May 16th marked a major moment in Bay Area sports history, as the Golden State Valkyries tipped off their inaugural season as the WNBA’s first expansion team since 2008.
The journey to tip-off began on October 5, 2023, when the WNBA officially announced that Golden State had been awarded an expansion franchise. Backed by Joe Lacob and the Golden State Warriors’ ownership group, the Valkyries would share top-tier resources with their MNBA counterparts, signaling that this wasn’t going to be just another expansion team. This was going to be a franchise with intention, legacy, and world-class support.
The team name “Valkyries” was unveiled in May 2024. It honors Norse mythology’s powerful female warriors who guided the bravest into battle. The brand was immediately embraced: bold purple and black uniforms, deep Bay Area roots represented in the logo, and a no-nonsense message, these women are here to compete.
The Valkyries will play at Chase Center, which fans have nicknamed ‘Ballhalla’. Their training facility is the Kaiser Permanente Thrive City Performance Center, the same building where Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green sharpen their skills. The fact that the Warriors’ postseason run is overlapping with the start of the Valkyries’ debut season feels symbolic, like Bay Area basketball royalty welcoming their new sisters to the court.
The Valkyries began building their roster in December 2024 with the expansion draft, selecting experienced players from existing teams. Tiffany Hayes, a former WNBA All-Star, brings scoring, speed, and leadership. With deep playoff experience and over a decade in the league, she’s the kind of veteran who can anchor a new team’s locker room. Monique Billings, a high-energy forward and defensive anchor, provides toughness, rebounding, and versatility. And second year fan favorite Kate Martin, brings grit, effort, and strong basketball instincts. They filled out their roster by signing free agents and international players.
Leading the team is head coach Natalie Nakase, a former assistant coach of the LA Clippers and Las Vegas Aces, and a trailblazer in her own right. Nakase, a Southern California native and former UCLA point guard, is one of the few Asian American head coaches in WNBA history. She brings a deep understanding of the game, player-first leadership, and a strong commitment to building a culture of resilience and belief.
For fans across Northern California, this team is a reminder that representation matters. on the court, on the sidelines, in the media, and in the crowd. For the young girls in the stands, for the fans who’ve waited too long for this moment, and for those of us who’ve been told girls can’t love sports the same way boys do, the Valkyries are a statement. They offer women athletes a stage that reflects their skill and dedication. And they give Bay Area sports a new narrative. As women’s sports continue to break attendance and viewership records, the Valkyries arrive at exactly the right time. They’ve already set the record for the most season ticket holders in the history of women’s sports.
The jerseys are selling fast. The hype is real. And the Bay Area is ready. The Golden State Valkyries are here. It’s time for you to join their ascent!
