The Golden State Valkyries’ inaugural season in the WNBA was nothing short of magical. There’s a lot that can be said about the Golden State Valkyries’ debut season — but the truth is, words can barely capture the magic. From sold-out crowds at Ballhalla (Chase Center) to a first-ever playoff berth for an expansion franchise, the Valkyries didn’t just join the WNBA in 2025 — they changed it forever.
Record-Breaking Season in San Francisco & San Jose
Back in March, months before the first tip-off, the Valks became the first team in WNBA history to sell 10,000 season tickets. By season’s end, they had sold out every home game — averaging 18,064 fans per night and setting a new league record with 397,408 total fans through the turnstiles.
At 23–21, Golden State not only secured the No. 8 seed in the playoffs but also etched their name in history as:
- The winningest expansion team ever in an inaugural season (23 wins).
- The first expansion team to make the playoffs in year one.
- The newest heartbeat of the Bay Area sports scene.
When the postseason shifted to San Jose’s SAP Center due to the Laver Cup, the Valkyries packed the Shark Tank too — proving that Balhalla isn’t a building, it’s an energy that follows this team wherever they go.
Leadership, Coaching, and Breakout Stars
Head coach Natalie Nakase, the first in franchise history, built one of the most suffocating defenses in the WNBA. For her efforts, she was rightfully crowned Coach of the Year.
Meanwhile, Veronica Burton — picked up in the expansion draft — blossomed into the floor general Golden State needed. She delivered a career year that earned her the Most Improved Player award and put her on the radar for All-WNBA and All-Defensive honors.
Together, Nakase and Burton gave this expansion team an identity: gritty defense, relentless hustle, and belief in each other.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and What Comes Next
Defense: The Calling Card
The Valkyries ranked 3rd in defensive rating (99.8) and led the league in field goal defense (40.5%). Teams dreaded playing them because nothing came easy. Golden State allowed just 12.1 shots per game in the restricted area — the second-lowest mark in league history.
Shooting: The Growing Pain
Nakase’s modern system emphasized the three-point shot, and Golden State launched a league-record 1,314 threes. The issue? They only hit 32.5% (11th in the WNBA). If the Valks want to take the next step in 2026, adding elite shooters will be a top priority.
Offseason Outlook: Free Agency & Draft
The Valkyries face a pivotal offseason with several key players hitting free agency:
- Veronica Burton (RFA) – Retaining their starting point guard is essential.
- Temi Fágbénlé (UFA) – Interior anchor with playoff experience.
- Tiffany Hayes (UFA) – Veteran guard, leadership presence.
- Kayla Thornton (UFA) – All-Star forward lost to injury in 2025.
- Iliana Rupert (reserved), Janelle Salaün (reserved), Cecilia Zandalasini (RFA) – Young core pieces with upside.
On draft night, Golden State holds picks No. 8, 23, and 38. Expect them to target shooting talent like Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA) or Yarden Garzon (Maryland), both proven from deep and perfect fits for Nakase’s system.
The Bay Area Future Is Golden
Yes, the Valkyries bowed out in the first round to the Minnesota Lynx. But make no mistake — this season was a massive victory. They set new standards for WNBA expansion, energized women’s sports in California, and gave Bay Area fans a new team to believe in.
With a passionate fan base across San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, a culture of defense and grit, and the resources to land big-name free agents, the Golden State Valkyries are built to last.
The dream season is just the beginning. Dynasty talk isn’t far-fetched — it’s inevitable.
