valkyries have set the league’s record for the most wins by an expansion team, surpassing the Detroit Shock, who had 17 wins and 13 losses during the 1998 season. In addition to this, with a thrilling and suspenseful victory over the Dallas Wings, the Golden State Valkyries clinched a coveted playoff spot, cementing their place among the league’s best and turning up the excitement for the postseason.
Back in October 2023, Joe Lacob, the owner of the Golden State Valkyries, sat down with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, former San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and Warriors Co-Executive Chairman Peter Guber. Lacob told ESPN he expected the Valkyries to be a lottery team. Because only the top eight teams in the league reach the playoffs, the remaining 5 teams participate in the WNBA’s Draft Lottery to determine the top draft picks for the following season. Unbeknownst to Lacob, as the season concludes, the Golden State Valkyries are aiming to be the first expansion team to make the postseason in their debut season.
However, the Valkyries player agents continue to waive and sign players following the Euroleague Women’s season, a European-based basketball league organized by FIBA, in which many WNBA players compete. This led to many fans being skeptical about supporting their newest Bay Area sports team. Fan favorites like Kaitlyn Chen, Shyanne Sellers, and Julie Vanloo were waived all at different points in the season, leading to disappointment and frustration with the Valkyries’ administration. Fortunately, the Valkyries resigned Kaitlyn Chen during the Euroleague season, when many players from the team were competing for their countries. Chen has since then remained on the Valkyries roster and, along with fellow guard Kate Martin, has garnered attention from the team’s fanbase with their hilarious bench celebrations and optimistic personalities.
The launch of the Golden State Valkyries marks a significant moment in the growth of professional women’s sports. With excitement already building around the franchise, the team has quickly established itself as a new focal point for Bay Area basketball. Their arrival emphasizes the momentum of the WNBA today and the growing demand for women’s sports in the national spotlight.