‘The Bay shows up’: Golden State Valkyries block party provides glimpse of budding fanbase

SAN FRANCISCO — On a sunny-then-chilly Saturday afternoon outside Chase Center, Thrive City featured no shortage of black, white and purple t-shirts and crewnecks. P-Lo and E-40 and Mayzin provided the slaps. Kehlani and Goapele and Khyenci provided the soul.

The Golden State Valkyries’ weekend block party, an event that came shortly after the team revealed its name and logo, represented the first time that fans in the Bay Area had the opportunity to express their in-person support for the region’s newest sports team. Despite only four days notice, roughly three thousand flocked to the team’s future home and, indeed, made their excitement known.

“The Bay shows up — we all know that — in really, really powerful ways,” said Valkyries president Jess Smith.

The Bay Area had long clamored for a WNBA team before the arrival of the Valkyries, and with the franchise set for its inaugural season next year, Saturday’s block party provided a glimpse of the team’s budding fanbase.

“It shows us that support for expansion is possible, and that so many cities and so many places that have been deserving of a lead women’s sports team can have it,” said Kehlani, the R&B artist from Oakland. “I think we rallied hard enough. People were so stoked about the Warriors and people are so stoked about women’s basketball that, combined, we deserved it and we got it.”

“It brings tears to my eyes,” said Michelle Corpuz, 37 from Pleasant Hill. “I’m so happy that we have a WNBA team coming to the Bay. It’s been a long time coming. I feel like we should’ve been the first ones to have a WNBA team, but we’re here now and we’re celebrating.”

When the Valkyries announced Ohemaa Nyanin as the first general manager in franchise history on May 6, the team had about 7,000 season ticket deposits. On Saturday, Warriors president Brandon Schneider triumphantly announced that the number had hit 10,500.

Among those hoping to secure season tickets is Berge Thomasian, a 67-year-old Oakland resident who donned a bright orange WNBA cap and Las Vegas Aces jersey at the block party. Last year, Thomasian flew to Las Vegas on two occasions to watch the Aces play the New York Liberty. Come next year, he’ll only have to travel across the Bay.

“I knew this was coming,” Thomasian said. “I’ve been waiting for it. The women knock it out. They deliver the goods when it comes to exciting games, the nail biters that I’ve seen; you just can’t beat ‘em. I’m so excited for us to have a team.”

“It really reinforces what this community wanted,” said Kimberly Veale, the Valkyries’ SVP of marketing and communications. “They’ve been asking for the WNBA. … We knew that there was true excitement. This is incredibly rewarding and sets the tone for what’s to come for the team. In general, the Bay Area is known for loyal and passionate fan bases. I think this community is showing us they’re really going to rally behind the Valkyries.”

The introduction of the Valkyries comes at a time when women’s sports, as a whole, and the WNBA, specifically, are experiencing a rapid ascension in popularity. Corpuz discussed how her three-and–a-half-year old daughter, Zoe, is a big reason as to why she’s excited for the Bay to welcome the Valkyries.

“We want to see her grow up with WNBA teams, and this is perfect timing for us as a family,” Corpuz said. “We’re really excited to have her experience this, because we get to see it from her lens.”

“It gives the kids — not just young women growing up, but all kids — a future to look forward to,” said Clarence McGee (also known as HBK CJ), 33 from North Oakland, alongside his five-year-old daughter, Aihia. “You don’t only have to play sports. This is about to open so many jobs for women, so many different positions around the Bay Area for women to be a focal standpoint in the Bay Area.”

The Valkyries have yet to hire a head coach or add any players to their roster, but that will change in the coming months. Regarding the latter, the WNBA will host an expansion draft later this year, as well as the 2025 WNBA Draft prior to the Valkyries’ first season. Paige Bueckers, a guard out of the University of Connecticut who averaged 21.9 points per game last season, will be at the top of mock drafts for months to come. Kehlani, for her part, is hoping Bueckers calls the Bay home.

“I’m going to say it every time: Paige Bueckers,” Kehlani said. “She’s heard her name four times out of my mouth so far today, and she knows what it is. She knows what’s good. Come on Paige. Let’s get it.”