San Francisco’s Golden State Valkyries won its first national championship Saturday, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 before a roaring home crowd in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals.
The victory by the Valkyries, which played its first game only a year ago, turned the Chase Center arena — christened Balhalla for Valkyries games — into bedlam before a sold-out total of 18,064 fans.
The Valkyries, founded by the same group that owns the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, joined the WNBA last year and became the first expansion team in the league’s history to make the playoffs in its first season.
Comments from officials
In a congratulatory message, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said the city is “so excited to celebrate this incredible team,” but stopped short of saying when it might schedule a celebratory parade.
“The Valkyries have taken the sports world by storm,” Lurie said in a statement after the victory. “They’ve made history and given San Francisco another team to love.”
A video message from former Vice President Kamala Harris was posted on the team’s social media.
“You all are just amazing and what you do to represent the Bay Area, our beloved Bay Area, what you have done to create community, to enhance culture, and only in two seasons!” Harris said.
“I cannot wait to see what you do next,” she said. “But thank you for your power, your grit, your grace. Congratulations, congratulations.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X: “A HUGE congratulations to the Valkyries on bringing a championship home to the Bay Area! You’re making California proud. BALLHALLA!!!”