Valkyries Dazzle in Debut Despite Loss Before Sold-Out Crowd

SAN FRANCISCO — On a night dripping with Bay Area pride and electric energy, the Golden State Valkyries officially arrived.

The WNBA’s newest franchise made its highly anticipated debut at Chase Center, affectionately dubbed Ballhalla, and the moment did not disappoint. Despite an 84–67 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, from the moment the doors opened to the final buzzer, the sellout crowd of 18,064 turned the arena into a celebration of Bay Area basketball and culture. Oakland’s rich legacy was especially well represented.

E-40 took the stage for a special halftime performance, delivering a hyphy set that had fans dancing both in their seats and on their feet. As if that weren’t enough, the Valkyries’ “Violet Vibes” dance team, a multigenerational group featuring performers of all ages, brought the house down with a nostalgic, high-energy routine set to MC Hammer’s “Too Legit to Quit.” The crowd erupted, flashing back to the golden era of Bay Area hip-hop. It was more than entertainment; it was a tribute.

That spirit was perfectly fitting, considering what head coach Natalie Nakase said in her pre-game press conference: “You should have seen our shoot-around. We were just playing our music.” Nakase mentioned her musical preferences, including Rihanna and ’90s R&B, and emphasized that the team wants to entertain fans with its style of play. “We gotta make you guys smile and enjoy it, how we’re gonna play on the court.”

The game itself had its share of heartbreak. The Valkyries held their own through the first three quarters, but Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks stole the spotlight with a record-breaking 37-point performance. Plum, who was traded to the Sparks in the offseason, scored 26 of her points in the second half, helping Los Angeles pull away. The Sparks outscored the Valkyries 18–7 in the fourth quarter, crushing hopes of a storybook ending for Golden State’s debut.

There were still plenty of bright spots for the home team. Tiffany “Tip” Hayes led the Valkyries with 19 points and nine rebounds, anchoring the offense and providing veteran leadership on both ends of the court. Temi Fagbenle added 15 points, including two impressive three-pointers that surprised many in the arena. Her ability to stretch the floor revealed a level of versatility that could become a serious asset for the team going forward.

Julie Vanloo delivered the most electrifying performance of the night. She set the tone early by banking in a three-pointer as the shot clock expired in the first half. In the third quarter, she sent Ballhalla into a frenzy with three consecutive triples during a key momentum shift. Her quick handles, sharp passing, and fearless shot-making kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. Some of her fire may have been sparked by a familiar face in the crowd, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who watched from courtside.

“It was an awesome moment,” said Vanloo, who scored 14 points. “Right before I took those, or I had that real moment, I saw Steve Kerr, and I don't know, I just kind of got hyped. I was like, oh my god, Steve Kerr is here, let me show him something. No, I'm just kidding. I mean, it was a boost, but anyway, I just played my game. But yeah, it's true. It was an amazing moment. The crowd was amazing. It just goes through.”

In the end, the loss felt almost beside the point. May 16, 2025, was about more than the final score. It marked the beginning of something bigger: a new franchise planting roots, a city rallying behind its team, and a fanbase embracing a fresh identity with unshakable passion.

For the Golden State Valkyries, this is only the beginning.

For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit www.valkyries.wnba.com.