By Dana Solomon, Senior Correspondent
The Bay Area’s rich history in women’s professional basketball takes a significant step forward as the Golden State Valkyries make their debut in 2025. Building on decades of advocacy and innovation, the Valkyries’ launch honors the legacy of those who laid the groundwork for women’s professional basketball in the region.
A Historic Legacy
The Bay Area has long been a hub for women’s professional basketball, with a storied past dating back to 1969. The introduction of the Golden State Valkyries marks the latest chapter in this ongoing journey. The region, known for its progressive and inclusive values, has supported the rise of women’s sports from the very beginning.
The journey can be traced back to 1969 when San Francisco Warriors owner Franklin Mieuli made a groundbreaking decision to draft Denise Long, a high school star, to play for the team. This historic move shattered norms and fueled a wave of interest in women’s basketball. Despite the Warriors not moving forward with Long’s participation in the NBA, the decision sparked the creation of the short-lived Warrior Girls Basketball League—a pioneer step for women in sports.
The Evolution of Women’s Basketball in the Bay Area
Although the Warrior Girls League would ultimately fade into history, the Bay Area’s commitment to women’s professional basketball remained undeterred. In 1978, the formation of the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL) provided a new platform for aspiring female athletes. One of the league’s key teams, the San Francisco Pioneers, carried the mantle of the Bay Area’s basketball legacy forward.
While the WBL struggled financially and eventually folded in 1981, the Bay Area continued to serve as a touchstone for women’s professional basketball. The Pioneers’ fans and the region’s love for basketball kept the spirit of the sport alive, serving as fertile ground for future developments. Local colleges and youth leagues also played a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of female talent.
The Rise of the Valkyries
Fast forward to 2025, and the Bay Area finds itself at the forefront of the next big chapter in women’s professional basketball. The Golden State Valkyries, a new expansion team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), officially made their debut this year. The formation of the Valkyries comes as part of a broader WNBA expansion, with the team set to play a major role in the league’s future.
This new addition is backed by prominent investor Joe Lacob, who also played a part in the early years of the now-defunct American Basketball League (ABL). Lacob, along with his partners, aims to create a franchise that is not only successful on the court but also dedicated to empowering women and championing equity in sports. The Valkyries’ arrival in the Bay Area also represents the region’s continued commitment to nurturing professional women’s sports.
In addition to the WNBA’s overarching growth, the Valkyries stand as a symbol of the progress women’s sports have made over the past few decades. The team’s formation is a direct result of the tireless work of countless athletes, activists, and organizations who have pushed for gender equality in athletics. The Valkyries, it seems, are more than just a basketball team—they are a testament to how far the Bay Area and women’s sports have come.
Community Impact
Beyond their athletic potential, the Valkyries have already begun to make a significant impact on the local community. Their debut is expected to serve as an inspiration for young girls and women across the region who dream of excelling in professional sports. Local youth basketball programs, which have always been popular in the Bay Area, are now set to see an uptick in participation as the Valkyries gain more visibility. With their debut game already attracting significant media attention, the Valkyries are poised to continue the tradition of empowering female athletes in the region.
Community leaders and sports advocates have also lauded the team’s role in helping to further gender parity in professional sports, which is still a work in progress in many areas. For many, the Valkyries’ success is not just about the games—they represent the culmination of years of effort to create opportunities for women athletes in the Bay Area.
Looking to the Future
As the Valkyries take to the court for their inaugural season, there is a palpable sense of optimism about what the future holds. The WNBA’s expansion into the Bay Area is expected to bring even more attention to women’s sports and open the doors for future generations of athletes. If history is any indicator, the Bay Area will continue to serve as a thriving hub for women’s basketball, and the Golden State Valkyries will undoubtedly play a key role in writing the next chapter.
As the team’s journey unfolds, the Valkyries are positioned to become a beacon of progress for women’s professional basketball not only in the Bay Area but across the nation.
