Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Valkyries make WNBA history during Chase Center debut

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated May 7, 2025 9:52 PM ET

There's no question that the WNBA's popularity has dramatically increased over the past couple of years, largely thanks to the infusion of young talent.

However, it isn't just individual players such as Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese who are generating buzz, as the WNBA's new expansion franchise is also a source of plenty of excitement.

The Golden State Valkyries are set to play their first season in franchise history, and based on the fan attendance at their preseason opener on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Sparks, the Bay Area has been waiting for this moment. As ESPN's Kendra Andrews revealed, the 17,000-plus fans in attendance at the Chase Center marked the third-highest attendance for a preseason game.

"If there’s any question on how excited the Bay Area is to have a WNBA team," wrote Andrews. "Last night’s 17,428 fans at Chase Center for the Valkyries’ game was the third-highest preseason attendance for a W game in league history."

If there’s any question on how excited the Bay Area is to have a WNBA team… last night’s 17,428 fans at Chase Center for the Valkyries’ game was the third-highest preseason attendance for a W game in league history.

Here’s our story from last night: https://t.co/qyI5EDlBoe
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) May 7, 2025

Unfortunately for those eager fans, the Valkyries did come up short, losing 83-82, but there are reasons to be optimistic about the team's future.

For starters, Kate Martin, whom the team selected in the expansion draft from the Las Vegas Aces, brought the energy and passion that made her so popular as a rookie. The Valkyries also got a huge outing from third-year player Laeticia Amihere, who they claimed off waivers after the Atlanta Dream waived her.

Amihere led both teams in scoring with 20 points off the bench, making 7-of-11 shots and going 2-of-4 from deep.

With an exciting season ahead of them, the Valkyries will wrap up preseason play on Sunday against the Phoenix Mercury before hosting the Sparks again for their first regular-season game in franchise history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: