Golden State Valkyries Soar: WNBA Expansion Team Breaks Season Ticket Record
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden state Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest expansion team, have achieved a historic milestone by selling over 10,000 season tickets—a first for any team in the league. This unprecedented demand underscores the growing excitement and support for women’s basketball in the bay Area and beyond.
Valkyries Set to Tip-Off Inaugural Season at Chase Center
The Valkyries are set to make their WNBA debut on May 16, hosting the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center, which they will share with the NBA’s Golden State warriors. This marks the WNBA’s first expansion as 2008, injecting fresh energy into the league.
Unprecedented Demand Signals Shining Future for WNBA
“This community has shown up, and then some, to create this milestone,” Valkyries president Jess Smith stated in an interview.The team received 22,000 deposits for season tickets and are currently processing the list to finalize sales. Single-game tickets will be available soon, offering more fans the chance to witness the Valkyries in action. The remarkable success of this team demonstrates a trajectory for the WNBA moving forward.”
WNBA Riding Wave of Popularity
the Valkyries’ record-breaking season ticket sales come on the heels of a banner year for the WNBA. In 2024,the league saw it’s highest total attendance in 22 years,with 2.35 million fans filling arenas—a 48% increase compared to 2023. The season was highlighted by 54 sellout games, with several contests, especially those featuring Caitlin Clark and the indiana Fever, drawing notable crowds.
Clark effect: WNBA Attendance Records Tumble
Three games featuring Clark and the Fever surpassed 20,000 fans, including a single-game record of 20,711 when Indiana played the Washington Mystics on Sept. 19. The surge in attendance reflects the growing popularity of women’s basketball and the excitement surrounding the league’s rising stars.
Independent Operation Ensures Dedicated Focus
Although the Valkyries share Chase Center with the Warriors, their ticketing operations are managed separately to provide fans dedicated staff. The Valkyries also have their own practice facility.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
Golden State Valkyries FAQ: Soaring to New Heights in the WNBA
Q: What is the Golden State Valkyries’ big achievement?
A: They’ve broken the WNBA record by selling over 10,000 season tickets before thier inaugural season even begins!
Q: When and where will the Valkyries play their first game?
A: their debut is scheduled for May 16th at the Chase Center in San Francisco, where they will host the Los Angeles Sparks.
Q: Who is running the team?
A: Jess Smith is the president of the Valkyries.
Q: What is the “Caitlin Clark effect”?
A: Caitlin Clark, a rising star, has significantly boosted WNBA attendance. Games she played in, particularly with the Indiana Fever, drew massive crowds, setting new attendance records.
Q: How is the valkyries’ operation structured?
A: While they share the Chase Center with the Golden State Warriors, the Valkyries have their own dedicated ticketing staff and practice facility, ensuring a focused fan experience.
Q: What’s the importance of the WNBA’s recent popularity?
A: The WNBA experienced its highest attendance in 22 years during 2024, with a 48% increase in attendance compared to 2023, and many sell-out games! This indicates how popular and exciting women’s basketball is.
Q: How can I get tickets to see the Valkyries?
A: Season tickets are a hot commodity, but single-game tickets will be available soon. Keep an eye on the team’s official website for details.
Q: What’s the last WNBA expansion?
A: The Golden State Valkyries are the first WNBA expansion team as 2008. This demonstrates the leagues trajectory for the future.
Q: What is the capacity of the Chase Center?
A: The Chase Center’s capacity for basketball is approximately 18,064.
Q: What is the team’s mascot?
A: The Golden State Valkyries have not yet released a team mascot.
Join the excitement and be a part of the Golden State Valkyries’ historic journey!
