As the newest WNBA franchise, the Golden State Valkyries are struggling with plenty of things on the court: a lack of star power, late-game execution, and unfamiliarity among the players. Nevertheless, the team is killing it in one major off-the-court aspect. The fan base in Golden State is amazing.
Not only did the Valkyries sell a record number of season tickets and fill out Chase Center during the team’s first three home games, but the Valkyries also amassed a unique fanbase, borrowing few fans from the Golden State Warriors. Having a dedicated fan base is great for a new team because it guarantees a steady influx of money and creates a significant home-court advantage that will come in handy once the Valkyries make the playoffs. It is also great for the players to feel supported and appreciate. Kate Martin’s latest comments prove that.
Kate Martin praises Valkyries’ fans for unyielding loyalty
The Valkyries don’t have a big-time star or many super well-known names on the roster. They also haven’t won many games yet. Nevertheless, fans have been enamored with the WNBA’s newest team. The atmosphere at Chase Center has been amazing to start the season, and the Valkyries’ players appreciate the support.
When she appeared on Sue Bird’s podcast Bird’s Eye View, Kate Martin said, “The fans really are so loud. It has been awesome in Chase Center. And they’ve been sticking with it the whole game. Like, when we were losing to LA the first game, they stayed the entire time and they cheered us on from the first minute to the last minute. And so that means a lot as a team.”
Being part of an expansion team and losing a lot is not easy, especially not for the players who came to Golden State from winning teams. Knowing that the fanbase supports the team even during losses makes things easier for the players.
The Valkyries will have a major home-court advantage
The Valkyries may not book a trip to the playoffs this season, but they will soon. Owner Joe Lacob has already said that, ideally, the franchise will win its first title within the next five years. Once the Valkyries secure their first playoff spot and reach the point of the season when home-court advantage really matters, they will have an edge over other teams.
Chase Center won’t be an easy place to play in during the postseason, and that can sometimes make the difference between a win and a loss in the playoffs. Especially younger teams are not always prepared to play in a charged atmosphere with the season on the line. While other teams, like the Indiana Fever, also have strong fan bases, it is impressive that the Valkyries are able to draw this many people to their games without winning much or drafting a popular college player.