Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen fires up the sold out crowd at Ballhalla Chase Center in San Francisco during game 1 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs on Sun Sep 27, 2026 (AP News photo)
By Amaury Pi Gonzalez
That’s Amaury News and Commentary
WNBA Golden State Valkyries attendance is larger than MLB Athletics
SAN FRANCISCO–The WNBA has 15 teams; the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries sell the most tickets. Attendance is increasing, especially for the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries, and for other teams in the league owned by or directly tied to the NBA.
Five WNBA teams play at the same location as their city NBA team, like the Fever and Valkyries. ‘During the 2026 regular season, the Valkyries averaged 18,064 fans per game and drew 397,408 total fans.
The MLB Athletics in Sacramento averaged 9,867 per game and drew 799,240 total fans, last among the 30 MLB teams. The Valkyries drew 8,197 more fans per game than the A’s. The only reason the Golden State Valkyries didn’t outdraw the A’s in total attendance is that the A’s play 162 games, with 81 at home and 81 on the road, while the WNBA has a 44-game season: 22 home and 22 on the road.
Amazing how one player changed everything in the WNBA. Caitlin Clark’s arrival in 2024 sparked unprecedented ticket sales, packed arena crowds for both home and away games, and skyrocketing merchandise and jersey numbers.
Now that the San Francisco Giants season has ended, the Golden State Valkyries are the hottest ticket in sports in the City by the Bay. The NFL San Francisco 49ers do not count, since they play at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Final Note: As a league, the WNBA is still losing between $40 and $50 million per season.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame.
Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.
⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.
Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.
Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.
📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street
Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm
Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.
