The 'Valkyries': Golden State WNBA team announces official name and logo
SAN FRANCISCO -- The highly-anticipated Golden State WNBA team has officially released its logo and announced that it will be called the "Valkyries."
Team President Jess Smith made the announcement on ABC's Good Morning America Tuesday morning.
The league's first expansion team since 2008 is set to start playing in the 2025 WNBA season.
The team explains in a news release, Valkyries originates from Norse mythology.
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"Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering - flying through air and sea alike. This brand is Golden State's modern interpretation of a Valkyrie: strong, bold, and fierce," the press release said. The Valkyries logo is purple and black.
The newly-named Golden State Valkyries franchise is a partnership with the Golden State Warriors. Games will be played at Chase Center. However, the team will train in Oakland, where the Warriors practiced until 2019. The team logo includes an image of the Bay Bridge, emphasizing the connection between San Francisco and Oakland for this new team.
The Warriors Senior Vice President of Marketing Amanda Chin notes Bay Area basketball fans were tapped to send suggestions for the new team name through surveys and social media. Chin says Valkyries showed up in results often.
Fans will be able to celebrate the launch of the new team with a Valkyries Block Party at Thrive City at Chase Center on Saturday May 18 from 2-6 p.m. Kehlani and E-40 are among the local artists who will perform.
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On May 6, 2024, the Golden State WNBA franchise announced Ohemaa Nyanin as general manager. She started in her new role on Monday, May 13, 2024. Nyanin comes to the Valkyries after five years working in the front office for the New York Liberty, most recently as assistant general manager.
She is joining Smith in leading the Valkyries organization. Smith was previously an executive for the NWSL's Angel City FC.
Fans who want to be season ticket holders can place a deposit at valkyries.com.
Merchandise is available at shop.valkyries.com.
