The Golden State Valkyries made history on Thursday night by clinching a playoff berth in their inaugural season with a thrilling 84-80 victory over the Dallas Wings. This achievement marks the first time an expansion team has qualified for the playoffs in its debut season, showcasing the Valkyries’ remarkable performance throughout the year.
The decisive game took place at Ballhalla, where thousands of devoted fans witnessed the Valkyries extend their impressive season record to 23 wins. Previously, on August 15, they had already set a record for the most wins by a franchise expansion team in its first season, surpassing the previous record with their 18th win against the Chicago Sky.
The Valkyries’ success has not only been reflected on the court but has also translated into substantial financial growth. According to a June report from Sportico, the franchise is now valued at $500 million, making it the most valuable team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the only women’s sports franchise to surpass the half-billion mark.
Key Performers and Achievements
On the court, the Valkyries have been a force, ranking among the top teams in several statistical categories, including three-pointers made, rebounds per game, and free throw percentage. Veronica Burton has emerged as one of the top players in the league, noted for her assists per game. Additionally, teammates Iliana Rupert and Cecilia Zandalasini are among the top five in the WNBA for three-point shooting percentage. The Valkyries also boast a strong defensive record, positioning them as one of the top five defensive teams in the league.
The team’s success can be attributed in part to their head coach, Natalie Nakase, who made headlines as the first Asian American coach in WNBA history. Under her leadership, the Valkyries have not only excelled on the court but have also captured significant recognition, as Nakase was named the WNBA Coach of the Month in June.
Player highlights include Kayla Thornton, who scored the team’s first-ever points and was later named the Western Conference Player of the Week for her outstanding performance from June 9 to June 15. Thornton also represented the Valkyries as their first All-Star player. In their inaugural match against the Washington Mystics, Veronica Burton made a remarkable impact, scoring 22 points, with 14 of those points coming in a crucial final quarter. Notably, she became the first Valkyrie to score 30 points in a game and set a record as the first WNBA player to achieve a scoreline of 24 points, 14 assists, and zero turnovers.
Inaugural Roster and Future Prospects
The Golden State Valkyries kicked off their inaugural season on May 16, solidifying a roster of twelve players that would make history. The team includes talents such as Carla Leite, Stephanie Talbot, Janelle Salaün, Temi Fágbénlé, Tiffany Hayes, Kate Martin, Monique Billings, Kyara Linskens, and Julie Vanloo, alongside the standout performers mentioned earlier.
As the Valkyries prepare for the upcoming playoffs, their historic season serves as a testament to the potential for expansion teams in the WNBA. With a passionate fanbase and a talented roster, the Golden State Valkyries are poised to leave a lasting impact on the league in the years to come.
