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‘We Are a Startup’: Valkyries Owner Admits Harsh Reality of Being a WNBA Expansion Team
Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob has openly discussed the challenges his team faces as a new expansion franchise in the WNBA. He acknowledged that attracting free agents is particularly difficult for the Valkyries, as they are still establishing their identity and reputation in the league.

Lacob has candidly addressed the challenges his team faces as a new expansion franchise in the WNBA. With the Valkyries being a startup, attracting free agents has proven to be particularly difficult. He emphasized that the team is starting from scratch, lacking established players and assets that typically draw top talent to a franchise.


'We Are a Startup': Valkyries Owner Admits Harsh Reality of Being a WNBA Expansion Team 5 Oct 5, 2023; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors co-executive chairman & chief executive officer Joe Lacob shares a laugh during a press conference to announce an expansion WNBA franchise in the San Francisco Bay Area at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

The Valkyries have made efforts to engage with potential free agents, including high-profile players like Kelsey Plum and Brionna Jones, but have yet to secure any major signings. Lacob noted that the team’s status as the first expansion team since 2008 adds to the difficulty of building a competitive roster. The Valkyries currently hold the fifth pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, which further complicates their ability to make significant moves in free agency.

To address these challenges, the Valkyries are focusing on building a strong foundation and creating a competitive environment that will appeal to players in the future. The organization is also exploring international talent to help fill out their roster as they work toward their goal of becoming a championship contender within five years.

Golden State Valkyries Owner Joe Lacob Admits Reality of Being a WNBA Expansion Team


'We Are a Startup': Valkyries Owner Admits Harsh Reality of Being a WNBA Expansion Team 6 Oct 5, 2023; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors co-executive chairman & chief executive officer Joe Lacob speaks during a press conference to announce an expansion WNBA franchise in the San Francisco Bay Area at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Lacob addressed the reality of Golden State being an expansion team in the league. This can be seen in an article written by Kendra Andrews for ESPN.

“We have unlimited resources to make this the best place in the world, but I think it is challenging,” Valkyries owner Joe Lacob said Wednesday. “We are a startup. We have no players that we are starting with, so I think that in itself, not to mention we’re the first expansion team since 2008, it is challenging.”

As the Valkyries continue to navigate the complexities of being a new team, Lacob remains optimistic about their long-term prospects. He believes that with strategic planning and the right approach, the Valkyries can eventually attract the talent needed to succeed in the league.


'We Are a Startup': Valkyries Owner Admits Harsh Reality of Being a WNBA Expansion Team 7 Oct 5, 2023; San Francisco, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors co-executive director & chief executive officer Joe Lacob, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Warriors co-executive director Peter Guber pose for a group photo during a press conference to announce an expansion WNBA franchise in the San Francisco Bay Area at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State faces significant hurdles as they attempt to establish themselves in the WNBA. However, with a clear vision and commitment to building a competitive team, they hope to overcome these challenges and make their mark in the league.


'We Are a Startup': Valkyries Owner Admits Harsh Reality of Being a WNBA Expansion Team 8 Mar 7, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob claps on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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