Golden State Valkyries Make Historic WNBA Debut in Bay Area

The WNBA's Bay Area Valkyries made a historic debut in 2024 as the league's first expansion team since 2008, playing their inaugural game at the Chase Center to an enthusiastic crowd. With ownership led by Warriors executives Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, backed by Silicon Valley investors, the Valkyries have positioned themselves as a community-driven franchise aiming to establish a lasting legacy. The team benefits from top-tier facilities, including the Chase Center and the Sephora Training Center in Oakland, enhancing player development and fan experiences. The debut game was highlighted by Kayla Thornton scoring the franchise's first basket and featured strong local support, including a halftime performance by rapper E-40 and visible backing from athletes like San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames. Fans showed deep enthusiasm rooted in the Bay Area's historic but limited women's professional basketball presence, with many embracing the Valkyries as a new source of regional pride following the departure of other major sports teams. Overall, the Valkyries' launch signals a significant step in expanding the WNBA's footprint and invigorating women's basketball in a major sports market.