Valkyries Inaugural Season Ends in Narrow Playoff Loss, but the Future Looks Bright
The Golden State Valkyries’ inaugural season ended in a narrow playoff loss, yet the future of the franchise looks bright. The Valkyries lost 75-74 to the Minnesota Lynx in Game Two of their first-round playoff series on September 17th, 2025. Despite pushing the veteran Lynx team to the edge, Golden State fell just short of forcing a decisive Game Three. The loss officially ended their historic inaugural season in the WNBA.
The Valkyries entered 2025 as an expansion team, meaning the team started completely from scratch and built its roster through an expansion draft, where they selected players who were left unprotected by existing WNBA teams. They also added rookies through the regular draft and free agency. The team exceeded low external expectations and finished the regular season 23-21, securing a playoff berth in their very first campaign. Notably, home games at Chase Center consistently drew strong attendance, signaling immediate fan support from the locals.
The team also received recognition from the league. Natalie Nakase, in her first season as head coach, was named WNBA Coach of the Year for steering the Valkyries to a winning record, something no other expansion team in league history had accomplished. Veronica Burton emerged as the “heartbeat” of the team, made huge strides in leadership and production, and ultimately received the WNBA Most Improved Player Award. Several other Valkyries players were in award conversations and received league-wide attention, reflecting the depth and talent of the roster.
While the narrow loss to Minnesota was a bitter pill to swallow, the Valkyries’ inaugural season has already established a foundation for sustained success. The team has a young, competitive core, highlighted by Burton and other rising stars. Valkyries’ management has expressed commitment to building continuity rather than a full roster overhaul, hoping to ultimately establish a strong team of veterans. Golden State’s debut campaign is already hailed as one of the most successful expansion launches in WNBA history. This offseason, the Valkyries are expected to target reinforcements in the frontcourt and seek a dependable secondary scoring option. With a talented roster, award-winning leadership, and a passionate fan base, Golden State enters its second year poised to continue reshaping the league and setting a new standard for expansion team success.
