Valkyries clinch playoff berth

The Golden State Valkyries celebrated on the court at Chase Center after clinching a playoff berth for the second consecutive season.

Underdog status

After sweeping the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, Gabby Williams acknowledged the underdog reality: 'We ’bout to have some bandwagoners, because we ain’t get no love all season.'

“We ’bout to have some bandwagoners, because we ain’t get no love all season”

Record-breaking expansion

The Valkyries were established in 2023 and played their first game in 2025 after Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob paid a $50 million fee to join the WNBA.

Championship pedigree

Natalie Nakase, a WNBA coach with no prior head coaching experience, won the Coach of the Year award after leading the Valkyries to the playoffs.

Roster castoffs

The Valkyries filled their roster with players left unprotected by previous teams, including Veronica Burton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Kayla Thornton.

Gabby Williams signing

After the WNBA and Players Association agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement, Golden State signed Gabby Williams to a multiyear deal worth more than $1 million annually.

Bench scoring record

The Valkyries averaged 35.9 bench points per game, topping the previous high of 35.0 set by the 2020 Aces.

Home-court advantage

The Valkyries have a 17-5 home record in the playoffs, with fans creating a 'Ballhalla' energy that helps them win at Chase Center.

Valuation milestone

Less than three years after joining the WNBA, CNBC valued the Valkyries at $1 billion, making them the most valuable women’s sports franchise.

First WNBA title

The Valkyries swept the Las Vegas Aces in the playoffs to win their first WNBA championship.