Special Meaning Behind Golden State’s WNBA Team’s Cool New Name, Explained

Mike McDaniel | May 14, 2024

Golden State's new WNBA franchise announced its team name on Tuesday morning in an official video narrated by Kehlani.

The franchise, which is set to begin play in 2025, will be called the Golden State Valkyries.

According to Norse mythology (per Brittanica), a Valkyrie is a maiden sent to the battlefields to choose the slain who were worthy of a place in Valhalla. A Valkyrie travels by air or sea.

We are the Golden State Valkyries

Narrated by Kehlani pic.twitter.com/VGY0AAJKa5

— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) May 14, 2024

As the WNBA continues to see an incredible boost in popularity, the league is looking to continue to expand under commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The Valkyries are set to become the league's 13th team next season, and Toronto will reportedly add a franchise in 2026. In addition, Houston is making a pitch under Tilman Fertitta to bring the Comets back to the city in the near future.

The league continues to grow, and Golden State will be the first in the WNBA's latest quest for expansion.