The Golden State Valkyries played their first game of the pre-season this weekend.
For months, fans of the Golden State Valkyries have been longing to hear these words:
"Good evening, everyone and welcome to Ballhalla!"
That’s because the off-season was full of uncertainty, as negotiations between the WNBA and its players stalled until just six weeks ago, when both sides aligned on a historic collective bargaining agreement.
At tip off on Saturday, the 2026 WNBA season arrived in the Bay with another sold out crowd and a raise of up to 400 percent for players. That’s the biggest jump in professional U.S. sports history.
The Valkyries went on to defeat the Seattle Storm, 78-76. The game doesn’t count toward regular season standings, but it marks a definitive return nonetheless.
The full season officially starts May 8 with the Valkyries' home opener against the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center on May 10.