Golden State Valkyries Push into the Playoffs, Ready to ‘Put Their V’s Up’
A fan cheers for The Golden State Valkyries as they play against the Dallas Wings during their home opener at Chase Center in San Francisco on July 27, 2026. The Golden State Valkyries won 104-80 in the first playoff game of the season. (Tâm Vũ / KQED)
Airdate: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 9 am
As the crowd in Ballhalla roared, the Golden State Valkyries crushed the Dallas Wings in game 1 of their playoff series Sunday night. Led by coach Natalie Nakase, the team features veteran stars like forwards Gabby Williams and Kayla Thornton but it might be the passionate fan base that sets the team apart. Though only in their second year in the WNBA, the Valkyries have drawn sellout crowds ready to “put their V’s up.” But as the playoffs unfold, the WNBA’s record growth collides with old problems: pay disputes, online harassment and the misogyny that still shadows women’s sports.
Guests:
- Maya Goldberg-Safir, journalist, covers the Golden State Valkyries and writes the newsletter “WNBA Rough Notes”; appears on the KALW podcast, “Bounce,” which covers the rise of women sports
- Tamryn Spruill, author, “The W: A History of the WNBA”; former editor-in-chief, “Swish Appeal”; has written for The Athletic, The New York Times, among other publications