The Golden State Valkyries are set to make history as they tip off their inaugural WNBA season at Chase Center in San Francisco, marking the league’s first expansion since 2008 Led by head coach Natalie Nakase and general manager Ohemaa Nyanin, the Valkyries are building from the ground up, with a roster featuring international talent Justė Jocytė, UConn’s Kaitlyn Chen, and veterans like Kayla Thornton and Tiffany Hayes
Their first-ever preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks drew significant local buzz, even as the team is not expected to contend immediately. Analysts agree the Valkyries’ primary goal is to identify foundational players and establish a strong culture, rather than chase wins in their debut campaign Rookie Kaitlyn Chen, fresh off a national championship, and Finals MVP Carla Leite are among the key names to watch as the team looks to develop its identity
Despite modest expectations, ticket sales have soared and the Bay Area’s excitement is palpable, with the regular season opener set for May 16 against the Sparks The Valkyries’ journey begins with hope, investment, and a commitment to growing women’s basketball in the Bay Area
