finance
Golden State Valkyries Reach $780 Million Valuation in Second Season
The expansion team set WNBA records for wins and season-ticket sales in its first year. President Jess Smith outlined continued fan-focused strategies and sponsorship efforts for season two.
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The Golden State Valkyries recorded the most wins by a WNBA expansion team in a single season and became the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs. First-year head coach Natalie Nakase was named WNBA Coach of the Year. The team also became the first in women's sports to exceed 20,000 season-ticket deposits and the first WNBA club to sell more than 10,000 season tickets.
Forbes valued the Valkyries at $780 million, the highest among WNBA teams. The figure places the franchise ahead of the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever.
Smith serves as president of the Golden State Valkyries. Before joining the team, she was head of revenue for the NWSL's Angel City FC, where the club renewed more than 90 percent of season-ticket members ahead of the 2024 season. Smith said prior work at Angel City FC shaped the Valkyries' approach.
She stated that the earlier experience involved building an elite, fun sports experience through resource, opportunity, and strategy.
Smith said the team reflected after season one on areas to improve and areas to expand. " The club aims to sell out Chase Center and deepen community ties while maintaining atmosphere and experience standards. Merchandise sales data show purchases from fans in more than 70 countries and all 50 states.
Smith noted that sales volume has not slowed from last season to this season.
The Valkyries operate an impact council that includes funding-level partners Sephora, Chase, JP Morgan, and Kaiser Permanente. Smith said the partners meet to coordinate community giving and to share information on audience growth and innovation.
