The Golden State Valkyries have achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 15,000 season-ticket deposits before their inaugural season. The overwhelming support and enthusiasm for the new WNBA expansion team based in San Francisco mark a significant moment in women’s sports history. The Valkyries are set to make their debut at the Chase Center for the 2025 WNBA season, becoming the first expansion team since the Atlanta Dream in 2008.
About The Golden State Valkyries
On October 5, 2023, the Golden State Valkyries were unveiled as the 13th WNBA franchise, joining the esteemed Golden State Warriors family renowned for their seven NBA championships. The announcement generated immense interest, with over 2,000 season ticket deposits received within hours. By April 16, the Valkyries had exceeded 6,000 season ticket deposits.
The momentum continued with the appointment of Jess Smith as president on January 30, 2024. Smith, a former executive at Angel City FC of the NWSL, brings valuable experience in team operations and fan engagement. Additionally, Ohemaa Nyanin was appointed as the general manager on May 7, bringing expertise in sports management and player development to guide the Valkyries through important drafts and team-building processes.
WNBA Expansion Draft And Media Momentum
The Valkyries will participate in an expansion draft in December 2024 to build their roster for the upcoming season. This draft will be crucial in forming a competitive core for their inaugural season, followed by the WNBA draft in April 2025. With the league experiencing remarkable growth and visibility, the Valkyries are entering the WNBA during a transformative period for women’s sports.
The WNBA’s partnerships with major media companies like The Walt Disney Company, Amazon Prime Video, and NBCUniversal are instrumental in elevating the league’s profile and securing significant revenue increases, highlighting the league’s progress and potential for future success.