The Golden State Valkyries, once seen as long shots at the start of the season, are now emerging as favorites to achieve an unprecedented milestone in WNBA history.
At the beginning of the season, few could have predicted the dramatic turnaround that the Golden State Valkyries have orchestrated. A new franchise entering a league filled with established teams, proven superstars, and seasoned coaching staffs, the Valkyries were initially treated as little more than an expansion experiment. Analysts and fans alike largely overlooked them in preseason predictions, with many expecting them to spend their inaugural campaign simply finding their footing. Fast forward to midseason, and that narrative has been completely rewritten. The Golden State Valkyries are no longer just another expansion team—they are now legitimate contenders, favored to pull off a WNBA first that would etch their name into basketball history.
The WNBA has seen impressive expansion teams in the past, but no newcomer has managed to truly dominate the league in their debut season. What the Valkyries are doing is nothing short of extraordinary. Their rise from the bottom of preseason power rankings to the top tier of championship odds is fueled by a unique combination of shrewd management decisions, instant team chemistry, fearless coaching, and a roster that balances youthful energy with veteran savvy.
Much of the credit must go to the organization’s front office, which was tasked with assembling a competitive roster from scratch. They made bold moves in the expansion draft and executed their player selections with surgical precision, targeting individuals not just for their skills, but for how they would complement one another. Instead of simply stockpiling talent, they built a cohesive unit. Their selections included overlooked veterans eager for a fresh start, rising stars seeking bigger roles, and seasoned role players who understood how to win. It was a carefully curated collection of personalities and playing styles, and it has paid dividends far quicker than anyone anticipated.
At the center of the Valkyries’ surprising surge is a core of players who have stepped up in ways few foresaw. Their leading scorer, once seen as a secondary option on her previous team, has exploded onto the scene with consistent offensive dominance, turning heads with her ability to deliver in clutch moments. Alongside her, a versatile forward acquired during the expansion draft has blossomed into an all-around force, contributing on both ends of the court and becoming a matchup nightmare for opponents. Their rookie point guard, selected early in the draft, has exceeded expectations by playing with maturity far beyond her years, managing the game with poise and demonstrating elite vision and decision-making.
This trio forms the backbone of the Valkyries’ attack, but the success goes even deeper. The bench has been a crucial factor, delivering energy, defense, and scoring when the starters rest. Players who were once considered fringe contributors have embraced their roles and thrived under the system installed by the Valkyries’ coaching staff. It’s not uncommon to see the second unit swing momentum in key stretches, something that sets them apart from many teams around the league.
Behind the bench is a coaching staff that clearly knows how to get the best out of its players. From the outset, the head coach established a culture centered on accountability, hard work, and belief. This wasn’t about surviving the season—it was about setting a tone, building something meaningful, and winning now. The schemes implemented have been both innovative and adaptable, allowing the Valkyries to adjust their strategy depending on their opponent without losing identity. They play fast but controlled, aggressive but intelligent. Their defense swarms without gambling, and their offense thrives on unselfish ball movement.
The Valkyries have also tapped into the power of community and fan support. Playing in a basketball-obsessed region that has long embraced the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the Valkyries have managed to capture the hearts of the Bay Area. From the moment they unveiled their name and branding, fans rallied around the team. Home games have become electrifying events, packed with supporters who are as passionate as any in the league. The players feed off this energy, and their home-court advantage has quickly become one of the most intimidating in the WNBA.
It’s this combination of factors—smart front office moves, strong leadership, deep and unselfish roster construction, and unwavering fan support—that has turned the Valkyries from preseason afterthoughts into a powerhouse. But what truly sets them apart is what they’re now poised to accomplish.
No expansion team in WNBA history has ever reached the Finals in their debut season. The Valkyries are now in striking position to do just that. They have not only matched up well against top-tier opponents but have also outplayed and outcoached them. Their win over a reigning championship contender earlier this season was a turning point, signaling that their early success was no fluke. Since then, they’ve gone on to win tough road games, come back from late deficits, and string together dominant performances that have silenced any remaining doubters.
This rise hasn’t just changed the Valkyries’ season—it’s shaken the landscape of the league. Established franchises now have to game plan specifically for Golden State, knowing they’re no longer facing a rookie squad but a legitimate threat. There’s no more underestimating this team, and that respect is hard-earned. Teams that once looked at matchups with the Valkyries as easy wins are now circling those games as critical showdowns.
Media attention has also turned toward the Valkyries with increasing intensity. Features on their star players now dominate highlight reels and social feeds. Analysts have revised their playoff predictions, and fans across the country have started to take notice. More importantly, young girls who are falling in love with basketball now have a new group of idols to look up to—fearless women who defied expectations and are rewriting the rules of what an expansion team can be.
There’s still a long way to go, of course. The second half of the season will test the Valkyries in new ways. As the league adjusts to their playing style, they’ll need to keep evolving. Injuries, fatigue, and pressure will all become factors. But if their performance thus far is any indication, this team has the resilience, depth, and determination to weather the challenges ahead. They aren’t content with just being a good story. They want to be champions.
And that’s what makes their journey so captivating. In sports, few narratives are more compelling than the rise of the underdog. The Valkyries are living that tale in real time, turning a season that many assumed would be full of growing pains into one of the most memorable campaigns in league history. If they can continue their ascent and finish the season by lifting the championship trophy, they will not only accomplish a WNBA first—they will set a new standard for what’s possible in professional sports.
As each game passes, their confidence grows, and so does the belief of everyone watching. The Golden State Valkyries began the season as long shots. Now, they are the team no one wants to face. A first-year franchise on the verge of something historic, they have captured more than just wins—they’ve captured the imagination of an entire league.
