SAN FRANCISCO — Violet shirts adorned each seat with the script “First of a Lifetime.” Earlier than lengthy, they have been stuffed because the Golden State Valkyries tipped off towards the L.A. Sparks, and the WNBA had formally come to the Bay Space.
“We’ve been talking about this day for awhile,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase mentioned in her pregame press convention. “Had this day marked, circled, highlighted. We’re ready.”
The Valkyries have been introduced because the WNBA’s thirteenth franchise on Oct. 5, 2023 — the primary growth workforce within the league because the Atlanta Dream in 2008.
Season ticket gross sales have already exceeded 10,000, which makes the Valkyries the primary to hit that milestone. They exceeded 15,000 season ticket deposits in July and are actually previous 20,000, an business customary.
Followers have been allowed in at 5:30, and Brie Reddick of San Bruno, adorned in her personal Valkyries T-shirt, was among the many first to soak up the scene and has been ready for a Bay Space franchise because the Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA folded following the 2009 season after enjoying two years.
Their first dwelling exhibition sport on Could 6 drew 17,428 in an 83-82 loss to the Sparks.
“I was here at the first preseason game and it was emotional to see everything happening,” Reddick mentioned. “It’s weird because it’s not that Warrior blue but it’s something that’s still ours. We’re able to take ownership of it as fans and it’s so exciting.”
A basketball participant in center college, Reddick seemed across the enviornment and took within the magnitude of the second.
“I didn’t think it would get to the level it is today and to have the impact on girls, with college basketball in general and now the WNBA, it’s not something we ever expected but I’m glad to see it happen,” Reddick mentioned.
Reddick’s aunt, Elisha Reddick, has all the time been a basketball fan “but I always wondered why (women) can’t have teams. That was back in the 70s.”
Jenny Quintal of San Francisco, seated along with her daughters aged 13 and 10, is a season-ticket holder alongside along with her husband and solely just lately received hooked on the ladies’s sport.
“If it wasn’t for my daughters I wouldn’t be here,” Quintal mentioned.
Astrie Martinez carrying a sequined purple Valkyries jacket, lives on the Peninsula and instantly went on the record for season tickets.
“I’m so glad this is happening now,” Martinez mentioned. “I see so many little girls here and that’s the coolest thing.”
Richard Martinez of Daly Metropolis noticed the exhibition video games wherein the Valkyries went 1-1 towards the Phoenix Mercury and the Sparks and isn’t satisfied the exhibition standing will relegate the brand new workforce to the decrease division.
“I like the whole spirit that the women have,” Gonzalez mentioned. “Hopefully in the near future they can expand more. There are quality players here and they’ve got experienced players. I’m sure some of the players they cut they wanted to keep.”
Commemorative T-shirts have been draped over each seat for the Valkyries WNBA debut Friday night time at Chase Middle. Shae Hammond/Bay Space Information Group
Los Angeles coach Lynne Roberts starred at Enterprise Excessive in Redding in addition to Seattle Pacific earlier than transferring up the teaching ladder beginning at Chico State. She was mentored by former Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer and as a Northern California native felt at dwelling.
“I was raised on the 49ers and the Giants and the Warriors so it feels very comfortable to be back here,” Roberts mentioned. “But what a day for women’s college basketball and this expansion team. We were here for a preseason game and the crowd was impressive. It’s a cool day for our sport and they seem to already have it kind of going here.”
Nakase might really feel the depth swelling within the Bay Space through the exhibition video games and the run-up to the season.
“I mean, when we’re down by 14 they still have our backs,” Nakase mentioned. “That’s the kind of fan base we want, someone that is going to support us when we’re down, and when we’re up, to start screaming again. They are definitely part of us.”
Nakase even received to shadow Warriors coach Steve Kerr for 2 days through the NBA playoffs to choose up a couple of pointers.
“He sat me down and before I could even ask a question had ideas and advice for a first-time head coach,” Nakase mentioned. “What I learned from Steve was to always be yourself. His way of communicating to me, to his players, is second to none. Steve has so much experience and hopefully I’ll get just one percent of his knowledge.”
Nakase was an excessive amount of within the second to dwell on the historic significance.
“I think once I go through the full season, I think that will be history,” Nakase mentioned.
