Golden State Valkyries surge to league leaders in just their second season
The expansion Golden State Valkyries finished the WNBA season with a 72.7% win rate and now face the Dallas Wings in the playoffs.
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's first expansion team since 2008, have shocked the league by finishing second overall with a 72.7% winning percentage and the league's top defensive rating of 99.3. Under coach Natalie Nakase, the squad relies on a collective offense, highlighted by Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton and reserve Janelle Salaun, who posted a record 509 bench points. Their home venue, Chase Center, has been sold out for each game, reflecting strong Bay Area support.
The franchise, backed by Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, paid a $50 million expansion fee and is now valued at $1 billion, the first women’s pro team to reach that mark. The Valkyries enter the playoffs against the Dallas Wings as the league enjoys record attendance, a new $3 billion media rights deal, and a collective bargaining agreement that raises the salary cap. Their rapid rise may serve as a model for future expansion in a growing league.
