Golden State Valkyries set new standard for women’s sports in WNBA

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s 13th franchise, have quickly become a model for women’s sports by prioritizing fan engagement alongside competitive success, the SF Standard reported.

The team’s leadership, including owner Joe Lacob, president Jess Smith, GM Ohemaa Nyanin, and coach Natalie Nakase, has focused on creating a franchise that truly connects with its supporters, according to the SF Standard.

This approach follows the impact of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, who changed the WNBA with her dynamic play and large fan base, sparking increased interest in the league.

Bay Area basketball fans have found a familiar story in the Valkyries’ rise, reminiscent of how Steph Curry revitalized the Warriors franchise through his college-to-pro journey, the SF Standard noted.

While winning a WNBA title requires elite players and coaching, the Valkyries have demonstrated that building a franchise around fan care can elevate women’s sports to new heights in just two seasons.