The moment WNBA fans have waited for is finally here. A new team is about to kick off its inaugural season. The Golden State Valkyries are the first expansion team to join the league since the Atlanta Dream in 2008. To say that the excitement is great would be an understatement. The Valkyries have already sold a record number of season tickets before even playing a single game.
It’s not just WNBA fans who are excited about the new team in the Bay Area, however. The team already has the support of one of the biggest stars in basketball. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is also excited for the Valkyries’ first season. His comments about the new team perfectly capture the Bay Area’s basketball pride.
“I’m gonna be a fan. I’m gonna be at as many games as possible,” Curry said when asked about the new team in town. “It’s great for the entire Bay.”
The Valkyries have the opportunity to build a franchise from the ground up
Building a new franchise from the ground up is not always easy, but it also comes with plenty of opportunities. For one, the Valkyries get to create a very unique brand on and off the court and their very own identity as a basketball team. However, due to the close ties to the Warriors, big things are expected from the Valkyries eventually.
Head coach Natalie Nakase has already hinted at what kind of team the Valkyries will be. She wants players who compete on both ends of the court, are willing to take on a challenge, and can play several roles. The Valkyries don’t have their star or face of the franchise yet, so role players will be asked to step out of their comfort zones at times.
Getting a first taste of what Valkyries basketball will look like is one of the most exciting parts of watching the team early in the season. The home opener at Chase Center will be very telling. Fans should expect to see some familiar faces in the stands.
“It’s going to be really cool to be here opening night when they get to kind of plant their flag, what Valkyries basketball means around here,” Curry said.
The Valkyries already have a lot of eyes on them
Being a long-awaited expansion team in a big market comes with a lot of attention. The Valkyries have been in the public eye ever since the new team was announced.
Some of the organization’s decisions have already been met with criticism. Many fans, particularly, weren’t thrilled with the Valkyries’ decision to waive second-round pick Shyanne Sellers before the team’s first preseason game. Some also questioned the number of international players on the roster.
Now that the new season is finally here, expect the Valkyries to be at the center of much WNBA discourse.