Breaking the Expansion Team Curse
The Golden State Valkyries have taken the WNBA by storm in their inaugural 2025 season, shattering the long-standing narrative that expansion teams are doomed to struggle in their first year. Historically, new franchises like the 2008 Atlanta Dream, who finished with a dismal 4-30 record, and the 2006 Chicago Sky, with a 5-29 record, have faced steep challenges. Yet, the Valkyries have defied these expectations, posting a competitive 10-12 record at the midway point of the season and positioning themselves firmly in the playoff race.
This remarkable start is unprecedented, as no WNBA expansion team has ever reached the playoffs in its debut season. With a ninth-place standing and a fighting chance for a postseason berth, the Valkyries are rewriting history. Their success on the court is matched by their impact off it, drawing sellout crowds of over 18,000 fans per night during a streak of six straight home games, outpacing even popular teams like the New York Liberty and Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever.
A Winning Formula On and Off the Court
Key performances have fueled the Valkyries' surprising run, with players like Kayla Thornton stepping up as a breakout star. Thornton's career-high 22 points and 11 rebounds in a commanding 95-68 victory over the Las Vegas Aces marked a historic moment for the franchise, showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier teams. Alongside Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini contributed 18 points in that same game, highlighting the depth of talent on this roster, carefully assembled through the expansion draft on December 6, 2024, and the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Beyond individual brilliance, the team's strategic foundation has been crucial. Under the leadership of head coach Natalie Nakase and general manager Ohemaa Nyanin, hired on May 7, 2024, the Valkyries have built a cohesive unit focused on defense and road wins—key factors that could determine their playoff fate. Off the court, president Jess Smith, appointed on January 30, 2024, has spearheaded a marketing and fan engagement strategy that turned mythology into 'marketing magic,' setting a blueprint for other WNBA expansion teams. The franchise's valuation of $500 million, topping the league ahead of teams like the Liberty and Aces, underscores their immediate economic impact.
The fan response has been equally staggering, with over 6,000 season ticket deposits secured by April 16, 2024, following an initial rush of 2,000 deposits within hours of the team's announcement on October 5, 2023. This enthusiasm reflects a deep connection to the Golden State brand, further solidified by their official naming as the Valkyries and the unveiling of logos and uniforms.
Eyeing a Historic Playoff Push
As the season progresses past the All-Star break, the Valkyries face critical challenges to secure a playoff spot, a feat that would cement their place in WNBA history. Analysts point to their need to bolster defensive consistency and improve performance in away games as pivotal to sustaining their momentum. Reports indicate that their strong start has put them in contention, but maintaining this pace against seasoned teams remains a tall order.
The broader implications of their success are already evident, offering a playbook for future WNBA expansion franchises. The Valkyries' ability to blend competitive play with robust fan engagement and business acumen—evidenced by their record-breaking crowds and top franchise valuation—signals a new era for the league. Whether they clinch a playoff berth or not, Golden State has already proven that expansion teams can aim high from day one, setting a new standard for what’s possible in Year 1.