History of Golden State Valkyries in Timeline

The Golden State Valkyries are a professional women's basketball team based in San Francisco, set to join the WNBA's Western Conference in the 2025 season. They will play their home games at the Chase Center in San Francisco and will be headquartered in Oakland. As a new franchise, they represent an expansion of professional women's basketball in the Bay Area.

1997: WNBA inaugural season

In 1997, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded, including the Sacramento Monarchs as a team in northern California.

1998: ABL Folds

In 1998, the American Basketball League (ABL) folded, with the San Jose Lasers being the last San Francisco Bay Area women's basketball team.

2005: Sacramento Monarchs Championship

In 2005, the Sacramento Monarchs won a league championship in the WNBA.

2008: Atlanta Dream expansion

In 2008, the Atlanta Dream was the last WNBA expansion team before the announcement of the Golden State Valkyries.

2009: Sacramento Monarchs folding

In 2009, the Sacramento Monarchs, a WNBA team in northern California, folded despite winning a league championship in 2005.

September 26, 2023: Agreement to Start WNBA Expansion Team

On September 26, 2023, it was reported that the owners of the Golden State Warriors, Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, were finalizing an agreement to start a WNBA expansion team in San Francisco.

October 5, 2023: Expansion Team Officially Announced

On October 5, 2023, the Golden State Valkyries expansion team was officially announced, with plans to begin play in 2025, being the first expansion team in the WNBA since the Atlanta Dream in 2008. The expansion fee for the franchise was reported to be $50 million over 10 years.

January 30, 2024: Jess Smith Hired as Team President

On January 30, 2024, Jess Smith, an executive with Angel City FC of the NWSL, was hired as the team's president of the Golden State Valkyries.

May 14, 2024: Team Name and Logos Revealed

On May 14, 2024, the team name – Golden State Valkyries – and logos were revealed. The logo features the Bay Bridge, symbolizing the connection between San Francisco and Oakland.