Moments after the final buzzer sounded at San Jose’s SAP Center, marking the end of the Golden State Valkyries’ 2025 season, the enthusiastic home crowd offered a standing ovation. Although the Valkyries played their last game away from their usual home at San Francisco’s Chase Center due to scheduling conflicts, the passion and atmosphere remained just as electric.
The applause was a tribute to the excitement the Valkyries brought to the Bay Area, signaling a promising future for the region’s basketball fans—a debut season that Bay audiences won’t soon forget. The team closed the regular season with a 23-21 record and, as an expansion team, made it into the playoffs as the 8th seed. They were ultimately eliminated in the first round by the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, including a close Game 2 where they lost despite holding a 17-point lead.
The Valkyries surprised many by surpassing expectations that had predicted a struggling inaugural season, plagued by injuries and absences due to EuroBasket. Despite rotating multiple starting lineups, Golden State stayed competitive and continuously improved. The team earned multiple accolades: coach Natalie Nakase was named Coach of the Year, Kayla Thornton became the franchise’s first All-Star, and Veronica Barton won MVP honors and made the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. Rookie Janelle Saraun earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
Golden State’s offense averaged 77.7 points per game (10th in the league) but struggled with shooting efficiency, especially from beyond the arc, hitting only 40.7% field goal percentage (last in the league). However, their defense was outstanding, allowing just 76.3 points per game—the fewest in the league. The team showed improvement after the All-Star break with better shooting percentages and a positive win-loss record.
Key players had standout seasons: Thornton averaged 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds, Barton posted 11.9 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, and Tiffany Hayes, acquired in free agency, contributed 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Cecilia Zandarasini delivered solid performances, averaging 10.5 points per game. Young talents like Ileana Rupert, Kate Martin, and Leticia Amihere also showed promising development.
Still, challenges remain. The Valkyries attempted a record 1,314 three-pointers in the regular season but converted less than 33% of them, indicating a need for greater shooting consistency. The frontcourt sometimes lacked impact and depth, partly due to injuries to key players like Thornton and Hayes, which affected performance in critical moments, especially during the playoffs.
Looking ahead, the Valkyries face uncertainty amid CBA negotiations and upcoming drafts. The development of rookies Saraun and Leite, the strengthening of their frontcourt, and the debut of first-round pick Juste Yosite will be crucial to future success. The team also must decide whom to protect in the next expansion draft and continue building its attractiveness to free agents. The organization remains committed to winning a championship within five years, with four seasons left to achieve this goal.
While it’s just the start for the Valkyries, their impressive debut has made a notable impact on the WNBA, inspiring upcoming expansion teams like the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. The 2025 season proved that WNBA basketball is here to stay in the Bay Area, creating a new chapter for the league.
Fan Take: The Golden State Valkyries’ breakthrough first season is a monumental step forward for the WNBA, showcasing how a new team can immediately energize a market and compete fiercely. For fans, this means more excitement, broader talent development, and growth for the league, signaling a bright future for women’s basketball on the West Coast and beyond.
