The Golden State Valkyries made history as the first WNBA team to surpass 10,000 season ticket sales. The first expansion team since 2008, they became the first women’s sports team to do so. They will debut on May 16 at home against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Ticket Sales And Deposits

“This community has shown up and then some, to create this milestone,” Valkyries president Jess Smith said to Sportico. “This is something that we knew was possible and really just signifies the beginning of our journey in a way that will set a trajectory for the WNBA moving forward.”

Valkyries President Jess Smith

The new team actually received over 22,000 season-ticket deposits and is still working through names, shattering records for professional women’s sports. Before the Valkyries’ ticket packages sold out in hours, no other professional women’s sports team had ever surpassed 15,000 deposits. 

The Valkyries’ group sales have already begun, and single-game tickets will be available in the coming weeks.

Golden State Valkyries Timeline

  • Sept. 26, 2023 – The Athletic reported that the Golden State Warriors ownership group was finalizing an agreement to bring a WNBA expansion team to San Francisco.
  • Oct. 5, 2023 – The WNBA officially announced the expansion team, set to start play in 2025.
  • May 14, 2024 – The team name, Golden State Valkyries, and logos were revealed, with homage to San Francisco, Oakland, and the teams’ new branding. 
  • Oct. 10, 2024 – Former Las Vegas Aces assistant coach Natalie Nakase was hired as the Valkyries’ first head coach. 
  • Dec. 6, 2024 – WNBA expansion draft party is held in San Francisco.
A white Golden State Valkyries jersey on display during their WNBA expansion draft party in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.
A Golden State Valkyries jersey on display during their WNBA expansion draft party in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

Golden State Valkyries Roster Preview

The Valkyries are already assembling a talented, star-studded roster through their expansion draft and free agency, featuring:

  • Guard Kate Martin
  • Forward Monique Billings
  • Guard Tiffany Hayes
  • Center Temi Fagbenle 
  • Guard Julie Vanloo

With the 2025 WNBA Draft approaching on April 14, Golden State will have the fifth pick of each round. 

Golden State Warriors Investment In The WNBA 

The NBA‘s Golden State Warriors paid a record $50 million expansion fee to bring the WNBA to the Bay Area. The Toronto Tempo and a Portland franchise are also set to join the league in 2026.

The Valkyries will share ownership with the Warriors and play at Chase Center, the $1.4 billion arena the Warriors opened in 2019. Despite the connections, according to Smith, fewer than 5% of season ticket holders overlap between the NBA and WNBA teams.

Smith also ensures building a “standalone business” that is not heavily reliant on a shared-service model. To start, the Valkyries already have their practice facility. 

End Of My Golden State Valkyries Rant

With record ticket sales, strong community support, a promising roster, and the upcoming 2025 WNBA draft, the Golden State Valkyries are set to make an immediate impact as the WNBA’s first expansion team in 17 years. Their success reflects the rapid growth of women’s basketball and the increasing demand for women’s sports.