San Francisco Valkyries win WNBA title two years after team launch

The San Francisco Valkyries secured their first WNBA championship by defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the Finals, according to the SF Standard. The victory came just two years after the team was established, marking a swift and notable achievement for the expansion franchise.

General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin and head coach Natalie Nakase began building the team from scratch in 2024, starting with a blank roster and staff. Nakase, who had previously won three championships as an assistant coach in Las Vegas, accepted the challenge despite the limited talent pool available due to league protections on existing players.

The ownership group, led by Joe Lacob, had set a goal for the team to win a title within its first five years. The Valkyries' success exceeded expectations by accomplishing this feat in just two seasons, drawing significant attention and support from local fans.

The SF Standard detailed a 10-step process that contributed to the Valkyries' rapid rise, highlighting strategic roster construction and team chemistry development as key factors. The championship game was held at Chase Center, underscoring the local impact of the team's success.

Looking ahead, the Valkyries are positioned as a strong contender in the WNBA, with the organization and fans eager to build on this championship foundation in future seasons.