With the rise in popularity of the WNBA, the Golden State Valkyries from the Bay Area are set to become the league’s first expansion team since 2008. Based in Oakland and playing at the Chase Center, the Valkyries will kick off their inaugural season in May 2024. The team has already garnered a strong following, with over 2,000 season ticket deposits made within hours of the team’s announcement.
The idea for the team came from Golden State Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who decided to bring a WNBA team to the Bay Area. They are now the proud owners of the Valkyries, and have assembled a talented leadership team including Jess Smith, Ohemaa Nyanin, and Natalie Nakase.
Jess Smith, the team’s new president, previously held the position of Head of Revenue at the Angel City Soccer League, bringing strong leadership to the Valkyries. Ohemaa Nyanin will serve as the general manager, with experience from her time with the New York Liberty and the USA women’s basketball team. As head coach, Natalie Nakase brings over 16 years of professional basketball coaching experience, including a role in the Las Vegas Aces’ WNBA titles in 2022 and 2023.
Drafted as the 5th team, the Valkyries will have their chance to pick players in the upcoming expansion draft. Without a previous record, the team did not participate in the lottery system, and will have the opportunity to choose 1 player from each existing team. Some players on their radar include Haley Jones, Diamond Deshields, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa.
The Valkyries’ branding draws inspiration from Norse Mythology, embodying fearless warrior women. The logo features the Bay Bridge, symbolizing the team’s connection to the Bay Area. With a purple and black color scheme, known as Valkyrie violet, the team has already released merchandise in collaboration with top brands.
The addition of the Valkyries to the WNBA will further promote women’s sports, showcasing the growth and visibility of the league. This new team is set to inspire young female basketball players in the Bay Area and beyond.
