The Golden State Valkyries are not just chasing their first WNBA championship; the second-year franchise has already shattered financial ceilings, establishing itself as a trailblazer in women’s professional sports.
According to recent reports, the Valkyries have become the first women’s sports team globally to top $100 million in annual revenue during their 2026 regular season. This unprecedented achievement comes as the Bay Area team also holds an impressive 2-0 lead against the formidable Las Vegas Aces in the best-of-five WNBA Semifinals, putting them on the brink of a historic WNBA Finals appearance.
Golden State Valkyries Creates History
A Billion-Dollar Brand in the Making
Since their debut in 2025, the Golden State Valkyries have consistently demonstrated remarkable growth both on and off the court. The franchise, owned by the same group as the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, has reportedly reached a staggering $1 billion valuation, a figure highlighted by CNBC after a record-breaking year. This valuation firmly positions them as the most valuable team in women’s sports.
The team’s financial success is underscored by consistently sold-out home games, attracting more than 12,000 season ticket holders, and a robust portfolio of over 40 sponsorship partners, including major brands like JPMorgan Chase, Kaiser Permanente, and Sephora. “Last year wasn’t a movie premiere. It was really step one,” Valkyries president Jess Smith stated in an interview. “We kept our foot on the gas as if we were continuing to build in year one, and put a strategy forth to make sure that we were living up to the potential that the market was showing us.”
Dominating the Semifinals
On the court, the Valkyries have proven equally dominant, taking a 2-0 series lead over the defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces. Game 1 saw the Valkyries secure a decisive 71-60 victory on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM PDT / 4:00 PM ET at the Chase Center. Gabby Williams, a standout performer for Golden State, led her team with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists in the opener.
The momentum continued into Game 2 on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, where the Valkyries narrowly defeated the Aces 83-81 in a thrilling contest at 6:30 PM PDT / 9:30 PM ET at their home arena, the Chase Center. Veronica Burton sealed the victory with a crucial tie-breaking 3-pointer with just 41 seconds left on the clock. Tiffany Hayes contributed 21 points, while Williams added 20 points and 5 rebounds in the winning effort. The Aces, missing Jewell Loyd due to a left leg injury in Game 2, are now pushed to the brink of elimination. Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon candidly remarked after Game 1, “We played like ass and only lost by 10. Dissect that however you want.”
Upcoming Semifinals Schedule: Game 3
The series now shifts to Las Vegas, where the Valkyries will look to close out the series.
| Matchup | Date | Time (PDT/ET) | Venue | Where to Watch (USA) | Where to Watch (UK/Ireland) | Where to Watch (International) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State Valkyries at Las Vegas Aces | Friday, October 9, 2026 | 6:30 PM PDT / 9:30 PM ET | Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, NV | Peacock, NBC Sports Network | Sky Sports, TNT Sports, NOW | WNBA League Pass |
| Golden State Valkyries at Las Vegas Aces (if needed) | Sunday, October 11, 2026 | TBD | Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, NV | NBC, Peacock | Sky Sports, TNT Sports, NOW | WNBA League Pass |
| Golden State Valkyries vs. Las Vegas Aces (if needed) | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | TBD | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA | Peacock, NBC Sports Network | Sky Sports, TNT Sports, NOW | WNBA League Pass |
The Golden State Valkyries are undeniably having a monumental second season, setting new standards for success both financially and competitively, and their pursuit of a WNBA championship continues to capture the basketball world’s attention.