The landscape of professional women’s basketball is buzzing with the arrival of a new force: the Golden State Valkyries. Officially announced as the 13th franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) on October 5, 2023, the Valkyries are set to begin their inaugural season in 2025, marking the league’s first expansion since the Atlanta Dream joined in 2008. Based in San Francisco and playing their home games at the Chase Center, also home to their NBA counterpart, the Golden State Warriors, the Valkyries are generating considerable anticipation and excitement among basketball fans in the Bay Area and beyond.
The Birth of the Valkyries: A New Era for the WNBA in the Bay Area
For years, the passionate fanbase of the Golden State Warriors has yearned for a WNBA team to call their own. That desire became a reality through the efforts of Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who finalized the agreement to bring a WNBA expansion team to San Francisco. This move not only fills a significant void in the Bay Area sports scene but also underscores the growing popularity and importance of women’s professional basketball.
The name “Valkyries” itself is steeped in Norse mythology, representing a host of fierce and unwavering warrior women who soar through air and sea. This powerful moniker perfectly embodies the spirit and competitive drive that the new franchise aims to bring to the WNBA. The team’s colors – violet, gold, black, and white – further establish their visual identity and connection to the Golden State.
The $50 million expansion fee, reportedly payable over 10 years, highlights the significant investment and belief in the long-term success of the Valkyries and the WNBA as a whole. This commitment signals a new chapter for the league and the growth of women’s sports.
Building a Dynasty: The Valkyries’ Leadership and Roster Construction
Establishing a successful expansion team requires strong leadership and a strategic approach to building a competitive roster. The Golden State Valkyries have taken significant steps in assembling their front office and coaching staff:
President: Jess Smith: As the president of the Valkyries, Smith is responsible for the team’s overall business operations and strategic direction. Her experience in sports management will be crucial in establishing the team’s presence in the Bay Area community.
General Manager: Ohemaa Nyanin: Named as the General Manager in May 2024, Nyanin oversees all basketball operations, including roster construction, team building, and player development. Her extensive experience in the WNBA, including her previous role with the New York Liberty and her involvement with USA Basketball, brings invaluable expertise to the Valkyries.
Head Coach: Natalie Nakase: Announced as the head coach in January 2025, Nakase brings a wealth of coaching experience, including her time as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Sparks and the Golden State Warriors. Her familiarity with the Bay Area basketball landscape and her proven coaching acumen are seen as key assets for the team’s inaugural season.
Assistant Coaches: Nakase’s coaching staff includes Kasib Powell, Sugar Rodgers, and Landon Tatum, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to support the team’s development and success.
The Valkyries began constructing their inaugural roster through the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft, held on December 6, 2024. In this draft, they selected 11 players from existing WNBA teams, aiming to build a foundation of versatility, depth, leadership, defense, and scoring ability. Notable selections included:
Kate Martin (from Las Vegas Aces): A rookie in the 2024 season, Martin brings potential and a fresh perspective.
Stephanie Talbot (from Los Angeles Sparks): An experienced international player with a strong skillset.
Kayla Thornton (from Dallas Wings): A seasoned veteran known for her defensive prowess and versatility.
Cecilia Zandalasini (from Indiana Fever): An Italian international player with scoring ability.
Other players selected in the expansion draft included Iliana Rupert, Maria Conde, Veronica Burton, Carla Leite, Temi Fagbenle, and Jasmine Walker.
Beyond the expansion draft, the Valkyries will also have the opportunity to participate in the 2025 WNBA Draft, where they hold a high draft pick, further shaping their roster for their debut season. They can also sign free agents and make trades to build a competitive team.
The Valkyries Take Flight: Pre-Season and Inaugural Season Buzz
As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, the Golden State Valkyries have begun their pre-season preparations, offering fans a first glimpse of the team in action.
On May 6, 2025, the Valkyries played their first pre-season game against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center, resulting in a narrow 83-82 loss. Despite the defeat, the game provided valuable insights into the team’s initial chemistry and playing style.
Their pre-season schedule also includes a game against the Phoenix Mercury on May 11, 2025, in Phoenix. These pre-season matchups are crucial for the coaching staff to evaluate player combinations, implement their offensive and defensive schemes, and build cohesion before the official start of the regular season.
The Golden State Valkyries’ inaugural regular season game is scheduled for May 16, 2025, at the Chase Center against the Los Angeles Sparks. This highly anticipated matchup will mark a historic moment for the franchise and the WNBA in the Bay Area. The team’s schedule includes a mix of home and away games against Western Conference rivals and teams from the Eastern Conference.
The excitement surrounding the Valkyries’ debut is palpable. Fans are eager to see how the team performs in their first season, how the players gel together, and what kind of impact they will have on the league. The strong ownership backing, experienced leadership, and the enthusiastic Bay Area fanbase provide a solid foundation for the Valkyries to build a successful franchise.
FAQs
Who are the Golden State Valkyries?
The Golden State Valkyries are a professional women’s basketball team based in San Francisco, California. They joined the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as an expansion team in 2025, becoming the league’s 13th franchise. The team plays its home games at the Chase Center and is owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who also own the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
When did the Valkyries play their first game?
The Valkyries played their inaugural preseason game on May 6, 2025, against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center. This game marked the beginning of a new California rivalry in the WNBA.
Who is the head coach of the Valkyries?
Natalie Nakase serves as the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries. She made history as the first Asian American head coach in the WNBA. Nakase brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles with the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.
What is the team’s roster composition?
The Valkyries’ roster is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Key players include veteran guard Tiffany Hayes, forward Monique Billings, and guard Veronica Burton. The team also features international talents like Julie Vanloo and Temi Fagbenle.
Where can fans find the team’s game schedule?
The complete 2025 game schedule for the Golden State Valkyries is available on their official website. The schedule includes all home and away games, along with ticket purchasing options.
How can fans purchase tickets to Valkyries games?
Tickets for Valkyries games can be purchased through the team’s official website, as well as authorized ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster. Options include single-game tickets, season tickets, group packages, and premium suites.
Are there any special ticket programs for students or groups?
Yes, the Valkyries offer special ticket packages for students and groups. These packages often include discounted rates and exclusive experiences. Details can be found on the team’s ticketing page.
What is the significance of the team’s name and logo?
The name “Valkyries” draws inspiration from Norse mythology, symbolizing strength and valor. The team’s logo features the Bay Bridge, with design elements representing wings and a sword, encapsulating the team’s identity and connection to the Bay Area.
How can fans stay updated with team news and events?
Fans can stay informed by visiting the Valkyries’ official website, subscribing to their newsletter, and following their social media accounts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
Are there opportunities to join the team’s staff or volunteer?
The Valkyries periodically post job openings and volunteer opportunities on their official website. Interested individuals should regularly check the site for the latest listings.
To conclude
The introduction of the Golden State Valkyries marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the WNBA and the broader landscape of professional women’s sports. As the league’s first expansion team since 2008, the Valkyries bring renewed energy and enthusiasm to the Bay Area, a region with a rich basketball heritage.
Under the leadership of head coach Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries are poised to make a meaningful impact both on and off the court. Nakase’s historic appointment as the first Asian American head coach in the WNBA exemplifies the team’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The team’s roster, a dynamic mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, reflects a strategic approach to building a competitive squad. Players like Tiffany Hayes and Monique Billings bring invaluable experience, while newcomers such as Veronica Burton and international standouts like Julie Vanloo infuse the team with fresh perspectives and skills.
The Valkyries’ branding, inspired by Norse mythology, resonates with themes of strength, courage, and unity. The logo’s incorporation of the Bay Bridge not only symbolizes the team’s geographical roots but also serves as a metaphor for connecting communities through the shared love of basketball.
Fan engagement has been remarkable, with over 10,000 season ticket deposits made shortly after the team’s announcement. This enthusiastic response underscores the community’s support and the growing appetite for women’s professional sports in the region.
As the Valkyries embark on their inaugural season, they not only represent a new chapter in the WNBA but also embody the aspirations of countless fans and athletes. Their journey is a testament to the progress of women’s sports and the unifying power of basketball.
For fans eager to be part of this historic journey, opportunities abound—from attending games at the Chase Center to engaging with the team through various platforms. The Golden State Valkyries invite everyone to join them in shaping a vibrant and inclusive future for basketball in the Bay Area.
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