Golden State Valkyries: After Playoffs, Aim High in 2nd WNBA Season

Golden State Valkyries: Ready for a Second Epic Year

After a historic playoff season in their inaugural year, the Golden State Valkyries are already preparing for an even more promising second year. President Jess Smith announced that more than 90% of season ticket holders have renewed for 2026, representing more than 10,000 committed fans. The team is aware of the high expectations following their successful first year, and Smith emphasized the focus on “how we can improve”. The Valkyries made history by being the first WNBA franchise to reach the postseason in their debut year.

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. Therefore, we constantly think about the things we did well, what we can improve, and the things we haven’t done yet and want to do.

Jess Smith, President of the Golden State Valkyries

Smith mentioned the unconditional support of the fans, including a Fresno follower who purchased season tickets and the record attendance in the 22 home games at the Chase Center, with a capacity of 18,064 spectators. The atmosphere in “Ballhalla”, as the stadium is known, was fundamental to the team’s success. The Valkyries’ season ended with a close 75-74 defeat against the Lynx, the top-ranked team, in the second game of the first-round series. Coach Natalie Nakase, named WNBA Coach of the Year, highlighted the support of the fans:

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 Golden State Valkyries

Veronica Burton was awarded the league’s Most Improved Player award. Owner Joe Lacob challenged Nakase to win a championship in the first five years of the franchise, and she is determined to achieve it. Nakase urged his team to rest and celebrate the season’s achievements, anticipating an even greater focus for next year.