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Valkyries Become First WNBA Expansion Team to Land Playoffs Spot in Debut Year

With history-making coach Natalie Nakase at the helm, Golden State continues to shatter records.

Ananya Panchal

Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Valkyries / Noah Graham/Getty Images

Making history isn’t easy in San Francisco—but inside Ballhalla, it’s become a habit.

With an 84–80 win over the Dallas Wings, the Golden State Valkyries became the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the postseason in their inaugural year.

Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Valkyries / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Bay’s newest franchise has been rewriting records since day one—selling 10,000 season tickets before their first game, inking a major deal with Sephora as a founding partner and selling out every home crowd inside Ballhalla.

Veronica Burton’s final point

The scene inside Chase Center on Thursday night was electric. Guard Veronica Burton hit a clutch circus shot in the final minute, punching the air as fans erupted.

“This is awesome, honestly,” Burton told USA Today after finishing the game with 15 points and five assists. “It’s a testament to all of the work that we put in, a testament to the belief that our coaching staff had in us. To do it with the group that we did, we’re just enjoying it, soaking it in.”

After the buzzer, players pulled on T-shirts that read “Playoffs 2025” while Rihanna’s “This Is What You Came For” blasted over the speakers. Janelle Salaün grabbed the mic and yelled, “Let’s Goooo,” as the locker room turned into a water-soaked celebration

History-making coach Natalie Nakase reacts

Coach Natalie Nakase, the WNBA’s first Asian American head coach, celebrated the milestone but made it clear she’s keeping her team focused—the way she has all season. The ultimate prize still lies ahead.

“We’re not done yet. Maybe after the season, after this is all done, I’ll reflect ... I’ve got to stay present. I’ve got to stay where my feet are [...] and I think that’s why we’ve been able to do what we do, because we stay present,” she told ESPN. “I don’t really allow them to celebrate. They can obviously enjoy this, but I also keep them humble. Y’all want to continue to make strides? Then let’s stay focused.”

For most expansion teams, success like this takes years. The 1998 Detroit Shock are the only other first-year squad to post a winning record—but even they missed the playoffs. Golden State shattered that ceiling last night.

But for the Valkyries, trailblazing is standard. From their state-of-the-art Sephora-branded training facility in Oakland to fashion shows on Chase Center’s ninth floor, the team has fused culture and sport in a way no franchise has before. Now, with a playoff berth in their debut season, they’ve cemented themselves as the ultimate disruptors.

Fans react

X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have been buzzing nonstop, with fans calling the Valkyries’ playoff run nothing short of historic.

“Now lady’s go after the crown. I think this is your moment in time. You have the Coach of the Year.
You earned this,” one wrote.

“One of the best stories in the W this year. This excellence is what happens when you really invest behind woman’s sports. Love this for the city. Well deserved,” another gushed.

“Being there tonight was absolutely one of the best sporting events I have ever been to. Love my team!!” someone exclaimed on Instagram.

Valkyries fans
Valkyries fans / Supriya Limaye/Getty Images

“The whole team …y’all are just so damn awesome and inspiring and I’m thankful I got to go along for the ride,” one user chimed.

“This team has everything I would want if I was a player and absolutely has everything I want as a huge fan. 💜💜💜 what a season, proud to be part of the team’s history,” another fan noted.

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Kyle Juszczyk, Kristin Juszczyk, Claire Kittle and George Kittle
Kyle Juszczyk, Kristin Juszczyk, Claire Kittle and George Kittle / Noah Graham/Getty Images

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Ballhalla was built for moments like this. And the Valkyries are just getting started.

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