The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest team, made an impressive splash in their debut season by selling out every home game and securing a playoff berth. Coach Natalie Nakase earned the prestigious Coach of the Year award, while guard Veronica Burton was named Most Improved Player. Despite a tough playoff loss, the Valkyries continue to captivate fans and draw national attention.
### The Rise of the Golden State Valkyries
As the WNBA’s first expansion team in 17 years, the Golden State Valkyries stormed onto the court to the roar of a sold-out crowd. Flames burst behind the backboards, a giant screen illuminated images of winged warriors, and chants echoed throughout the arena. The Bay Area soon developed a new obsession with women’s basketball.
### Evolution of the Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries exceeded all expectations during their inaugural season. Not only did the team clinch a playoff spot as the eighth seed, but they also set multiple records along the way. They became the first WNBA franchise to sell out every home game and shattered expansion benchmarks with an impressive 23 victories.
Sportico valued the team at $500 million, marking the highest ever valuation for a professional women’s sports franchise in its inaugural year. The team’s chemistry was largely built from players overlooked by other franchises. General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin scouted hidden talent from benches across the league and even Europe.
Center Temi Fagbenle summed it up simply: “We’re a team of sixth women. We don’t have any egos. We need to prove ourselves,” as reported by The New York Times.
### Leadership and Team Culture
Head coach Natalie Nakase, the first Asian American woman to lead a WNBA team, set a determined tone from the outset. She promised owner Joe Lacob that she would deliver a championship within five years. Under her guidance, the Valkyries not only competed but thrived.
Rookies like Kaitlyn Chen quickly became fan favorites, especially within the Bay Area’s vibrant Asian American communities.
### Golden State Valkyries in 2025
Fast forward to 2025, the Valkyries face their biggest challenge yet in the postseason—a do-or-die matchup against the Minnesota Lynx after a tough 101-72 loss in Game 1. Despite the pressure, the Bay Area squad continues to draw national attention and admiration for their resilience and talent.
### Natalie Nakase Sets Coaching Milestone
Head coach Natalie Nakase was honored as the 2025 State Street Investment Management SPY WNBA Coach of the Year, earning 53 of 72 votes.
“Natalie has been a fierce leader from the very moment she was announced as head coach,” said General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin. Nakase guided Golden State to 23 regular-season wins—the most ever by an expansion team—while building one of the league’s toughest defenses.
### Veronica Burton Shines in Breakout Season
Guard Veronica Burton captured the 2025 Kia WNBA Most Improved Player award after posting career-best numbers, averaging 11.9 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Her historic leap included a record-breaking 24-point, 14-assist, zero-turnover game against the Phoenix Mercury, highlighting her transformation into one of the league’s elite playmakers.
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