Golden State Valkyries Make Historic Debut Amidthousands of Cheers

San Francisco, CA — The Golden State Valkyries made their debut at the Chase Center in a thrilling exhibition game against the Los Angeles Sparks, igniting a wave of excitement among over 17,000 fans.

The atmosphere was electric as the Valkyries, the WNBA‘s first expansion team in 17 years, captured the hearts of basketball enthusiasts. Despite losing the game by just one point, the fans’ support was unwavering, giving the team a standing ovation after the final buzzer.

“It was a blessing to finally see all of this come to pass,” said forward, who won a championship last season with the Liberty. “They’ve been working on it since 2016, and to be the first ones to wear the jersey is amazing.”

The Valkyries are breaking new ground in the WNBA, selling over 10,000 season tickets ahead of their first regular-season game. This unprecedented achievement reflects the community’s long-standing desire for a professional women’s basketball team in the Bay Area.

As they prepare for their first official game against the Sparks, coach Natalie Nakase aims to implement a fast-paced, high-scoring strategy. However, the team faces challenges, including roster decisions under tight timelines. Shyanne Sellers, the No. 17 pick in the recent draft, was cut shortly after training camp commenced.

Furthermore, the team is making strategic moves for the future, anticipating a new collective bargaining agreement that could increase salary caps by 2026. This potential increase aligns with the sport’s growing popularity and might attract notable free agents.

During pregame warmups, the atmosphere was filled with joy as players exchanged enthusiastic high-fives with coaching staff, while the crowd showcased their passion. Young girls, sporting Valkyries gear, filled the stands, eager to support their new team.

As the game concluded, Laeticia Amihere, who led the team with 20 points, took a final shot—a 35-foot 3-pointer that elicited a huge roar from the crowd. Even in defeat, the moment felt triumphant. “I know we lost,” Nakase said, “but it almost felt for a second like we won.”

The fans’ spirited response hinted at a bright future, where the thrill of the game transcends mere scores and statistics.