Valkyries open inaugural season before sellout
he Golden State Valkyries made their WNBA debut on Friday against the Sparks before 18,064 at the Chase Center. Violet shirts “adorned every seat with the script ‘First of a Lifetime.’” The attendance was the “most for a WNBA team in its home debut.” The Valkyries lost 84-67, but it “hardly damped the enthusiasm.” The team “even got a standing ovation at the game’s conclusion.” There were 95 press credentials issued for the first game. The Warriors were “well represented” with coach Steve Kerr, F Kevon Looney, G Buddy Hield, G Brandin Podziemski and F Jonathan Kuminga all in attendance (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 5/16). The sellout crowd “kept the energy going all night, even when the game was slipping away” for the Valkyries. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said, “It was loud. That’s exactly what I wanted. If I could have dreamed of an environment, the hostility of it, just the roars, the screams, the shouts” (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 5/17).
Valkyries G Julie Vanloo said, “The crowd was amazing. It just goes through your veins, your whole body.” Those in attendance understand that “this is not about the now but about the beginning of something.” The fans are “invested in something they’ve been waiting a very long time for.” Owner Joe Lacob was “seated courtside in his usual seats.” Next to him was former Warriors president and current Mavericks CEO Rick Welts.
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/05/18/valkyries-open-inaugural-season-before-sellout-crowd/