Category: Golden State Valkyrie

WNBA Playoffs/Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson: Wings force a third and deciding game with 108-100 OT win; Series moves back to Golden State on Friday night

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 30: Arike Ogunbowale #24 of the Dallas Wings celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries during game two of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at College Park Center on September 30, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How impressive was Gabby Williams’ 36-point performance, and what did her scoring mean for the Valkyries’ offense?

#2 How did Kayla Thornton contribute to Golden State’s second-half comeback and late-game lead?

#3 What adjustments could the Valkyries have made to contain Arike Ogunbowale after she scored a WNBA playoff-record 45 points?

#4 How did Veronica Burton’s foul trouble and eventual overtime foul-out affect the Valkyries’ ability to defend Dallas?

#5 What can Golden State take from Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles’ contributions as the team prepares for the deciding Game 3.

Michael Roberson does the Golden State Valkyrie podcast analysis for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

WNBA Golden State Valkyries attendance is larger than MLB Athletics

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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. 

WNBA Playoffs/Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries clip Wings off their North Texas foe, 104-80; Win Game 1 of WNBA Playoffs

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Sep 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard-forward Kaila Charles (6) and Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) celebrate after a break against the Dallas Wings in the second quarter during game one of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The #2 seeded Golden State Valkyries (1-0) opened up the 20026 WNBA Playoffs a bang, as they blew out the Dallas Wings (0-1) 104-80 inside another sold out Ballhalla, in the City by the Bay.

The Valkyries scored the first basket of the game, but the Wings were very competitive with the higher ranked home team. The first 10 minutes of the contest had 4 ties and 6 lead changes. After the first quarter ended, it was a one point advantage for the Valkyries, 21-20.

The second stanza was a whole different animal. The Wings were outscored 37-11 in quarter number two, and seemingly was the beginning of the end. By the time the recess bell rang the Valkyries were up by 27 points, 58-31.

During the first 20 minutes of play three Valkyries were in double-digits, while Paige Bueckers was the only Wings’ player fitting that criteria. She Posted 17 points and 5 assists at the half. Cecelia Zandalasini led the Valkyries with 17 points, while Tiffany Hayes scored 15 and Gabby Williams contributed 13 points.

In the second half, Golden State led by as many as 36 points (3rd quarter) and kept the visitors from the Lone Star State at bay, with no real opportunity to make a comeback. Despite that huge advantage during the quarter, they were still only outscored by two points within that 10-minute block. Although the overall score after 30 minutes of regulation time, the Valkyries were up by 29 points, 85-56.

In the final quarter it was a foregone conclusion that the Valkyries were going to secure Game 1 of the playoffs. However, they were obligated to play the full 40 minutes. During the fourth stanza, Dallas actually outscored Golden State by five points. That only made the final score a little more cosmetically pleasing. At the final horn, the Bay Area Ballers had won the playoffs game by 24 points, 104-80.

The Valkyries had produced five players with at least 10 points scored by game’s end. Zandalasini led with 22 points, while Williams (20), Hayes (21), Burton (10) and Thorton (10) also contributed their numbers.

The Wings had four players reach that plateau. Buecker topped them with 21 points, Maddy Siegrist (11), Kitija Laksa (11) and Arike Ogunbowale (10) added to their team’s total.

Golden State leads the series 1-0.

The two teams will be in action again for Game 2 in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday September 30 at 6 PM PT/8 PM CT. If Golden State wins, the series is over. If Dallas wins, the Game 3 finale is back in San Francisco.

WNBA Playoffs/Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson: Dallas Wings-Golden State Valkyrie tee it up at Chase Center for game 1 of playoffs

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Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) is guarded by Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Golden State Valkyries podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Can Gabby Williams continue her strong play against Dallas after averaging 22.3 points in the Valkyries’ three regular-season meetings with the Wings?

#2 How will Veronica Burton handle her matchup with Paige Bueckers, particularly after Burton averaged 16.3 points and 5.7 assists against Dallas during the regular season?

#3 Can Kayla Thornton make an impact on the boards and defensively against Dallas forward Jessica Shepard, who averaged 14.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists during the 2026 regular season?

#4 Will Kiah Stokes be able to control the paint and protect the rim against the Wings’ frontcourt, especially given her 1.7 blocks-per-game average this season?

#5 Can Tiffany Hayes, Kaitlyn Chen and Janelle Salaün provide another strong contribution from the Valkyries’ bench, as they did when they combined for 37 reserve points against Dallas on June 17? G Golden State Valkyries.

Michael Roberson is a Golden State Valkyrie beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Valkyries Win their last home regular season game against Seattle Storm, 70-57

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Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) drives to the basket against Seattle Storm forward Mackenzie Holmes, left, and guard-forward Taylor Thierry (3) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo credits to AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries (31-11) played their final home game of the regular season, they hosted and defeated the Seattle Storm (8-34), 70-57. The Valkyries would finish the season with a 17-5 record at home. Golden State would also get the series season sweep on Seattle Storm, and now become the only franchise in WNBA history to sell out every home game in each of its first two seasons.

Coming into this game for Seattle they were on a two game losing streak, but after their trip to Ballhalla, it would turn into a three game losing streak. Seattle’s last game they hosted the Las Vegas Aces, but would lose to them 114-77. Flau’jae Johnson led the team with 25 points and Natisha Hiedman adding 12 points and seven assists. Including Storm’s loss to the Valkyries tonight, they have now lost six of seven games they played. So Seattle sent out Natasha Hiedman, Jade Melbourne, Awa Fam, Flau’jae Johnson, and Dominique Malonga.

Head coach Natalie Nakase for Golden State once again rested her stars who all just came back from playing in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. However every Valkyries player has been a crucial part to the team’s success and with it being Fan Appreciation Night in Ballhalla. Golden State wanted to put on a show for the fans. So they sent out Tiffany Hayes, Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Kaila Charles, and Kiah Stokes.

With Seattle already being eliminated from playoffs contention and Golden State fighting to secure the first place seed for the playoffs. These two teams came into this game wanting to ball out for themselves and end the season on a high note. So Valkyries Veronica Burton would get the game started off of a made layup. Halfway through the first quarter, Golden State would hold the lead at 10-5. Golden State’s Juste Jocyte made a 25-foot three point jumper that would build momentum for them.

At the end of the first quarter, Golden State has the lead 21-19, but after Juste Jocyte made three pointer. The Valkyries defense and fast pace ball movement would take over. Golden State would only allow Seattle to score 6-points in the second quarter. While Golden State would have a 28-points second quarter performance.

Right at the start of the second quarter, Jocyte knocked down another three pointer. She would go perfect from shooting three pointers, going 3-for-3, and by halfway in the second quarter she would’ve made her third three pointer. The score by then was 33-21, Valkyries now had a 12 point lead over the Storm. Then Valkyrie Kaila Charles joins in on the three point shooting and gets a 26-foot shot to go in, and pushing the lead to 22 points. By halftime, the Valkyries were holding a commanding lead over the Storm 49-25.

Starting the third quarter, Seattle would have a much better offense approach. Storm would put up 21 points in the third quarter, after dropping just six points in the second quarter. Seattle would make four three pointers with two of those belonging to Storm Flau’jae Johnson in the third quarter. However the Valkyries dug the hole deep for Storm to make a comeback, so even with Johnson’s last minute efforts. It ultimately wasn’t enough as the Valkyries took control of the game.

At the final quarter, it was all just defense and staying discipline for the Valkyries. Golden State would put up six points in the final moments, and allowed Seattle to get in 11 points. The Valkyries defense would come up big and finish the game with 12 steals as a team. The final score of the game would be 70-57, Valkyries Win. Golden State was lead by Kaila Charles who had 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals. Tiffany Hayes added 10 points a night before her 37th birthday.

The Golden State Valkyries finish off their season on the road with just two games left. Their first stop will be in Portland to take on Fire, Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. Then they’ll play their final regular season game in Los Angeles against the Sparks on Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Valkyries back in action & get their 30th Win of the Season on Portland Fire, 82-66

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Golden State Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen (2) celebrates after making a basket against the Portland Fire in the second quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – After a month off for the FIBA World Cup, the Golden State Valkyries (30-11) returned to Ballhalla and earned their 30th win of the season on the Portland Fire (16-26) this Friday night. With four days left of Summer and four games left of the season, the Valkyries plan to end their summer by winning the rest of their games. The last time we saw the Valkyries in action was on Sunday, August 30th, when they also last played Portland Fire last time in Portland. Golden State won that game 86-69.

Portland Fire sent out guards Carla Leite and Nyadiew Puoch, forwards Karlie Samuelson, Emily Engstler, and center Megan Dileo. Engstler is scoring 10.3 points per game and averaging 5.6 rebounds for Portland. Also, Bridget Carleton has been averaging 2 made 3-pointers in the last ten games. Fire has not won a game against the Valkyries this entire season.

The home team sent out guards Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, forwards Kayla Thornton, Kaila Charles, and center Kiah Stokes. Burton is averaging 12.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals for the Valkyries. Hayes is also averaging 12.6 points in the last ten games. Golden State is trying to get the first-place seeding for the postseason. If the Minnesota Lynx, currently in first place, lose just any of the last four games, and the Valkyries win the rest. Golden State can take the first-place spot and ultimately give them home-court advantage for the entire playoffs.

Valkyries Kayla Thornton would get the game going with the first basket of the night, after both teams had a rough start to their shooting. Then the Valkyries would hold a 7-2 lead over Portland, with five of those points coming from Thornton. However, at the end of the first quarter, Portland would hold a 1-point lead, 20-19.

In the middle of the second quarter, Portland’s Serah Williams hit a milestone, grabbing 100 career rebounds. That would be the Fire’s biggest moment in the second quarter, as the Valkyries’ shooting started to fall off. Golden State would have a 21-point second quarter compared to Portland’s 10-point second quarter. A big part of that came from the Valkyries’ Kaitlin Chen and Kayla Thornton when they hit back-to-back 3-pointers and pushed the lead to 12 points, 39-27. At halftime, Golden State led by 10 points, 40-30.

Going into the third quarter, the Valkyries offense really took over this Friday night game. Golden State would drop 27-points alone in that quarter. The Valkyries’ defense really showed out in this game as they put up 7 blocks with 14 steals. Golden State’s Veronica Burton would finish this game with 6 steals by herself. With defense picking up for the Valkyries, Portland’s three-point shooting suffered as they went 8-for-29. (28%)

At the start of the final quarter of the game, Golden State’s lead on Portland would jump to 18 points, 67-49. The Valkyries in this game were also honoring and celebrating Japanese Heritage Night. So, Valkyries player of the game was Laeticia Amihere, who came off the bench for Golden State. Amihere, in 22 minutes, would have 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. The final score at Chase Center would be 82-66.

Golden State Valkyries will play their final regular-season home game against the Seattle Storm, Saturday, September 18th, at 6:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Prime Video. However, Golden State will see Portland one last time on Tuesday, September 22nd, in Portland. If the Valkyries win, Golden State will get the season series sweep over Portland.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie are back in action and host Portland Fire Friday night at Chase

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Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (left) blocks a shot by the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and Valkyrie forward Kiah Stokes (41) who defends at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Aug 17, 2026. The Valkyrie host the Portland Fire on Fri Sep 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 With the Valkyries sitting at 29–11 and in second place, can Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaün and the rest of the team close the gap on the Minnesota Lynx during the final four regular-season games?

#2 How important will Gabby Williams’ return from the FIBA Women’s World Cup be for Golden State’s playoff preparation after she was named the tournament’s Best Defensive Player and selected to the All-Star Five?

#3 Can Janelle Salaün’s outstanding season continue to put her in contention for the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award after averaging 12.9 points and shooting 39.7% from three-point range?

#4 What impact could the Valkyries’ new multiyear partnership with Athleta have on the team’s fan base, merchandise and community programs aimed at empowering girls through sports?

#5 With Golden State returning to action September 18 against the Portland Fire, how will Natalie Nakase use the final four games to prepare the Valkyries for their second consecutive WNBA playoff appearance?

Michael Roberson is a WNBA and Golden State Valkyrie analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva: Valkyrie favored in next meeting with Portland Friday 18th at Chase

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Golden State Valkyrie forward Kayla Thornton (left) blocks a shot by the Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and center Kiah Stokes (41) defending in first half action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon Aug 17, 2026. The Valkyrie host the Portland Fire on Fri Sep 18, 2026 at Chase Center in their next game (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva

#1 Can Kayla Thornton lead the Valkyries in scoring against the Portland Fire after her strong performance in their previous meeting?

#2 How will Veronica Burton use her playmaking and defense to help the Valkyries control the game against Portland?

#3 Can Kiah Stokes dominate the boards and protect the paint against the Fire’s frontcourt?

#4 Will Tiffany Hayes provide another major scoring contribution for Golden State after her 18-point performance against Portland on August 30?

#5 How important will Cecilia Zandalasini’s shooting and offensive versatility be for the Valkyries if she is available for the September 18 matchup?

Michael Villanueva is a beat writer covering the Golden State Valkyrie at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva: Zandalasini leads Valks with 20 points in 79-60 win over New York

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Golden State Valkyries guard Gabby Williams (1) drives on the New York Liberty forward Breanna Steward (30) at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Thu Aug 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 How did Cecilia Zandalasini’s 20-point performance set the tone for the Valkyries’ 79–60 victory over the Liberty?

#2 What impact did Veronica Burton make beyond scoring, particularly with her season-high 13 assists and zero turnovers?

#3 How did Gabby Williams contribute to Golden State’s offensive success with 16 points and four 3-pointers?

#4 What did Tiffany Hayes and Kiah Stokes provide off the bench and defensively that helped the Valkyries control the game?

#5 How did the combined performances of Zandalasini, Burton, Williams, Hayes, and Stokes help Golden State hold New York to a season-low 60 points?

Michael Villanueva is a Golden State Valkyries beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Gabby leads Valkyrie with 15 pts in 80-66 win over Minnesota

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Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, center front, controls the ball as Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, center top, defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 What was the biggest reason the Valkyries were able to defeat the Lynx 80–66 and finally end their losing streak against Minnesota?

#2 How did Cecilia Zandalasini’s fourth-quarter scoring and Gabby Williams’ overall performance help Golden State pull away?

#3 What defensive strategies did the Valkyries use to limit Minnesota’s offense, particularly rookie Olivia Miles, who finished with just 8 points?

#4 How important were Minnesota’s 18 turnovers and Golden State’s ability to turn those mistakes into points in determining the outcome?

#5 What does this victory suggest about the Valkyries’ potential heading into the playoffs, especially after beating one of the WNBA’s top teams on the road?

#6 The Valkyrie now face the Connectcuit Sun who have been struggling losing seven of their last 12 games.

Michael Roberson is a WNBA reporter and podcasts the Golden State Valkyries each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com