From The San Francisco Standard · · 2m
Valkyries' non-negotiable title
The Golden State Valkyries won the WNBA championship without compromise.
In brief
The Golden State Valkyries won the WNBA championship without compromise. The Golden State Valkyries won the WNBA championship without compromising their team identity or roster decisions. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
The Valkyries' championship mindset
Natalie Nakase said the Valkyries would 'punch first' with a non-negotiable physicality and focused mindset.
“They’re punching first”
No compromises in the championship run
The Valkyries won the WNBA championship without bending their principles or making concessions.
“We’re dictating the first pass, we’re dictating everything tonight”
The team's inner circle
Gabby Williams described the Valkyries as having a tight inner circle where only trusted members could participate.
“If you were inside the bubble, you were trusted 100%”
The business model
The Valkyries' business operation, set up by president Jess Smith, generated strong financial results without roster compromises.
“This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports”
No superstar required
The Valkyries won the championship without an All-Star or first- or second-team All-WNBA player.
“My oh my have the Valkyries, without an All-Star or first- or second-team All-WNBA player this season, blown up that formula”
Defensive strategy
Natalie Nakase prioritized defense over offense, benching Janelle Salaun to focus on team chemistry.
“Nakase insisted the Valkyries could win a championship with elite defense”
The roster decisions
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin made key decisions to keep the team's identity intact without compromising.
“Nyanin easily could’ve compromised a bit and just kept Johnson”
The future outlook
The Valkyries will continue their non-negotiable approach to winning championships without major roster changes.
“They want competitors. They want winners. They want to keep doing this.”
The business success
The Valkyries' business model, starting with a $50 million purchase price, is now worth over $1 billion.
“This franchise began from nothing with a $50 million purchase price”
The team's identity
The Valkyries' identity is defined by their non-negotiable principles and commitment to team chemistry.
“The whole point of the Valkyries credo is that the team’s the star”
The championship impact
The Valkyries' championship win has inspired millions of fans and created a new model for women's sports.
“By the earth-rumbling response in the arena, I know 18,000-plus agreed wholeheartedly”
The future roster
The Valkyries will continue to attract top talent while maintaining their non-negotiable team identity.
“They want competitors. They want winners. They want to keep doing this”
The business model
The Valkyries' business model, set up by president Jess Smith, generated strong financial results without roster compromises.
“This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports”
The team's identity
The Valkyries' identity is defined by their non-negotiable principles and commitment to team chemistry.
“The whole point of the Valkyries credo is that the team’s the star”
The championship impact
The Valkyries' championship win has inspired millions of fans and created a new model for women's sports.
“By the earth-rumbling response in the arena, I know 18,000-plus agreed wholeheartedly”
The big picture
The Golden State Valkyries won the WNBA championship without compromising their team identity or roster decisions.
