The Golden State Valkyries have done far more than join the WNBA; they’ve fundamentally changed the conversation about what an expansion franchise can be. In their inaugural 2025 season, they have achieved a record-breaking $500 million valuation, surpassed every early-season prediction, and created one of the loudest home-court atmospheres in the league.
Purchased for a $50 million expansion fee in 2023, the San Francisco-based team now holds the highest valuation for any women’s sports franchise worldwide. The figure dwarfs the WNBA’s 2025 average of $269 million and surpasses the New York Liberty’s previous league-leading $420 million.
Golden State’s blueprint has combined aggressive market engagement, smart roster construction, and an emphasis on creating a fan experience that matches NBA standards. The result: a season that is rewriting the business and competitive records for WNBA expansion franchises.
Business Records Before Tip-Off
The Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion team to sell more than 10,000 season tickets in their debut year, accomplishing the feat months before the season tipped off. Every home game at the 18,000-seat Chase Center has sold out, with average courtside pricing and resale demand rivaling some NBA teams.
Projected 2025 revenues exceed $70 million—more than double the WNBA’s highest single-team total in 2024. Sponsorship income is expected to surpass $20 million, with ticket-related revenue topping $35 million, both new league records. Their home opener generated $3 million, setting a WNBA single-game revenue record.
These financial benchmarks are reshaping expectations for what’s possible in women’s professional sports, influencing how the league and future expansion teams approach pricing, sponsorships, and game-day production.
NEW @WNBA Team Valuations: The Golden State @valkyries are the first $500 million women’s team in pro sports, and every WNBA team value is up more than 100% over the past 12 months. The WNBA teams are collectively worth $3.5 billion.
— Sportico (@Sportico) June 24, 2025
The latest from @kbadenhausen ⤵️ https://t.co/XXLftYmfpQ pic.twitter.com/W2kFBGk4xG
Defying Every Preseason Projection
Entering the season, sportsbooks gave Golden State the lowest playoff odds in the WNBA (+1600) and projected fewer than 10 wins. By midyear, they had reached double-digit victories with 25 games still to play. As of August 13, they are 17-15, tying the 2008 Detroit Shock for the most wins by a WNBA expansion team in its inaugural campaign, and are holding the seventh seed in the playoff race.
They’ve achieved it with statement wins, including an 87-63 rout of the Connecticut Sun, a key victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, and most recently an 88-83 road triumph over the Washington Mystics. Against Connecticut, Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini combined for 50 points and 12 3-pointers. Burton set a franchise record with 30 points—becoming the first Valkyrie to reach that mark—on 10-for-13 shooting, while Zandalasini tied her career high with 20 points.
The duo powered an 18-0 first-half run that gave Golden State a commanding 36-12 lead. Burton’s 11-point third quarter helped weather a Mystics rally, and her nine points in the final frame sealed the team’s third straight win. Burton also grabbed seven rebounds and dished seven assists, while Zandalasini added six boards and four assists.
VERONICA BURTON TONIGHT 🔥
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) August 14, 2025
• 30 POINTS
• 7 REBOUNDS
• 7 ASSISTS
• 6/9 3PM
• 10/13 FG
• 36 MINUTES PLAYEDpic.twitter.com/162HwilUw4
Valkyries Lean on Depth, Defense, and Resilience
Golden State’s success starts on the defensive end. They have posted a 99.8 defensive rating this season, ranking fourth in the WNBA and just 0.2 behind the third-ranked Atlanta Dream. Their dominance on the glass is reflected in a league-leading 51.6% rebounding percentage.
Head coach Natalie Nakase’s by-committee approach has produced balanced production. Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes has provided scoring and leadership, while Veronica Burton has emerged as a steady playmaker at 5.0 assists per game. Temi Fagbenle and Monique Billings have been anchors in the frontcourt, and Kayla Thornton was leading the team in both scoring (14.0 PPG) and rebounding (7.0 RPG) before a season-ending knee injury in July.
Offensively, there is room to grow. Golden State currently owns a 100.6 offensive rating, ranking 10th in the league. Adding more dynamic scoring options in future offseasons could help them balance their elite defensive foundation with greater offensive punch. Still, the culture they’ve built—defined by resilience, defensive grit, and depth—has given them a realistic path to becoming the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its debut season.
