A historic WNBA franchise is making its Finals debut after years of anticipation, with its journey rooted in a bold vision for professional women’s basketball. The team’s ownership has long championed women’s sports, having previously pursued a professional women’s team before the league’s expansion. Now, as the Golden State Valkyries take center stage, their story reflects both the growth of the WNBA and the persistence of those who fought to bring a franchise to life. The road to this moment stretches back decades, long before the Warriors became a household name.
The Golden State Valkyries are headed to the WNBA Finals, but the franchise’s incredible story dates back to the 1990s. Valkyries owner Joe Lacob had already attempted to back a professional women’s sports team before Golden State was added to the WNBA as an expansion franchise in 2025. Before the Valkyries and before the Warriors,...
