đź’« We Showed Up. We Believed. And We’re Just Getting Started.
Friday night at the Chase Center wasn’t just a game — it was a statement for the Valkyries WNBA debut.
The Golden State Valkyries finally took flight in their WNBA debut, electrifying 18,064 fans in a record-breaking, sold-out house. We came draped in purple and gold, voices booming, hearts racing. It was history in the making — and no scoreboard can dim that.
Yeah, the scoreboard read 84-67 in favor of the Los Angeles Sparks, but this night was bigger than the box score.
đź’” A Battle, Not a Defeat
The first half had us all on edge — a gritty, back-and-forth fight that saw Temi Fagbenle heating up early with 13 points, keeping us within striking distance. When Kayla Thornton hit the first-ever bucket in Valkyries history — a silky 17-footer — the arena erupted like Steph just hit a logo three. The debut of Valkyries in the WNBA was truly memorable at that moment.
Then came the third quarter. Sparks guard Kelsey Plum — yeah, the Bay native turned villain — dropped a flamethrower of a performance, torching us with 28 points through three, 37 overall. Painful? Yes. Personal? Absolutely. But that’s the kind of fire that forges rivalries.
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Still, we didn’t go down quietly. The Valkyries rallied hard, chopping a 20-8 Sparks run down to just six points by the end of the third. That’s heart. That’s hustle. That’s the Bay.
🌉 Bigger Than Basketball
Coaches Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers were courtside. So was WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. This wasn’t just another game — it was the beginning of something monumental for the Valkyries WNBA debut.
Our team may be new, but our energy is seasoned. This is the Bay. This is hoops culture. And now, it’s also Valkyries Nation.
🔮 What’s Next for the W?
With the Toronto Tempo joining in 2026 and Portland right behind them, the WNBA is expanding fast — and the Valkyries are leading this new wave. Women’s basketball is thriving, media deals are booming, and viewership is surging from debuts like Valkyries WNBA has shown.
But tonight? Tonight was ours. A moment frozen in time. The beginning of a legend.
