As the WNBA geared up for its first games of the 2024 season, the Golden State WNBA expansion team revealed its name and brand identity: the Golden State Valkyries.
Originating from Norse mythology, the moniker refers to a “host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering — flying through air and sea alike,” the team said in a press release. “This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce.”
The V in the team’s logo symbolizes the unity of a group of Valkyries in flight who stand for victory, and the Bay Bridge is a nod to their presence across the Bay. Their colors are black and violet — aka Valkyrie Violet, which embodies power, ambition, nobility, and women’s empowerment.
Owned by Golden State Warries owner Joe Lacob, the Valkyries are the WNBA’s first expansion team since the Atlanta Dream in 2008 and an affiliate of the Golden State Warriors of the NBA. The new squad will play at the Chase Center in San Francisco at the start of the 2025 WNBA season and will be the first franchise based in Northern California since the Sacramento Monarchs folded in 2009.
The Valkyries showcased their name and branding with a video on X, which was narrated by singer-songwriter and Oakland, California native Kehlani. “We are the Golden State Valkyries,” the caption read.
The Golden State Warriors also welcomed their sister team on X. “Squad is already reppin’! Welcome to the family, Golden State Valkyries,” they wrote.
Once they officially join the league, Golden State will be the WNBA’s 13th franchise. The league recently announced the addition of a Toronto-based franchise, which will join the action in 2026.