Golden State Valkyries Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

What did the Valkyries do in their first season?

They became the first expansion franchise in WNBA history to make the playoffs in its inaugural season, clinching with an 84-80 win over the Dallas Wings at Chase Center in September 2025.

The team finished 23-21, a record for wins by a first-year WNBA franchise, built around the league's best scoring defense at 76.3 points allowed per game. The roster was assembled largely through an expansion draft and carried no established superstar.

Why are they called the Valkyries?

The name comes from Norse mythology, where the valkyries choose who prevails in battle — a deliberate echo of the Warriors' identity within the same ownership group.

The club's home support has adopted the name "Ballhalla" for Chase Center on game nights, extending the same theme. The violet color scheme distinguishes the team clearly from the Warriors' blue and gold.

How well supported are the Valkyries?

Far better than expected.

A common pre-launch worry was that a new women's team would struggle for attention in a market the Warriors dominate; instead the Valkyries drew among the largest crowds in the WNBA in their first season at Chase Center. That support became one of the season's main storylines, alongside the winning.

Who is Natalie Nakase?

The Valkyries' first head coach, hired after winning championships as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces.

She had earlier been the first woman to serve as an assistant coach for an NBA team's summer-league side and one of the first in a men's professional league in Japan. Her first WNBA season produced a defense-first expansion team that made the playoffs, and Coach of the Year consideration.