The WNBA season of 2025 has been nothing short of captivating, and at the heart of this excitement is the remarkable emergence of the Golden State Valkyries. As an expansion team, expectations for their inaugural season were tempered, often projecting a typical struggle for wins as they built their roster and identity. Yet, defying all conventional wisdom, the Valkyries have soared, establishing themselves as a formidable force and a compelling story, leading to their incredible rise in the WNBA Power Rankings.
As of Monday, June 23, 2025, the Golden State Valkyries boast a record of 7-6, placing them 4th in the Western Conference. This record, which sees them above .500 and firmly in playoff contention, is a stunning achievement for a brand-new franchise. They’ve recently strung together impressive victories, including an 87-63 rout of the Connecticut Sun (who themselves are struggling at 2-12) and an 88-77 win over the Indiana Fever, a game where they notably limited Caitlin Clark’s three-point impact. This strong run, with five wins in their last six games, has vaulted them up many power rankings lists.
Let’s delve into the factors contributing to the Valkyries’ amazing rise:
General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin and Head Coach Natalie Nakase have done a phenomenal job assembling a roster that, on paper, might not have screamed “playoff contender” but has quickly found chemistry and cohesion. They prioritized gritty, versatile veterans and integrated promising young talent effectively.
- Veteran Leadership and Defense: Players like Kayla Thornton (F, 6’1″, 9th season), Tiffany Hayes (G, 5’10”, 12th season), and Monique Billings (F, 6’4″, 7th season) form the backbone of this team. Thornton has been particularly impactful, consistently scoring in double figures (averaging 14.8 PPG and 7.1 RPG) and providing strong defense. Hayes brings veteran savvy and a scoring punch. Billings offers athleticism and defensive intensity in the frontcourt. These players bring stability, experience, and a professional approach.
- International Flair and Versatility: The Valkyries also brought in seasoned international players like Stephanie Talbot (F, 6’2″, 6th season) and Cecilia Zandalasini (F, 6’2″, 3rd season), and Julie Vanloo (G, 5’8″, 1st season WNBA, extensive international experience). These players bring a different style of play, often characterized by high basketball IQ, strong passing, and unselfishness. Talbot’s all-around game and Zandalasini’s offensive skills have been key.
- Youthful Energy and Upside: Players like Laeticia Amihere (F, 6’3″, 2nd season), Veronica Burton (G, 5’9″, 3rd season), and rookie Chloe Bibby (F, 6’2″) provide youthful energy, athleticism, and defensive potential. Amihere recently recorded her first WNBA double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds against the Sun, showcasing her growth. Burton has been a defensive spark plug and a developing playmaker (averaging 2.8 PPG and 8.6 RPG). Chloe Bibby has also contributed with consecutive double-digit scoring performances, including 11 points against the Sun. The team has also added other exciting young players like Carla Leite (G, 5’9″, rookie, 2024 #9 pick) and Kaitlyn Chen (G, 5’9″, rookie, 2025 #30 pick), who, even if not immediate impact players, represent future building blocks.
A hallmark of the Valkyries’ success has been their commitment to defense. Under Coach Natalie Nakase, they play with intensity and discipline. Their recent win over the Connecticut Sun, holding them to just 63 points and 30.3% shooting, is a testament to their defensive prowess. They force turnovers (14 against the Sun), dominate the boards (outrebounding Connecticut 51-35), and consistently make it difficult for opponents to score. This defensive foundation allows them to stay in games even when their offense isn’t fully clicking. They rank 7th in the league in Opponent Points Per Game (79.7) and 7th in Defensive Rating (101.0).
Unlike some teams that rely heavily on one or two stars, the Valkyries demonstrate remarkable balance in their scoring. In their victory over the Sun, all 11 players who stepped on the court recorded points. This depth makes them difficult to guard, as different players can step up on any given night. They are not easily shut down by focusing on one player. This unselfish approach and collective responsibility have fostered a strong team culture.
The Golden State Valkyries play at the Chase Center in San Francisco, which has been dubbed “Ballhalla” by fans. They have played in front of seven consecutive sellout crowds, showcasing incredible fan support. This passionate home crowd provides a significant energy boost, creating a formidable environment for opposing teams. Their home record of 5-2 compared to their road record of 2-4 illustrates the tangible impact of this “Ballhalla” buzz.
Head Coach Natalie Nakase has earned significant praise for her ability to adapt and strategize. Her game plan against the Indiana Fever, which famously limited Caitlin Clark to 11 points and 0-7 from three-point range, demonstrated her tactical acumen and the team’s ability to execute a tailored defensive scheme. This strategic flexibility suggests that the Valkyries are not just relying on raw talent but are well-coached and prepared.
While the exact placement varies slightly across different media outlets, the general consensus is that the Golden State Valkyries are no longer a bottom-tier team.
- Initial Preseason Projections: Many preseason power rankings had the Valkyries near the very bottom, typically in the 11th or 12th spot, alongside the Dallas Wings or Washington Mystics, primarily due to being an expansion team.
- Current Reality: As of June 23, 2025, they are firmly in the middle of the pack, and in some rankings, are pushing towards the top half. Their 7-6 record is impressive. For instance, in a recent power ranking update from June 21st, some analysts moved them up significantly, recognizing their four wins in five games. They are now seen as a legitimate playoff contender, rather than a lottery team.
Despite their amazing rise, the Valkyries will face ongoing challenges:
- Consistency: Maintaining their current level of performance throughout a grueling 44-game season, especially as other teams make adjustments, will be key.
- Offensive Efficiency: While their defense is strong, their offensive efficiency still has room for improvement. They rank 11th in Points Per Game (78.3) and 12th in Field Goal Percentage (40.2%), and their 3-point percentage (27.4%) ranks 13th. Improving these areas will be crucial for sustained success against top-tier teams.
- Injury Luck: Remaining relatively healthy throughout the season will be vital, especially for their veteran core.
- Top-Tier Competition: They have proven they can beat good teams, but consistently competing with the league’s elite (New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces) will be the ultimate test.
The Golden State Valkyries have undeniably been one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises of the 2025 WNBA season. Their rapid ascent in the power rankings is a testament to smart management, dedicated coaching, and a roster of players who have bought into a collective, defensive-minded approach. They have transformed from an expansion team with low expectations into a legitimate force to be reckoned with, captivating the Bay Area and energizing the WNBA as a whole. Their amazing rise is not just a feel-good story; it’s a blueprint for how a new franchise can quickly establish its presence in a competitive league.
