SAN FRANCISCO — Draymond Green proudly sports the Golden State Valkyries No. 25 jersey, symbolizing the upcoming return of the WNBA to Northern California in 2025. Warriors coach Steve Kerr frequently appears at press conferences wearing the team’s distinctive purple T-shirts, emphasizing the excitement surrounding this new franchise.
With the Chase Center taking center stage during the NBA All-Star Weekend, the spotlight also shines on women’s basketball. Caitlin Clark drew attention for her decision not to participate, while A’ja Wilson and other WNBA stars are making headlines with their involvement. The newly announced expansion team is gaining significant visibility during the All-Star festivities.
Warriors power forward Gui Santos is feeling the buzz surrounding the WNBA. He remarked, “You see the All-Star events, the new WNBA team launching, and how the Bay Area community is embracing it; everyone is engaged with the teams.” Santos, who took on a broadcasting role on Saturday, added, “Having everything happening simultaneously is fantastic for the Bay Area. The entire Warriors organization is committed to supporting the Valkyries, helping transform Golden State fans into fans of this new team, as we all represent this vibrant community.”
WNBA players have been actively engaging with the community, conducting seminars with Jr. NBA kids, participating in 2-on-2 exhibitions, and showcasing their talents in the celebrity game. Sabrina Ionescu, a Bay Area native, has also been spotted at various community events, even as plans for a shootout with Stephen Curry fell through.
The Valkyries recently unveiled their new locker room at the arena just before the weekend’s events. Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young expressed surprise that a WNBA team had not existed in the area sooner, given the Warriors’ dominance over the past decade with four NBA championships. “This is one of the league’s premier franchises. It makes complete sense to have a WNBA team here,” he noted.
The formation of this new franchise comes at a time when women’s sports are experiencing global growth. Joe Lacob, the longtime owner of the Golden State Warriors, developed a passion for women’s basketball after watching the 1996 Olympic team led by Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer. Lacob, who was also an original investor in the previous American Basketball League, had envisioned establishing a WNBA team in the area, making it a priority following the opening of Chase Center in 2019. The expansion team was officially confirmed in October 2023.
“I want the players to understand the unique opportunity they have to make history,” said Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin after the expansion draft on December 6. “Putting on that jersey and playing in front of a sold-out Chase Center will truly transform their experience.”
The WNBA’s return marks the first time since the Sacramento Monarchs ceased operations after the 2009 season. Earlier this month, the Valkyries revealed their new state-of-the-art, 31,800-square-foot training facility in what used to be the Warriors’ practice space in downtown Oakland. The goal remains to honor the Warriors’ rich legacy while diligently building a new legacy for the Valkyries.
Jess Smith, the President of Valkyries, emphasized the desire for players to feel connected to the historic significance of the franchise. “We want them to know they are stepping into an organization that acknowledges the greatness around them to help them succeed,” Smith stated. “It’s a unique and special environment that doesn’t lose its essence despite the new branding.”
Santos, who originates from Brazil, understands the local enthusiasm for women’s basketball. “I believe the Valkyries will receive substantial support here,” he mentioned. “The Warriors have built a strong basketball culture over the past decade, and that devotion will transfer to the Valkyries as well.”
