Golden State Valkyries: The WNBA franchise aims high after a historic inaugural season
After a historic playoff season in their debut year, the Golden State Valkyries are already preparing to make more of a splash in their second year. And his faithful followers too. President Jess Smith revealed that more than 90% of season ticket holders have renewed for 2026, which equates to more than 10,000 fans. Expectations are high, following a successful first year, with Smith highlighting that the main focus is “How can we improve?” Golden State made history by being the first WNBA franchise to reach the postseason in its debut year.Smith mentioned a Fresno fan, about four hours away, who had season tickets this season. Golden State sold out all 22 home games at Chase Center, which has a capacity of 18,064 spectators, and also the playoff game against Minnesota, which was held at SAP Center in San Jose due to a stadium conflict over a previously scheduled tennis event. The Valkyries established a very noisy home court atmosphere in “Ballhalla”, as the Chase Center was known, referencing Valhalla, where in Norse mythology the Valkyries guide the souls of fallen warriors. The Valkyries’ season ended with a 75-74 loss to the top-seeded Lynx in the second game of the first round. Cecilia Zandalasini missed a shot just before the buzzer. Golden State squandered a 17-point lead in the third quarter.We are not satisfied. This is the beginning of the beginning. This is not the premiere of a movie, this is a team that will be here forever, building a legacy and being part of this great league. That’s why we are constantly thinking about the things we did well, what we think we can improve, and the things we haven’t done yet and want to do.
Jess Smith, President of the Valkyries
Nakase, named WNBA Coach of the Year and AP Coach of the Year, shared her enthusiasm with the players for having been close to forcing a decisive third game. Veronica Burton was awarded the league’s Most Improved Player award. Owner Joe Lacob challenged Nakase to win a championship in the franchise’s first five years, and she plans to achieve it. The first-year coach also offered a final message to her team: “Everyone, rest, go on vacation, celebrate what you have just done, because next year I told you that we are all going to do more. And that’s what I’m going to focus on.”And then you look up and see everyone standing, 18,000 fans standing. After a defeat, some fans boo, but that’s not Ballhalla. They supported us, they were our sixth man, so the reflection for me has been pride, and the fact that I built a new family here.
Natalie Nakase, Coach of the Valkyries
