The Golden State Valkyries have wrapped up their inaugural WNBA season in a blaze of history, heartbreak, and hope. As the first expansion team ever to clinch a playoff berth in its debut year, the Valkyries have set a new standard for what’s possible in professional women’s basketball. The Bay Area’s newest sports darlings didn’t just exceed expectations—they shattered them, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about what comes next for this remarkable franchise.
The Valkyries’ journey began with modest hopes, especially after a tough preseason loss that, for many, seemed par for the course for a brand-new squad. But what followed was nothing short of electrifying. “The very first preseason game we lost, and it was like ‘oh it’s okay,’ but then we just started winning and winning and just getting better and better and it was just electrifying,” said Marlo Rodriguez, a devoted fan from Oakland who attended nearly every game. Her story isn’t unique—Valkyries fever swept through the Bay, uniting fans on ferries, in the stands, and across the city.
Under the fierce and passionate guidance of head coach Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries stormed to a 23-21 record. That’s more than five times the number of games the last WNBA expansion team, the Atlanta Dream, managed in their inaugural 2008 campaign. The Valkyries didn’t just make the playoffs—they did so with a swagger and confidence that belied their newcomer status. Along the way, they set a new WNBA record for wins by a first-year team, led the league in attendance, and became the talk of the town.
Coach Nakase’s impact can’t be overstated. Hired in October 2024 after three seasons as an assistant under Becky Hammon with the Las Vegas Aces, Nakase brought a relentless energy and authenticity that quickly resonated with her players. Her efforts were recognized in a big way: on September 17, 2025, she was named WNBA Coach of the Year, earning 53 out of 72 votes. “I never aimed for this type of award, and my dad taught me that early on, that it’s all about winning,” Nakase said before the Valkyries’ heartbreaking 75-74 playoff loss to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. “And that’s why I took this job because Joe [Lacob] was like, ‘If you take this job, we’ve got to win a championship in five years.’ That’s the goal, so I just wanted to start with that. But what this does is it reflects on [our] whole organization. It starts at the top.”
Team owner Joe Lacob, who also owns the Golden State Warriors, made his ambitions clear from the outset. His five-year championship plan echoed the high standards he set for his NBA franchise. Nakase, inspired by Lacob’s vision, dove in headfirst. “When you doubt me or put a good challenge in front of me, I’m going to go after it 100%,” she explained. “That’s when I knew I really want to work for this guy because he has high standards.”
The Valkyries’ on-court success was matched by individual achievements. Veronica Burton, who posted career-best numbers, was named the league’s Most Improved Player. “It was just an incredible season, and I’m just proud of what we were able to do,” Burton said at a closing press conference. Before a season-ending injury in July, Kayla Thornton was also making a strong case for that honor. The team’s resilience in the face of roster changes and injuries made their accomplishments all the more impressive.
Nakase, ever the team player, is quick to deflect personal praise. She credits her staff and players for the Valkyries’ meteoric rise, emphasizing the unique environment that allows her to coach with intensity and honesty. “The reason why I’m doing that is because the players allow me to be myself. I’m proud they are accepting me for who I am. They allow me to coach them hard, to tell them the truth, to cuss at them directly in moments they need it,” Nakase shared. “The more I feel I am loved and cared about in an environment, the more I can be myself.” Burton echoed this sentiment: “She is so passionate about everything that she does. She’s really intentional about it, and she clearly cares so much. When you have someone who is super invested and it’s helping us, it’s for us, how can you not want that?”
The Valkyries’ impact goes beyond the court. Sportico valued the franchise at $500 million, making it the most valuable women’s pro sports team in the world as of 2025. That’s not just a number—it’s a statement about the growing influence and investment in women’s sports. “They put a great product out there on the floor and we’re seeing what happens when you invest in women’s sports,” said Shaun Fletcher, a Sports Communications professor at San Jose State University. “They’ve created a blueprint that’s going to lift all boats.”
The ripple effects are already being felt. The WNBA has announced plans to add five more expansion teams by 2030, a direct response to the Valkyries’ success and the surging demand for women’s basketball. The team’s business savvy has matched its on-court prowess, setting new standards for franchise value and fan engagement. International talent has also found a home in the Bay, with players like French center Iliana Rupert joining midseason and quickly embracing the unique spirit of ‘Ballhalla.’ “This energy is just so special,” Rupert said, summing up the atmosphere that’s taken hold in Oakland and beyond.
For fans like Rodriguez, the Valkyries’ story is about more than wins and losses. It’s about community, belonging, and the thrill of being part of something new and extraordinary. “We’ve just become fast friends with people that you sit next to, people on the ferry,” she said, reflecting on the bonds forged during this unforgettable season.
Despite a playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Lynx, the Valkyries’ season is being hailed as a launching pad, not a finish line. The team has openly declared its intention to chase a championship within five years—a goal that seems less like a pipe dream and more like an inevitable next step, given what they’ve already accomplished.
With a record-setting debut, a visionary coach, and a fanbase that’s all in, the Golden State Valkyries have laid the foundation for a legacy that could reshape the landscape of women’s basketball. As the WNBA looks to the future, all eyes will be on the Bay Area to see just how high these Valkyries can soar.
