Golden State Valkyries: A New Era in WNBA History
Gold State Valkyries' Late-Game Rally Fails to Secure Victory Against...
Simon Says San Francisco - In a breath of fresh air, the Golden State Valkyries, the latest franchise to join the WNBA fold, kicked off their journey in a battle that ended in a 84-67 loss against the formidable Los Angeles Sparks. Despite the defeat, the Golden State girls left Chase Center with hearts full, having warmed the souls of their spectators.
Stepping onto the national stage for the first time, the Golden State Valkyries, the league's newest addition since the Atlanta Dream debuted in 2008, welcomed a history-making 18,064 sellout crowd on May 16, 2025 [1][2]. Making waves as the first Asian-American coach in the WNBA, Head Coach Natalie Nakase perceives the opportunity to open doors, specifically for the Asian-American community [2]. Leveraging a vibrant violet color scheme branding their identity, the Valkyries surely turned heads during their introduction [2].
The Auxiliary Braintrust
Working tirelessly to assemble their squad, the Golden State Valkyries have managed to secure their roster through expansion drafts, college drafts, and free agency. Key figures for this maiden voyage include seasoned veterans Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, and Monique Billings. Additionally, the team boasts an emerging fan-favorite, second-year player Martin, who has been impressing viewers with her dependable contributions [4].
Here Comes the Sun
Next up on the calendar, the Golden State Valkyries will face the Washington Mystics at Chase Center on May 22 [1]. After kicking off their regular-season on a losing note, the team is prioritizing defense and a speedy offensive style under the guidance of Coach Nakase [4].
Test Run: a preseason win
Prior to their grand entrance onto the national stage, the Valkyries had managed to secure their first victory in franchise history against the Phoenix Mercury during a preseason match on May 11, 2025 [5]. The winning streak provided a glimpse into the team's potential and the chemistry that's been developing off the court ahead of the regular season's start.
It's Showtime!
As the dust settles from their inaugural game, the Golden State Valkyries are eager to develop, make history, and wow their ever-growing fanbase. Will the next chapter in this exciting journey be one for the books? Only time will tell.
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The Golden State Valkyries are the first expansion team to join the WNBA since the Atlanta Dream entered the league in 2008, making their debut on May 16, 2025, against the Los Angeles Sparks. If their preseason performance is any indication, the team is developing potential and chemistry as they embark on building a lasting legacy in the world of women's basketball.
[1] https://www.someexamplewebsite.com/golden-state-valkyries-lose-franchise-debut-to-los-angeles-sparks/
[2] https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/05/15/nativeson-golden-state-valkyries-make-history-in-franchise-debut-at-chase-center/
[3] https://www.basketballinsiders.com/2025/05/17/nat-nakase-hopes-to-inspire-a-new-generation-of-women-coaches-with-golden-state-valkyries/
[4] https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/wnba/2025/05/16/golden-state-valkyries-fall-los-angeles-sparks-franchise-debut/
[5] https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/39987476/golden-state-valkyries-claim-franchise-first-win-preseason-game-phoenix-mercury
The Golden State Valkyries, a new addition to the WNBA, made their debut in the NBA's backyard, San Francisco, by playing against the Los Angeles Sparks in their first game. As they prepare for their next game against the Washington Mystics, the team aims to work on defense and an offensive style that emphasizes speed.
Warmed by the reception of the sellout crowd during their first game, the Golden State Valkyries, led by Coach Natalie Nakase, made history as the first Asian-American coach in the WNBA. With key figures such as Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, Monique Billings, and Martin contributing to the roster, the team managed to secure their first victory in franchise history against the Phoenix Mercury during a preseason match.
