Golden State Valkyries Emerge as Early Title Contenders in Their Second WNBA Season

The Golden State Valkyries were introduced in October 2024 by owner Joe Lacob, who set a five-year plan for competitiveness. General manager Ohemaa Nyanin and head coach Natalie Nakase built a roster that made history as the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its 2025 debut. The 2026 squad features 20-year-old guard Juste Jocyte, point guard Veronica Burton, veteran forward Gabby Williams, and forward Janelle Salaün, creating a nine-player healthy core—the most in the league.

Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?

Golden State sits second in the Western Conference with a 5-2 record. The most recent 90-88 victory over the Indiana Fever showcased Burton’s 25 points and five blocks, while Williams and Salaün each added 19 points. The Valkyries recorded 11 team blocks and held Fever stars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston to 7-for-23 shooting (44%). The win lifted the team’s point differential to +2 and maintained the nine-player healthy roster. The Valkyries now prepare for a nationally televised showdown with defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?

Nakase said the roster has only had three full-team practices, noting that chemistry and communication are still developing. Burton highlighted the need for a winning mindset and careful attention to detail in every game. Fever head coach Stephanie White praised Williams’ championship pedigree and characterized the Valkyries as a team with toughness and grit that earns success on both ends of the floor.

Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?

Analysts caution that labeling the Valkyries as title contenders after ten games may be premature, given the limited sample size and the strength of rivals such as the Las Vegas Aces. The reports do not detail injury updates beyond the nine healthy players, nor verify the claim that the franchise is the league’s first billion-dollar entity. The upcoming Aces matchup will test the team’s depth and cohesion, and sustained health will be essential as the schedule intensifies. The team’s ability to sustain its defensive intensity will be a key factor.

Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?

• “We’ve had three practices together as a healthy team,” — Natalie Nakase, Head Coach, Golden State Valkyries

Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?

• “It’s still early having them all in one gym.” — Natalie Nakase, Head Coach, Golden State Valkyries

Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?

• “When you add a player like Gabby Williams, you are adding somebody with championship experience and somebody who can play a lot of different roles,” — Stephanie White, Head Coach, Indiana Fever

Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?

• “The most important thing is approaching each game with that winning mindset and with attention to detail,” — Veronica Burton, Point Guard, Golden State Valkyries

Are the Golden State Valkyries WNBA title contenders?