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"slug": "valkyries-look-to-clinch-wnba-championship-in-game-6-against-atlanta-dream",
"title": "‘Here for the Valks’: Golden State and Atlanta Dream Return to SF for WNBA Finals Game 7",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> are headed to a first-ever Game 7 in the WNBA Finals, and will return back to Ballhalla — also known as “Boohalla” — on Halloween. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The series closer, after Thursday’s 80-69 loss to the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena, will net either the Dream or the Valkyries the first championship title in their franchise history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A win would be especially meaningful for the Valkyries and all of the violet-clad fans who will be filling the Chase Center this weekend. They’d become the quickest WNBA expansion franchise to win the finals in just their second season. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The mindset is a sense of urgency. It is do-or-die — officially,” said Valkyries guard Veronica Burton to reporters after the game. “We feel good going into [Game 7], and we’ll watch the film and clean some things up.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107249\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107338\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Violet Vibes dance team watch the 4th quarter of the WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107339\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107339\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the 4th quarter of the WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Golden State Coach Natalie Nakase said Thursday before the game that the Valks knew the Dream would play like they had everything to lose, in an attempt to force a Game 7. Allisha Gray came in with a haymaker early, hitting a contested jumper and a clutch three pointer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dream dominated the first three quarters of the game, holding the Valkyries to a nearly constant double-digit deficit and outpacing the Bay Area team from the start. It was a reminder of the energy the Dream brought to Game 2 and 3, before the Valkyries returned to win the last two matches. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nakase told reporters after the game that she was frustrated by the performance in the first quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Just unacceptable, a poor start,” Nakase said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said the Dream did a good job setting the tone of the game early. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Something to learn from,” Williams said. “What’s great is we have another chance.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By halftime, the Dream led the Valkyries 46-26 and kept up the pace in the third quarter. Golden State was unable to contain Atlanta and star forward Angel Reese in the second half, as they had in past games. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries chipped away through the fourth quarter to cut the score to the lowest deficit the team had since the first half with minutes to go, but couldn’t finish it off.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“When we can punch first, we’ve won every single game,” Reese told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fan Marina DiCerbo, watching the game from the Chase Center, said during the game that it seemed the Dream had adjusted to the Valkyries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Certainly it appears that Atlanta has adapted when we were covering Angel Reese [and] it appears they’re … leaning heavily on their three-point shooters,” DiCerbo told KQED. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pedro Hernandez, also at the Chase Center, said fans already expected the series to be stretched out to Game 7 because of how both teams were playing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107341\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the 4th quarter of the WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think the show of confidence [needs to change for Game 7],” Hernandez said. “But it’s Bay Area love all the way to the end, so they’re going to make it happen.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams will have to show that they want to win for a fourth time on Saturday as the series goes the distance. The Valkyries know that they have played well all season, and will get another chance to win — and clinch the championship title — in front of their devoted fanbase. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think our team is ready,” said fan Alex Morrison of Berkeley, who traveled to Atlanta for Game 6. While hoping the Valkyries would get the win on Thursday, they said they know the team “would get the opportunity” eventually. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries have set high expectations for themselves and stunned fans since their inaugural season in 2025. Golden State reached the playoffs in their first season, and have built a large, dedicated following that’s helped them become the most valuable WNBA franchise, valued at around $850 million by \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/golden-state-valkyries-revenue-first-100-million-1234946807/\">Sportico\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107254\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107253\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107253\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107252\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107252\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some fans were frustrated that they weren’t able to watch the game because of work: the WNBA faced backlash over the 9:30 a.m. Pacific starting time of the game, decided at the 11th hour to accommodate a scheduling conflict with the Atlanta Hawks at the arena. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nakase and Williams said the start time wasn’t a factor in how they played. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“That had nothing to do with it. We played at 1 [p.m.] in Atlanta last week,” Nakase said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some Valkyries’ devoted fans, too, could not be deterred from following them to Georgia and from showing up to watch parties around the Bay in the middle of the morning. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sharon Brooks said she woke up at 2 a.m. to get to the Chase Center at 5 a.m. to get a seat to watch the Valkyries play.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“If you’re a fan, you do it,” Brooks said. “I’m here for the Valks. I’m a Valkyrie.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State Farm Arena, which holds 16,888 people, was \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-valkries-dream-sellout-a5b843b2c76456046d25588b55c49d29\">sold out\u003c/a>. Valkyries fans, decked out in all types of violet clothing, were chanting “GSV” nearby even before the game had started.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107293\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oakland fan Stephisha Ycoy-Walton also flew to Atlanta to root for the team, and said it was no question whether she would be there. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“For me, it was non-negotiable,” Ycoy-Walton said. “Being somebody who genuinely loves basketball, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alisa Carmichael from Moraga told KQED from Atlanta after the game that it was rough, but knows that the team has perseverance. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“You cannot deny what we can do,” Carmichael said. “So, next Saturday, we are going to get the championship.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Game 7 will take place at the Chase Center on Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. Planning on tuning in? Check out KQED’s guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">where to cheer on the Valkyries\u003c/a> in your Halloween costume.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The mindset is a sense of urgency. It is do-or-die — officially,” said Valkyries guard Veronica Burton to reporters after the game. “We feel good going into [Game 7], and we’ll watch the film and clean some things up.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Golden State Coach Natalie Nakase said Thursday before the game that the Valks knew the Dream would play like they had everything to lose, in an attempt to force a Game 7. Allisha Gray came in with a haymaker early, hitting a contested jumper and a clutch three pointer. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Dream dominated the first three quarters of the game, holding the Valkyries to a nearly constant double-digit deficit and outpacing the Bay Area team from the start. It was a reminder of the energy the Dream brought to Game 2 and 3, before the Valkyries returned to win the last two matches. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Something to learn from,” Williams said. “What’s great is we have another chance.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>By halftime, the Dream led the Valkyries 46-26 and kept up the pace in the third quarter. Golden State was unable to contain Atlanta and star forward Angel Reese in the second half, as they had in past games. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries chipped away through the fourth quarter to cut the score to the lowest deficit the team had since the first half with minutes to go, but couldn’t finish it off.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When we can punch first, we’ve won every single game,” Reese told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fan Marina DiCerbo, watching the game from the Chase Center, said during the game that it seemed the Dream had adjusted to the Valkyries. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Certainly it appears that Atlanta has adapted when we were covering Angel Reese [and] it appears they’re … leaning heavily on their three-point shooters,” DiCerbo told KQED. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Pedro Hernandez, also at the Chase Center, said fans already expected the series to be stretched out to Game 7 because of how both teams were playing. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think the show of confidence [needs to change for Game 7],” Hernandez said. “But it’s Bay Area love all the way to the end, so they’re going to make it happen.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Both teams will have to show that they want to win for a fourth time on Saturday as the series goes the distance. The Valkyries know that they have played well all season, and will get another chance to win — and clinch the championship title — in front of their devoted fanbase. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think our team is ready,” said fan Alex Morrison of Berkeley, who traveled to Atlanta for Game 6. While hoping the Valkyries would get the win on Thursday, they said they know the team “would get the opportunity” eventually. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have set high expectations for themselves and stunned fans since their inaugural season in 2025. Golden State reached the playoffs in their first season, and have built a large, dedicated following that’s helped them become the most valuable WNBA franchise, valued at around $850 million by \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/golden-state-valkyries-revenue-first-100-million-1234946807/\">Sportico\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some fans were frustrated that they weren’t able to watch the game because of work: the WNBA faced backlash over the 9:30 a.m. Pacific starting time of the game, decided at the 11th hour to accommodate a scheduling conflict with the Atlanta Hawks at the arena. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“That had nothing to do with it. We played at 1 [p.m.] in Atlanta last week,” Nakase said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some Valkyries’ devoted fans, too, could not be deterred from following them to Georgia and from showing up to watch parties around the Bay in the middle of the morning. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sharon Brooks said she woke up at 2 a.m. to get to the Chase Center at 5 a.m. to get a seat to watch the Valkyries play.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you’re a fan, you do it,” Brooks said. “I’m here for the Valks. I’m a Valkyrie.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>State Farm Arena, which holds 16,888 people, was \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-valkries-dream-sellout-a5b843b2c76456046d25588b55c49d29\">sold out\u003c/a>. Valkyries fans, decked out in all types of violet clothing, were chanting “GSV” nearby even before the game had started.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107293\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oakland fan Stephisha Ycoy-Walton also flew to Atlanta to root for the team, and said it was no question whether she would be there. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Alisa Carmichael from Moraga told KQED from Atlanta after the game that it was rough, but knows that the team has perseverance. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Game 7 will take place at the Chase Center on Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. Planning on tuning in? Check out KQED’s guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">where to cheer on the Valkyries\u003c/a> in your Halloween costume.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "After a loss to the Atlanta Dream on Thursday, the Golden State Valkyries will head to“Boohalla” on Halloween to fight for the franchise’s first WNBA championship title. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> are headed to a first-ever Game 7 in the WNBA Finals, and will return back to Ballhalla — also known as “Boohalla” — on Halloween. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The series closer, after Thursday’s 80-69 loss to the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena, will net either the Dream or the Valkyries the first championship title in their franchise history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A win would be especially meaningful for the Valkyries and all of the violet-clad fans who will be filling the Chase Center this weekend. They’d become the quickest WNBA expansion franchise to win the finals in just their second season. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The mindset is a sense of urgency. It is do-or-die — officially,” said Valkyries guard Veronica Burton to reporters after the game. “We feel good going into [Game 7], and we’ll watch the film and clean some things up.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107249\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107338\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Violet Vibes dance team watch the 4th quarter of the WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107339\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107339\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the 4th quarter of the WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Golden State Coach Natalie Nakase said Thursday before the game that the Valks knew the Dream would play like they had everything to lose, in an attempt to force a Game 7. Allisha Gray came in with a haymaker early, hitting a contested jumper and a clutch three pointer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dream dominated the first three quarters of the game, holding the Valkyries to a nearly constant double-digit deficit and outpacing the Bay Area team from the start. It was a reminder of the energy the Dream brought to Game 2 and 3, before the Valkyries returned to win the last two matches. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nakase told reporters after the game that she was frustrated by the performance in the first quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Just unacceptable, a poor start,” Nakase said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said the Dream did a good job setting the tone of the game early. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Something to learn from,” Williams said. “What’s great is we have another chance.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By halftime, the Dream led the Valkyries 46-26 and kept up the pace in the third quarter. Golden State was unable to contain Atlanta and star forward Angel Reese in the second half, as they had in past games. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries chipped away through the fourth quarter to cut the score to the lowest deficit the team had since the first half with minutes to go, but couldn’t finish it off.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“When we can punch first, we’ve won every single game,” Reese told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fan Marina DiCerbo, watching the game from the Chase Center, said during the game that it seemed the Dream had adjusted to the Valkyries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Certainly it appears that Atlanta has adapted when we were covering Angel Reese [and] it appears they’re … leaning heavily on their three-point shooters,” DiCerbo told KQED. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pedro Hernandez, also at the Chase Center, said fans already expected the series to be stretched out to Game 7 because of how both teams were playing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107341\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the 4th quarter of the WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think the show of confidence [needs to change for Game 7],” Hernandez said. “But it’s Bay Area love all the way to the end, so they’re going to make it happen.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams will have to show that they want to win for a fourth time on Saturday as the series goes the distance. The Valkyries know that they have played well all season, and will get another chance to win — and clinch the championship title — in front of their devoted fanbase. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think our team is ready,” said fan Alex Morrison of Berkeley, who traveled to Atlanta for Game 6. While hoping the Valkyries would get the win on Thursday, they said they know the team “would get the opportunity” eventually. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries have set high expectations for themselves and stunned fans since their inaugural season in 2025. Golden State reached the playoffs in their first season, and have built a large, dedicated following that’s helped them become the most valuable WNBA franchise, valued at around $850 million by \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/golden-state-valkyries-revenue-first-100-million-1234946807/\">Sportico\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107254\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107253\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107253\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107252\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107252\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some fans were frustrated that they weren’t able to watch the game because of work: the WNBA faced backlash over the 9:30 a.m. Pacific starting time of the game, decided at the 11th hour to accommodate a scheduling conflict with the Atlanta Hawks at the arena. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nakase and Williams said the start time wasn’t a factor in how they played. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“That had nothing to do with it. We played at 1 [p.m.] in Atlanta last week,” Nakase said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some Valkyries’ devoted fans, too, could not be deterred from following them to Georgia and from showing up to watch parties around the Bay in the middle of the morning. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sharon Brooks said she woke up at 2 a.m. to get to the Chase Center at 5 a.m. to get a seat to watch the Valkyries play.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“If you’re a fan, you do it,” Brooks said. “I’m here for the Valks. I’m a Valkyrie.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State Farm Arena, which holds 16,888 people, was \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-valkries-dream-sellout-a5b843b2c76456046d25588b55c49d29\">sold out\u003c/a>. Valkyries fans, decked out in all types of violet clothing, were chanting “GSV” nearby even before the game had started.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107293\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oakland fan Stephisha Ycoy-Walton also flew to Atlanta to root for the team, and said it was no question whether she would be there. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“For me, it was non-negotiable,” Ycoy-Walton said. “Being somebody who genuinely loves basketball, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alisa Carmichael from Moraga told KQED from Atlanta after the game that it was rough, but knows that the team has perseverance. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“You cannot deny what we can do,” Carmichael said. “So, next Saturday, we are going to get the championship.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Game 7 will take place at the Chase Center on Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. Planning on tuning in? Check out KQED’s guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">where to cheer on the Valkyries\u003c/a> in your Halloween costume.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "golden-state-valkyries-ride-momentum-into-game-5-of-wnba-finals-against-atlanta-dream",
"title": "Golden State Valkyries Take Care of Business in Ballhalla in Game 5 of WNBA Finals",
"publishDate": 1793070600,
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"headTitle": "Golden State Valkyries Take Care of Business in Ballhalla in Game 5 of WNBA Finals | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After an action-packed WNBA Finals Game 5, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> took care of business in Ballhalla on Monday — and are now one game away from taking home the championship title. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In what’s been a closely-balanced competition, the Valkyries carried the momentum garnered in Game 4 for a hard-fought 64-55 victory, giving them a 3-2 lead over the Atlanta Dream. It’s an incredible rebound for Golden State after a 26-point loss in Game 3. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They now return to Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday, the first in the league’s history, after breaking free from the best-of-five format.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106570\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries center Aminata Gueye (31) and Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) walk off the court after the Valkyries defeat the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106568\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106568\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hida Howard holds her three-year-old daughter Alaina Howard as the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106556\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106556\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) reacts to a call as the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Game 5 started off with a solid first half — the Valkyries sought to get inside the paint and isolate Atlanta star Angel Reese. Players on both teams were working hard and it showed, energy appeared to dip in the second quarter, with the lowest scoring first half in WNBA finals history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the third quarter is typically a weak one for the Valkyries, they didn’t have that problem in Game 5, where they scored 8 points in minutes, bringing an energy not seen in previous games. Center Kiah Stokes was a powerful force, shutting down Reese and picking up blocks while leading the Valks with a pair of three-pointers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the fourth quarter, tension in the stadium was amped all the way up. Fans let out a massive roar when it was announced they had two minutes left with a 14 point lead. Golden State held on throughout the night, limiting Reese to 7 points and carrying a nine point win.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans, including Oakland-born actress Zendaya, came decked out in violet — some were also Halloween-ready, dressing in Valkyries-themed regalia. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stacey Camillo wore a helmet with painted lilac wings, a plastic sword and a full breastplate and lavender high-tops. A season ticket holder since the beginning, Camillo said she was part of the team’s “founding guard.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “I’m absolutely in love with the community we’ve created here at Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking before the game, Camillo correctly predicted the outcome of Game 5. She said she has been following the team with watch parties during away games. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They’re an incredible team,” Camillo said. “Of course, so are the Dream, even if they’re going to lose.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some fans traveled to Atlanta for the last two games — including Valkyries guard Hayes’ father, Renard, who told KQED after Game 4, “We want to beat them bad.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We want to send them back home with the thought in their mind, like, ‘These guys are too good for us,’” Hayes said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others traveled from Georgia, like Sug Parker, the former high school basketball coach of the Dream’s guard Allisha Gray. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s absolutely amazing just going back and watching her grow as a player from high school, college and now in the pros and she’s in the finals?” Parker said. “It is beyond exciting.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106564\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106564\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini (24) cheers during the fourth quarter in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106562\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106562\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries bench reacts as they play the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106559\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106559\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zendaya attends game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106557\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106557\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) attempts a free throw as the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Players and fans on both sides are also shaking off an embarrassing oversight surrounding the scheduling and planning around the potentially championship-clinching Game 6 — which lacked a venue until Monday morning. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that Game 6 would tip off at State Farm Arena on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Pacific time, as not to conflict with the Atlanta Hawks game later that evening. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Veronica Burton, who scored 13 points in Monday’s game, jokingly told fans during the post-game conference to call in sick on Thursday. Some fans who could adjust their workdays were already on it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We already rescheduled meetings we had Thursday morning,” said Kristen Rothballer, at Chase Stadium Monday night. “We’re with them through the end.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/sjohnson\">\u003cem>Sydney Johnson\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In what’s been a closely-balanced competition, the Valkyries carried the momentum garnered in Game 4 for a hard-fought 64-55 victory, giving them a 3-2 lead over the Atlanta Dream. It’s an incredible rebound for Golden State after a 26-point loss in Game 3. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Game 5 started off with a solid first half — the Valkyries sought to get inside the paint and isolate Atlanta star Angel Reese. Players on both teams were working hard and it showed, energy appeared to dip in the second quarter, with the lowest scoring first half in WNBA finals history. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fans, including Oakland-born actress Zendaya, came decked out in violet — some were also Halloween-ready, dressing in Valkyries-themed regalia. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Stacey Camillo wore a helmet with painted lilac wings, a plastic sword and a full breastplate and lavender high-tops. A season ticket holder since the beginning, Camillo said she was part of the team’s “founding guard.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “I’m absolutely in love with the community we’ve created here at Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Speaking before the game, Camillo correctly predicted the outcome of Game 5. She said she has been following the team with watch parties during away games. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They’re an incredible team,” Camillo said. “Of course, so are the Dream, even if they’re going to lose.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some fans traveled to Atlanta for the last two games — including Valkyries guard Hayes’ father, Renard, who told KQED after Game 4, “We want to beat them bad.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Players and fans on both sides are also shaking off an embarrassing oversight surrounding the scheduling and planning around the potentially championship-clinching Game 6 — which lacked a venue until Monday morning. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that Game 6 would tip off at State Farm Arena on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Pacific time, as not to conflict with the Atlanta Hawks game later that evening. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Veronica Burton, who scored 13 points in Monday’s game, jokingly told fans during the post-game conference to call in sick on Thursday. Some fans who could adjust their workdays were already on it. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We already rescheduled meetings we had Thursday morning,” said Kristen Rothballer, at Chase Stadium Monday night. “We’re with them through the end.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/sjohnson\">\u003cem>Sydney Johnson\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "After a second win in a row against the Atlanta Dream, the Valks are one game away from securing the championship title. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After an action-packed WNBA Finals Game 5, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> took care of business in Ballhalla on Monday — and are now one game away from taking home the championship title. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In what’s been a closely-balanced competition, the Valkyries carried the momentum garnered in Game 4 for a hard-fought 64-55 victory, giving them a 3-2 lead over the Atlanta Dream. It’s an incredible rebound for Golden State after a 26-point loss in Game 3. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They now return to Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday, the first in the league’s history, after breaking free from the best-of-five format.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106570\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries center Aminata Gueye (31) and Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) walk off the court after the Valkyries defeat the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106568\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106568\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hida Howard holds her three-year-old daughter Alaina Howard as the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106556\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106556\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) reacts to a call as the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Game 5 started off with a solid first half — the Valkyries sought to get inside the paint and isolate Atlanta star Angel Reese. Players on both teams were working hard and it showed, energy appeared to dip in the second quarter, with the lowest scoring first half in WNBA finals history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the third quarter is typically a weak one for the Valkyries, they didn’t have that problem in Game 5, where they scored 8 points in minutes, bringing an energy not seen in previous games. Center Kiah Stokes was a powerful force, shutting down Reese and picking up blocks while leading the Valks with a pair of three-pointers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the fourth quarter, tension in the stadium was amped all the way up. Fans let out a massive roar when it was announced they had two minutes left with a 14 point lead. Golden State held on throughout the night, limiting Reese to 7 points and carrying a nine point win.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans, including Oakland-born actress Zendaya, came decked out in violet — some were also Halloween-ready, dressing in Valkyries-themed regalia. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stacey Camillo wore a helmet with painted lilac wings, a plastic sword and a full breastplate and lavender high-tops. A season ticket holder since the beginning, Camillo said she was part of the team’s “founding guard.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “I’m absolutely in love with the community we’ve created here at Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking before the game, Camillo correctly predicted the outcome of Game 5. She said she has been following the team with watch parties during away games. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They’re an incredible team,” Camillo said. “Of course, so are the Dream, even if they’re going to lose.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some fans traveled to Atlanta for the last two games — including Valkyries guard Hayes’ father, Renard, who told KQED after Game 4, “We want to beat them bad.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We want to send them back home with the thought in their mind, like, ‘These guys are too good for us,’” Hayes said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others traveled from Georgia, like Sug Parker, the former high school basketball coach of the Dream’s guard Allisha Gray. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s absolutely amazing just going back and watching her grow as a player from high school, college and now in the pros and she’s in the finals?” Parker said. “It is beyond exciting.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106564\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106564\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalasini (24) cheers during the fourth quarter in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106562\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106562\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries bench reacts as they play the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106559\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106559\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zendaya attends game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106557\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106557\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) attempts a free throw as the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream in game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Players and fans on both sides are also shaking off an embarrassing oversight surrounding the scheduling and planning around the potentially championship-clinching Game 6 — which lacked a venue until Monday morning. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that Game 6 would tip off at State Farm Arena on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Pacific time, as not to conflict with the Atlanta Hawks game later that evening. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Veronica Burton, who scored 13 points in Monday’s game, jokingly told fans during the post-game conference to call in sick on Thursday. Some fans who could adjust their workdays were already on it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We already rescheduled meetings we had Thursday morning,” said Kristen Rothballer, at Chase Stadium Monday night. “We’re with them through the end.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/sjohnson\">\u003cem>Sydney Johnson\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "valkyries-fans-bring-the-violet-to-atlanta-in-game-4",
"title": "Valkyries Fans Bring the Violet to Atlanta in Game 4",
"publishDate": 1792947600,
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"headTitle": "Valkyries Fans Bring the Violet to Atlanta in Game 4 | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There’s no doubt that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> fans were outnumbered on the Atlanta Dream’s home turf during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. But among the sea of blue and white were pops of violet, fans devoted to their team who traveled over 2,000 miles to support the Valkyries’ ride toward the championship title.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some of the fans in Atlanta just before Game 4, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106077/golden-state-valkyries-take-on-atlanta-dream-in-game-4-of-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries beat the Dream\u003c/a> 67-62, tying the best-of-seven series.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-12-KQED-ca138f03.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106344\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-12-KQED-ca138f03.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-12-KQED-ca138f03-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-12-KQED-ca138f03-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reiko Bruno, 68, points to Czarina Good’s Golden State Valkyries themed jacket in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. Both met in Ballhalla. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106337\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106337\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jerome Cukier of San Francisco wears Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet on his shoulder at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106336\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106336\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jerome Cukier of San Francisco rocks custom-made Golden State Valkyries themed sneakers at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1294\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106345\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133-1536x994.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans pose for a photo ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106346\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106346\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Viveca Ycoy-Walton looks at her son Karter, 12, as they both wear violet in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106338\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Viveca Ycoy-Walton, 38, of Oakland rocks Golden State Valkyries earrings at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106343\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sanya Khanna models a Golden State Valkyries face tattoo on her cheek in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106349\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106349\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison of Berkeley rocks a violet Golden State Valkyries jersey and gold headpiece in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106341\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106341\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison of Berkeley rocks a Golden State Valkyries jersey in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1334\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106339\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332.jpg 1334w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332-1025x1536.jpg 1025w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1334px) 100vw, 1334px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Robert Stone, 67, of San Jose holds a “Finals” flag at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1284\" data-id=\"12106347\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106347\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691-1536x986.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caitlin Petrakovitz, 38, and Mikaela Cortopassi, 39, both of San Francisco spread their wings in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106342\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106342\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Brady and Liz Coupa of San Francisco wear violet suits and tinted sunglasses at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There’s no doubt that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> fans were outnumbered on the Atlanta Dream’s home turf during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. But among the sea of blue and white were pops of violet, fans devoted to their team who traveled over 2,000 miles to support the Valkyries’ ride toward the championship title.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>There’s no doubt that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> fans were outnumbered on the Atlanta Dream’s home turf during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. But among the sea of blue and white were pops of violet, fans devoted to their team who traveled over 2,000 miles to support the Valkyries’ ride toward the championship title.\u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003cp>Here are some of the fans in Atlanta just before Game 4, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106077/golden-state-valkyries-take-on-atlanta-dream-in-game-4-of-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries beat the Dream\u003c/a> 67-62, tying the best-of-seven series.\u003c/p>\n"
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There’s no doubt that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> fans were outnumbered on the Atlanta Dream’s home turf during Game 4 of the WNBA Finals. But among the sea of blue and white were pops of violet, fans devoted to their team who traveled over 2,000 miles to support the Valkyries’ ride toward the championship title.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some of the fans in Atlanta just before Game 4, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106077/golden-state-valkyries-take-on-atlanta-dream-in-game-4-of-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries beat the Dream\u003c/a> 67-62, tying the best-of-seven series.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-12-KQED-ca138f03.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106344\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-12-KQED-ca138f03.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-12-KQED-ca138f03-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-12-KQED-ca138f03-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Reiko Bruno, 68, points to Czarina Good’s Golden State Valkyries themed jacket in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. Both met in Ballhalla. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106337\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106337\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jerome Cukier of San Francisco wears Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet on his shoulder at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106336\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106336\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jerome Cukier of San Francisco rocks custom-made Golden State Valkyries themed sneakers at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1294\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106345\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133-160x104.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133-1536x994.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans pose for a photo ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106346\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106346\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Viveca Ycoy-Walton looks at her son Karter, 12, as they both wear violet in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106338\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Viveca Ycoy-Walton, 38, of Oakland rocks Golden State Valkyries earrings at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106343\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sanya Khanna models a Golden State Valkyries face tattoo on her cheek in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106349\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106349\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison of Berkeley rocks a violet Golden State Valkyries jersey and gold headpiece in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106341\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106341\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison of Berkeley rocks a Golden State Valkyries jersey in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1334\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106339\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332.jpg 1334w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332-1025x1536.jpg 1025w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1334px) 100vw, 1334px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Robert Stone, 67, of San Jose holds a “Finals” flag at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1284\" data-id=\"12106347\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106347\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691-1536x986.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caitlin Petrakovitz, 38, and Mikaela Cortopassi, 39, both of San Francisco spread their wings in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106342\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106342\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Brady and Liz Coupa of San Francisco wear violet suits and tinted sunglasses at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "golden-state-valkyries-take-on-atlanta-dream-in-game-4-of-the-wnba-finals",
"title": "Valkyries Win Game 4 in Atlanta to Tie WNBA Finals Series 2-2",
"publishDate": 1792850400,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Valkyries Win Game 4 in Atlanta to Tie WNBA Finals Series 2-2 | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> beat the Atlanta Dream in Game 4 of the Women’s National Basketball Finals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries were coming off a difficult 97-71 loss in Game 3, but tied up the best-of-seven series in Atlanta on Saturday with a 67-62 win. The win guarantees that the series will at least go through Game 6. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guard Tiffany Hayes told reporters after the game that fans in Ballhalla in San Francisco — where Game 5 will take place on Monday — need to “get loud, get ready.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106262\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106262\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison holds a “believe” flag at Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106261\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106261\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year has marked a historic playoff series for the WNBA as a whole. The 2026 WNBA championship tournament has brought in record-breaking viewers and stadium sell-outs, giving basketball fans across the country reasons to celebrate. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valkyries were looking for redemption. The team changed up their starting lineup, putting in Hayes and Kaila Charles for Game 4, putting Charles in to defend Dream star forward Angel Reese. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Golden State played scrappier on Saturday, diving for loose balls and securing turnovers. By halftime, the team took a commanding lead of 42-26 over the Dream. Valkyries held on to a more narrow advantage of 54-45 by the end of the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With less than 30 seconds left in the game, the Dream had narrowed the lead even more, but the Valkyries held on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106299\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106299\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer after the Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 during Game 4 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106298\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106298\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer after the Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 during Game 4 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The beauty of our sport is that as bad as we felt on Wednesday, we get to turn around and make it right today,” forward Gabby Williams said after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fan Miles Ott was hyped about the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’ve got a freaking series, baby,” Ott told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Renard Hayes, Tiffany Hayes father, said after the game that Atlanta brought the vibe, but Golden State got the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“As for being her father, I’m so proud of her,” Renard said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106255\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) runs toward the basket during the first quarter of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dozens of Valkyries fans from across the country trekked out to Atlanta for Game 4, gathering at a food hall just outside of State Farm Arena on Saturday morning before tip off. They brought the Ballhalla spirit to the east coast in head-to-toe purple, from hats and sequin bomber jackets, to custom crocheted Valkyries vests, and extravagant mythical warrior costumes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though the Golden State fans were outnumbered on the Dream’s home turf, they were loud and took over a section of the stands in all violet on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beverly McClendon and Leanne Deegenaars — donning Williams-signed jerseys, Valkyries headgear and violet checkered pants — flew from San Francisco to cheer on the team with other fans and said they were “ready to win it all.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s like you have 150 of your new best friends that you just met.” McClendon said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106258\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase reacts during the first quarter of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ashley Thomas-Williams organized a meet-up that brought several fans to the game. She said she did “a little tossing and turning” the night before the game, but still wanted to support the team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They need us here. They need to feel us,” Thomas-Williams said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stephisha Ycoy-Walton, who came with their family, said going into the game 2-1 was a gut-wrenching, but they “know why we’re here.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I want to see them play with heart — like we always do. That’s our Valkyries team,” Ycoy-Walton said. “No matter the outcome, we’re always gonna be proud.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back in the Bay, hundreds of fans flocked to The People’s Block Party, organized by The People’s Watch Party and Xingones, in Oakland to show their love during the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Madison Huynh said the “best team in the world” took better care of the ball this game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It looks like we’re the team we’re supposed to be,” Huynh said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It will be a first and historic victory for either team that takes away the 2026 WNBA championship title. The Dream has not made it to the WNBA finals since 2013, when they lost to the Minnesota Lynx. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries are only in their second season after launching in 2025. The team made it to the playoffs in their inaugural season, but the Lynx knocked them out in the first round. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Wednesday, Game 3 was close at halftime, but the Dream ran away with the lead by the end of the fourth quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This game they wanted it more than us and that’s not who we are, that’s not who we’ve been and that’s not how we got here,” said shooting guard Tiffany Hayes in the postgame conference.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams said the team was, “undisciplined on defense.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emotions were high for Valkyries fans who traveled across the country for the Wednesday night away game. They were disappointed and frustrated, but overall optimistic that the team could still come back and prevail. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I mean, I’m a little bummed to lose, but I believe in us,” said Hill Winans, who was among the Valkyries diehards to attend Game 4 in Atlanta this week. “We just need to play better defense and better basketball in general. But we can do it, we’ve been doing it all season.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106288\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106288\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans celebrate as they wait in line to get into State Farm Arena ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106287\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106287\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From left, fans Viveca Ycoy-Walton, Stephisha Ycoy Walton and Karter of Oakland celebrate as they wait in line to get into State Farm Arena ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Golden State super fans were loud but far outnumbered for Game 3 in State Farm Arena, which was completely sold out and a sea of blue on Wednesday. But even more fans are traveling to root for the Valkyries on Saturday for Game 4. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ott flew from Oakland to Atlanta on Friday night for a quick turnaround trip just to cheer on his favorite team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re going to support this team no matter what,” Ott said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106289\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coach Natalie Nakase had confidence even before Game 4 that her team could still come back and win it today. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“After times when we’ve been punched, we know how to come back,” Nakase said in Wednesday’s postgame conference. “What’s good is that usually we come back even tighter.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Game 5 will be played at Chase Center on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> beat the Atlanta Dream in Game 4 of the Women’s National Basketball Finals. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> beat the Atlanta Dream in Game 4 of the Women’s National Basketball Finals. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries were coming off a difficult 97-71 loss in Game 3, but tied up the best-of-seven series in Atlanta on Saturday with a 67-62 win. The win guarantees that the series will at least go through Game 6. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries were coming off a difficult 97-71 loss in Game 3, but tied up the best-of-seven series in Atlanta on Saturday with a 67-62 win. The win guarantees that the series will at least go through Game 6. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Guard Tiffany Hayes told reporters after the game that fans in Ballhalla in San Francisco — where Game 5 will take place on Monday — need to “get loud, get ready.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106262\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison holds a “believe” flag at Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106261\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This year has marked a historic playoff series for the WNBA as a whole. The 2026 WNBA championship tournament has brought in record-breaking viewers and stadium sell-outs, giving basketball fans across the country reasons to celebrate. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This year has marked a historic playoff series for the WNBA as a whole. The 2026 WNBA championship tournament has brought in record-breaking viewers and stadium sell-outs, giving basketball fans across the country reasons to celebrate. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valkyries were looking for redemption. The team changed up their starting lineup, putting in Hayes and Kaila Charles for Game 4, putting Charles in to defend Dream star forward Angel Reese. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Valkyries were looking for redemption. The team changed up their starting lineup, putting in Hayes and Kaila Charles for Game 4, putting Charles in to defend Dream star forward Angel Reese. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Golden State played scrappier on Saturday, diving for loose balls and securing turnovers. By halftime, the team took a commanding lead of 42-26 over the Dream. Valkyries held on to a more narrow advantage of 54-45 by the end of the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With less than 30 seconds left in the game, the Dream had narrowed the lead even more, but the Valkyries held on.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106298\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer after the Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 during Game 4 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106258\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase reacts during the first quarter of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It looks like we’re the team we’re supposed to be,” Huynh said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It will be a first and historic victory for either team that takes away the 2026 WNBA championship title. The Dream has not made it to the WNBA finals since 2013, when they lost to the Minnesota Lynx. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, Game 3 was close at halftime, but the Dream ran away with the lead by the end of the fourth quarter. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This game they wanted it more than us and that’s not who we are, that’s not who we’ve been and that’s not how we got here,” said shooting guard Tiffany Hayes in the postgame conference.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Emotions were high for Valkyries fans who traveled across the country for the Wednesday night away game. They were disappointed and frustrated, but overall optimistic that the team could still come back and prevail. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106289\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106289\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase had confidence even before Game 4 that her team could still come back and win it today. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase had confidence even before Game 4 that her team could still come back and win it today. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“After times when we’ve been punched, we know how to come back,” Nakase said in Wednesday’s postgame conference. “What’s good is that usually we come back even tighter.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“After times when we’ve been punched, we know how to come back,” Nakase said in Wednesday’s postgame conference. “What’s good is that usually we come back even tighter.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Game 5 will be played at Chase Center on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Game 5 will be played at Chase Center on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "The Golden State Valkyries took Game 4 on the Dream’s court after losing two in a row.",
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"title": "Valkyries Win Game 4 in Atlanta to Tie WNBA Finals Series 2-2 | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> beat the Atlanta Dream in Game 4 of the Women’s National Basketball Finals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries were coming off a difficult 97-71 loss in Game 3, but tied up the best-of-seven series in Atlanta on Saturday with a 67-62 win. The win guarantees that the series will at least go through Game 6. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guard Tiffany Hayes told reporters after the game that fans in Ballhalla in San Francisco — where Game 5 will take place on Monday — need to “get loud, get ready.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106262\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106262\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-11-KQED_-38f9f628-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison holds a “believe” flag at Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106261\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106261\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-10-KQED_-9bf3b443-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year has marked a historic playoff series for the WNBA as a whole. The 2026 WNBA championship tournament has brought in record-breaking viewers and stadium sell-outs, giving basketball fans across the country reasons to celebrate. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valkyries were looking for redemption. The team changed up their starting lineup, putting in Hayes and Kaila Charles for Game 4, putting Charles in to defend Dream star forward Angel Reese. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Golden State played scrappier on Saturday, diving for loose balls and securing turnovers. By halftime, the team took a commanding lead of 42-26 over the Dream. Valkyries held on to a more narrow advantage of 54-45 by the end of the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With less than 30 seconds left in the game, the Dream had narrowed the lead even more, but the Valkyries held on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106299\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106299\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer after the Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 during Game 4 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106298\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106298\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer after the Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 during Game 4 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The beauty of our sport is that as bad as we felt on Wednesday, we get to turn around and make it right today,” forward Gabby Williams said after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fan Miles Ott was hyped about the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’ve got a freaking series, baby,” Ott told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Renard Hayes, Tiffany Hayes father, said after the game that Atlanta brought the vibe, but Golden State got the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“As for being her father, I’m so proud of her,” Renard said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106255\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) runs toward the basket during the first quarter of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dozens of Valkyries fans from across the country trekked out to Atlanta for Game 4, gathering at a food hall just outside of State Farm Arena on Saturday morning before tip off. They brought the Ballhalla spirit to the east coast in head-to-toe purple, from hats and sequin bomber jackets, to custom crocheted Valkyries vests, and extravagant mythical warrior costumes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though the Golden State fans were outnumbered on the Dream’s home turf, they were loud and took over a section of the stands in all violet on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beverly McClendon and Leanne Deegenaars — donning Williams-signed jerseys, Valkyries headgear and violet checkered pants — flew from San Francisco to cheer on the team with other fans and said they were “ready to win it all.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s like you have 150 of your new best friends that you just met.” McClendon said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106258\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase reacts during the first quarter of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ashley Thomas-Williams organized a meet-up that brought several fans to the game. She said she did “a little tossing and turning” the night before the game, but still wanted to support the team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They need us here. They need to feel us,” Thomas-Williams said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stephisha Ycoy-Walton, who came with their family, said going into the game 2-1 was a gut-wrenching, but they “know why we’re here.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I want to see them play with heart — like we always do. That’s our Valkyries team,” Ycoy-Walton said. “No matter the outcome, we’re always gonna be proud.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back in the Bay, hundreds of fans flocked to The People’s Block Party, organized by The People’s Watch Party and Xingones, in Oakland to show their love during the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Madison Huynh said the “best team in the world” took better care of the ball this game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It looks like we’re the team we’re supposed to be,” Huynh said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It will be a first and historic victory for either team that takes away the 2026 WNBA championship title. The Dream has not made it to the WNBA finals since 2013, when they lost to the Minnesota Lynx. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries are only in their second season after launching in 2025. The team made it to the playoffs in their inaugural season, but the Lynx knocked them out in the first round. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Wednesday, Game 3 was close at halftime, but the Dream ran away with the lead by the end of the fourth quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This game they wanted it more than us and that’s not who we are, that’s not who we’ve been and that’s not how we got here,” said shooting guard Tiffany Hayes in the postgame conference.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams said the team was, “undisciplined on defense.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emotions were high for Valkyries fans who traveled across the country for the Wednesday night away game. They were disappointed and frustrated, but overall optimistic that the team could still come back and prevail. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I mean, I’m a little bummed to lose, but I believe in us,” said Hill Winans, who was among the Valkyries diehards to attend Game 4 in Atlanta this week. “We just need to play better defense and better basketball in general. But we can do it, we’ve been doing it all season.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106288\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106288\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans celebrate as they wait in line to get into State Farm Arena ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12106287\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106287\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">From left, fans Viveca Ycoy-Walton, Stephisha Ycoy Walton and Karter of Oakland celebrate as they wait in line to get into State Farm Arena ahead of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Golden State super fans were loud but far outnumbered for Game 3 in State Farm Arena, which was completely sold out and a sea of blue on Wednesday. But even more fans are traveling to root for the Valkyries on Saturday for Game 4. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ott flew from Oakland to Atlanta on Friday night for a quick turnaround trip just to cheer on his favorite team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re going to support this team no matter what,” Ott said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106289\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coach Natalie Nakase had confidence even before Game 4 that her team could still come back and win it today. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“After times when we’ve been punched, we know how to come back,” Nakase said in Wednesday’s postgame conference. “What’s good is that usually we come back even tighter.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Game 5 will be played at Chase Center on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the Golden State Valkyries prepare for Game 4 of the WNBA finals Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bounce-The-Rise-of-Women's-Professional-Sports\">\u003cu>KALW’s BOUNCE\u003c/u> \u003c/a>introduces us to the team’s star player, Gabby Williams. From her roots in Oakland to her leadership as an out, queer player, host Erin Lim tells us more about the forces that have shaped her into the player and person she is today.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bounce-The-Rise-of-Women's-Professional-Sports\">\u003cu>BOUNCE: The Rise of Women’s Professional Sports\u003c/u>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105569/golden-state-valkyries-fans-gear-up-for-game-3-of-the-wnba-finals-in-atlanta\">\u003cu>Valkyries Fans Take Dream Loss in Stride, Prepare to Rally for Game 4\u003c/u>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco-Northern California Local.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Valkyries Fans Take Dream Loss in Stride, Prepare to Rally for Game 4",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a hard-fought game, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> fell to the Atlanta Dream in Game 3 of the Women’s National Basketball Association Finals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But fans who traveled to Atlanta from the Bay Area and beyond said the loss wouldn’t prevent the team, now down 2-1, from winning the best-of-seven series.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They poured their heart into it and I’m not one of those people that blame the refs, but we got some really hard, bad calls,” said Aileen Casanave, a diehard fan who was staying in a vacation rental with more than a dozen other fans, some of whom she’d just met. “We’re going to figure out the strategy. They’re going to throw down at the next game.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Casanave was part of one of the pockets of purple at State Farm Arena that stood out against a sea of hometown blue as diehard Valkyries supporters cheered for the Bay Area team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries face off against the Atlanta Dream during Game 3 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105696\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans sit surrounded by a sea of Atlanta Dream fans during Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christine McSpadden was disappointed but remained optimistic. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Well that was a tough loss, but I know they’re going to come back,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She will be back for Game 4 in Atlanta on Saturday. In the meantime, she plans to explore the city and meet other Valkyries fans who made the trip.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I came all the way from San Francisco to cheer my girls on,” she said. “I love my girls, ride or die, I love them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team lost 97-71, but the brutal final score obscured how close the game was at certain points — including briefly tying it up just after halftime. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They play with heart. They play with passion,” said Melissa Gonzalez, a Santa Rosa resident who flew in Wednesday ahead of the game — the first time she’d ever done something like that. “Everybody is so warm and welcoming…the players, they stop, they sign, they acknowledge you.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re Balhalla in the A,” said Alex Morrison, a staunch fan from the start, referring to the name Valkyries fans use for the Chase Center in San Francisco. “That’s what we’re calling ourselves.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They said going to the finals in the team’s second year was “just too hard to fathom. It’s just so awesome.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12105623\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105623\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison of Berkeley rocks a Golden State Valkyries hat and head wings ahead of Game 3 in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12105640\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-09-KQED-c9b3c6c5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105640\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-09-KQED-c9b3c6c5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-09-KQED-c9b3c6c5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-09-KQED-c9b3c6c5-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aileen Casanave of San Jose (center) and other Golden State Valkyries fans attend a fan meetup ahead of Game 3 at Stats in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12105633\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105633\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sirena Roberts, left, and Danielle Hohos, of San Francisco wear matching outfits made by a Golden State Valkyries season ticket holder, in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12105635\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105635\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sirena Roberts and Danielle Hohos wear Golden State Valkyries themed basketball purses in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams came to Wednesday’s high-stakes game in Atlanta with a win under their belts. The Valkyries \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals\">took Game 1\u003c/a> 68-64 in a nail-biter at San Francisco’s Chase Center last week, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals\">fell to the Dream\u003c/a> 79-65 on Monday in Game 2 of the playoff series.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, in a postgame conference after Monday’s loss, said the team “shot terribly” and that they “need to be able to take a punch and punch back.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By Wednesday, the team was ready to come back and leave it all on the court. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In spite of the loss, the number of fans in Atlanta reflected the pride and passion the Valkyries have inspired.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Casanave, a “founder” who has held season tickets since the beginning, said the team’s ownership and management has treated the women’s team the same way they treat the men who play for the Warriors, allowing them to soar. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They didn’t have to scrape for every little dime, every little penny,” she said, adding that she hopes other teams will adopt a similar playbook. “I think we have the strongest bench in the league.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At STATS Brewpub in downtown Atlanta, Jacob Harris, a 35-year-old from Berkeley who lives in Marin County, quickly grew to love the team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Harris, a self-described massive Bay Area sports fan, quickly grew to love the team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Everything the players stand for is kind of what the Bay Area stands for … underdog culture,” he said. “They compete and they win because they care. That’s Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries are only in their second season after launching in 2025, and quickly became the most valuable women’s sports team in the world and the first ever to generate over $100 million in annual revenue, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/golden-state-valkyries-revenue-first-100-million-1234946807/\">\u003cem>Sportico\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1372\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f-1536x1054.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries guard-forward Kaila Charles (6) defends against Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) during the WNBA Finals Game 3 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-19-KQED-5d301db0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105695\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-19-KQED-5d301db0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-19-KQED-5d301db0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-19-KQED-5d301db0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase at Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Bay Area’s WNBA team, which is owned by the same group as the Golden State Warriors, has racked up thousands of fans and season ticket-holders, selling out their home court at Chase Center dozens of times already. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their meteoric rise comes as the WNBA has seen a boost in fandom across the country.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Games 3 and 4 in Atlanta were moved from the Dream’s regular 3,500-seat stadium in College Park to the 17,000-seat State Farm Arena downtown. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many Valkyries fans, the rapid growth has been a source of pride and excitement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Los Angeles-based Valkyries fan Hill Winans, following the team has become a huge hobby. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I believe in us. I still believe in us,” Winans said after the game.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They poured their heart into it and I’m not one of those people that blame the refs, but we got some really hard, bad calls,” said Aileen Casanave, a diehard fan who was staying in a vacation rental with more than a dozen other fans, some of whom she’d just met. “We’re going to figure out the strategy. They’re going to throw down at the next game.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Casanave was part of one of the pockets of purple at State Farm Arena that stood out against a sea of hometown blue as diehard Valkyries supporters cheered for the Bay Area team.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105689\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries face off against the Atlanta Dream during Game 3 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105696\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans sit surrounded by a sea of Atlanta Dream fans during Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105696\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans sit surrounded by a sea of Atlanta Dream fans during Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Christine McSpadden was disappointed but remained optimistic. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Well that was a tough loss, but I know they’re going to come back,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She will be back for Game 4 in Atlanta on Saturday. In the meantime, she plans to explore the city and meet other Valkyries fans who made the trip.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I came all the way from San Francisco to cheer my girls on,” she said. “I love my girls, ride or die, I love them.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The team lost 97-71, but the brutal final score obscured how close the game was at certain points — including briefly tying it up just after halftime. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They play with heart. They play with passion,” said Melissa Gonzalez, a Santa Rosa resident who flew in Wednesday ahead of the game — the first time she’d ever done something like that. “Everybody is so warm and welcoming…the players, they stop, they sign, they acknowledge you.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“They play with heart. They play with passion,” said Melissa Gonzalez, a Santa Rosa resident who flew in Wednesday ahead of the game — the first time she’d ever done something like that. “Everybody is so warm and welcoming…the players, they stop, they sign, they acknowledge you.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re Balhalla in the A,” said Alex Morrison, a staunch fan from the start, referring to the name Valkyries fans use for the Chase Center in San Francisco. “That’s what we’re calling ourselves.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Both teams came to Wednesday’s high-stakes game in Atlanta with a win under their belts. The Valkyries \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals\">took Game 1\u003c/a> 68-64 in a nail-biter at San Francisco’s Chase Center last week, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals\">fell to the Dream\u003c/a> 79-65 on Monday in Game 2 of the playoff series.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Casanave, a “founder” who has held season tickets since the beginning, said the team’s ownership and management has treated the women’s team the same way they treat the men who play for the Warriors, allowing them to soar. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They didn’t have to scrape for every little dime, every little penny,” she said, adding that she hopes other teams will adopt a similar playbook. “I think we have the strongest bench in the league.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Everything the players stand for is kind of what the Bay Area stands for … underdog culture,” he said. “They compete and they win because they care. That’s Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries are only in their second season after launching in 2025, and quickly became the most valuable women’s sports team in the world and the first ever to generate over $100 million in annual revenue, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/golden-state-valkyries-revenue-first-100-million-1234946807/\">\u003cem>Sportico\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The Bay Area’s WNBA team took on the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Game 3 of the best-of-seven series. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a hard-fought game, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> fell to the Atlanta Dream in Game 3 of the Women’s National Basketball Association Finals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But fans who traveled to Atlanta from the Bay Area and beyond said the loss wouldn’t prevent the team, now down 2-1, from winning the best-of-seven series.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They poured their heart into it and I’m not one of those people that blame the refs, but we got some really hard, bad calls,” said Aileen Casanave, a diehard fan who was staying in a vacation rental with more than a dozen other fans, some of whom she’d just met. “We’re going to figure out the strategy. They’re going to throw down at the next game.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Casanave was part of one of the pockets of purple at State Farm Arena that stood out against a sea of hometown blue as diehard Valkyries supporters cheered for the Bay Area team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries face off against the Atlanta Dream during Game 3 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105696\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans sit surrounded by a sea of Atlanta Dream fans during Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christine McSpadden was disappointed but remained optimistic. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Well that was a tough loss, but I know they’re going to come back,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She will be back for Game 4 in Atlanta on Saturday. In the meantime, she plans to explore the city and meet other Valkyries fans who made the trip.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I came all the way from San Francisco to cheer my girls on,” she said. “I love my girls, ride or die, I love them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team lost 97-71, but the brutal final score obscured how close the game was at certain points — including briefly tying it up just after halftime. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They play with heart. They play with passion,” said Melissa Gonzalez, a Santa Rosa resident who flew in Wednesday ahead of the game — the first time she’d ever done something like that. “Everybody is so warm and welcoming…the players, they stop, they sign, they acknowledge you.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re Balhalla in the A,” said Alex Morrison, a staunch fan from the start, referring to the name Valkyries fans use for the Chase Center in San Francisco. “That’s what we’re calling ourselves.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They said going to the finals in the team’s second year was “just too hard to fathom. It’s just so awesome.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12105623\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105623\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison of Berkeley rocks a Golden State Valkyries hat and head wings ahead of Game 3 in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12105640\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-09-KQED-c9b3c6c5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105640\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-09-KQED-c9b3c6c5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-09-KQED-c9b3c6c5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-09-KQED-c9b3c6c5-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aileen Casanave of San Jose (center) and other Golden State Valkyries fans attend a fan meetup ahead of Game 3 at Stats in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12105633\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105633\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sirena Roberts, left, and Danielle Hohos, of San Francisco wear matching outfits made by a Golden State Valkyries season ticket holder, in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12105635\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105635\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sirena Roberts and Danielle Hohos wear Golden State Valkyries themed basketball purses in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams came to Wednesday’s high-stakes game in Atlanta with a win under their belts. The Valkyries \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals\">took Game 1\u003c/a> 68-64 in a nail-biter at San Francisco’s Chase Center last week, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals\">fell to the Dream\u003c/a> 79-65 on Monday in Game 2 of the playoff series.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, in a postgame conference after Monday’s loss, said the team “shot terribly” and that they “need to be able to take a punch and punch back.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By Wednesday, the team was ready to come back and leave it all on the court. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In spite of the loss, the number of fans in Atlanta reflected the pride and passion the Valkyries have inspired.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Casanave, a “founder” who has held season tickets since the beginning, said the team’s ownership and management has treated the women’s team the same way they treat the men who play for the Warriors, allowing them to soar. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They didn’t have to scrape for every little dime, every little penny,” she said, adding that she hopes other teams will adopt a similar playbook. “I think we have the strongest bench in the league.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At STATS Brewpub in downtown Atlanta, Jacob Harris, a 35-year-old from Berkeley who lives in Marin County, quickly grew to love the team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Harris, a self-described massive Bay Area sports fan, quickly grew to love the team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Everything the players stand for is kind of what the Bay Area stands for … underdog culture,” he said. “They compete and they win because they care. That’s Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries are only in their second season after launching in 2025, and quickly became the most valuable women’s sports team in the world and the first ever to generate over $100 million in annual revenue, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/golden-state-valkyries-revenue-first-100-million-1234946807/\">\u003cem>Sportico\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1372\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f-160x110.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f-1536x1054.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries guard-forward Kaila Charles (6) defends against Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) during the WNBA Finals Game 3 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-19-KQED-5d301db0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105695\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-19-KQED-5d301db0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-19-KQED-5d301db0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-19-KQED-5d301db0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase at Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Bay Area’s WNBA team, which is owned by the same group as the Golden State Warriors, has racked up thousands of fans and season ticket-holders, selling out their home court at Chase Center dozens of times already. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their meteoric rise comes as the WNBA has seen a boost in fandom across the country.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Games 3 and 4 in Atlanta were moved from the Dream’s regular 3,500-seat stadium in College Park to the 17,000-seat State Farm Arena downtown. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many Valkyries fans, the rapid growth has been a source of pride and excitement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Los Angeles-based Valkyries fan Hill Winans, following the team has become a huge hobby. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I believe in us. I still believe in us,” Winans said after the game.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "valkyries-fans-soar-to-atlanta-for-wnba-playoffs",
"title": "Valkyries Fans Soar to Atlanta for WNBA Playoffs",
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"headTitle": "Valkyries Fans Soar to Atlanta for WNBA Playoffs | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Golden State \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13994882/valkyries-fans-most-creative-fits-at-game-2-of-the-wnba-finals\">Valkyries fans\u003c/a> are flocking to Atlanta this week to cheer on the Bay Area’s Women’s National Basketball Association team as they face off against the Dream for Games 3 and 4 in the best-of-seven playoff series. The showdown kicks off Wednesday evening.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shivani Kumar was among the die-hard fans making the trek to Georgia. Standing in line to board a plane at San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday, Kumar was looking forward to seeing two wins in Atlanta so the team can win it all at the next home game at Chase Center. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Valks in five. We’re winning at home!” said Kumar, who is a season ticket holder and recently traveled to see the team play in Las Vegas during the semifinals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries defeated the Dream in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals\">Game 1 in San Francisco\u003c/a>. But Atlanta’s team came back for the win on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals\">Monday night during Game 2\u003c/a>, proving they would not let their opponent get another \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">series sweep\u003c/a> in the playoffs. The Valkyries, only in their second season in the league, swept the Las Vegas Aces earlier this month.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105509\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Miles Ott watches the game at a Valkyries watch party at White Horse Bar in Oakland on July 12, 2025. The fan group, ValQueeries, hosted a watch party. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The loss didn’t deter fans like Kumar from flying across the country to see the Valkyries play. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It was tough, but I think we know exactly what we need to do to win the next two,” Kumar said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The teams both have one victory heading into Game 3, locking in at least five games in the series, which will be played in San Francisco at Chase Center. Fans have dubbed the Bay Area home court “Ballhalla,” a play on Valhalla in Norse mythology, from which the Valkyries get their name. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ballhalla was on the move this week, as a wave of enthusiastic fans were spending time and money to make sure their team’s signature violet is well represented at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Last year I solo traveled to watch the (Minnesota) Lynx play the (New York) Liberty in Minnesota, and that really opened my eyes to how special the Valkyries fan base was,” said Callista Stewart, who took a red-eye flight on Wednesday morning to catch Game 3 in Atlanta. “As much as I loved it there, it was nothing like what I had experienced at Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She and other fans are arranging meetups throughout the week at local bars, parks and restaurants, where they hope to show their team pride en masse and enjoy some southern hospitality.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My Atlanta plans are Valkyries, catfish, lemon pepper wings and collard greens,” said Stewart, who is organizing a pregame meetup on Wednesday. “I love soul food, so I will probably be finding as many spots as possible for every meal.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lynette Mackey flew in Wednesday morning for game three, as well. The San Francisco resident was most excited to see one of the Valkyries star players, Gabby Williams, who started playing basketball at the Mission Recreation Center in the city, where Mackey’s daughter also played. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If we bring our game that we normally play, we will be okay,” Mackey told KQED while strolling the streets of downtown Atlanta. “We’re going to cheer inside there as loud as we can. Go Valks!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With the playoffs happening in the middle of the work week, some fans were hoping for good luck on the court and the tarmac.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105530\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lynette Mackey shows off her purple nails ahead of the WNBA Finals Game 3 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream, in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Sydney JohnsonKQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sanya Khanna and her partner were set to fly in on Wednesday with an expected arrival time in Atlanta around 6:30 p.m. The couple had not bought tickets to Game 3 as of Tuesday, but said that if their flight landed on time, they would head straight to the arena to try to snag seats. And either way, they’ll definitely be at Game 4 on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m going to make my signs and dress up in violet, and my partner has a wig. We’re all prepared and excited for the game,” said Khanna, who is a season ticket holder. “We have been fans since day one. We’re absolutely in awe of all the players and our coach. The vibes are great.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shelmun Dashan was flying to Atlanta on Tuesday coincidentally for a work conference, but still arrived at SFO with Valkyries swag to show some team spirit. After landing, she found out her boss bought tickets to the games in Atlanta — a welcome surprise for the Bay Area sports fan.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I played sports in high school, but I was always like, ‘This is just a game.’ This has helped me to recapture the joy of watching team sports and enjoying the fan experience, and I can’t imagine another team in the W has a better fan experience than the Valks,” Dashan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even more Valkyries followers are expected to descend on Atlanta ahead of Game 4 on Saturday, including Karlie O’Toole, a San Francisco-based fan who is traveling with her wife. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105553\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lynette Mackey, Valkyries fan of San Francisco, walks the streets of downtown Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The reason we’re traveling is it just feels like this is really special. It’s year two, and we’re about to potentially win the WNBA championship,” O’Toole said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Her group chats and fan threads are buzzing with plans to meet up in Atlanta this week. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re figuring out a place to make signs and gather and celebrate, and just bring the Ballhalla energy to Atlanta,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valkyries fandom has exploded since the team officially launched in 2025, becoming the most valuable team in the league after just its first season. That’s in part due to the team’s large squad of season ticket holders, including some who live far from the Bay Area and fly in for home games regularly. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nancy Clewett is flying to Atlanta from her home in Portland, Oregon, to see the Valkyries play Game 4 this week. She has made several trips to see the team play in San Francisco and even in New York City. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105241\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Clewett moved north a few years ago, after living most of her life in the Bay Area and following women’s basketball at the college level. Once it became clear that the Bay Area would have its own WNBA team, she got on board immediately. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The entire purpose of this trip is to see the Valkyries play the Dream,” she said, adding that she’s just excited to see some good basketball, no matter who wins the game she attends. “As a women’s basketball fan, I can’t root against Angel (Reese),” she said, referring to the Dream’s star player. “So I’m not too brokenhearted that the Valkyries lost this week, although winning it all in four games would have been nice. But I think it will be even better to win it at home in San Francisco.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valkyries fans filling the stadium in Atlanta this week said the community they’ve built in the stands is just as magical as the wins happening on the court this season. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re going to support this team no matter what, and that right now for me is supporting them on the road,” said Miles Ott, who is based in Oakland and attending Game 4 in Atlanta. “To get to be part of this community and just let my support for this team be known, and what they stand for, that’s meaningful to me.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Shivani Kumar was among the die-hard fans making the trek to Georgia. Standing in line to board a plane at San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday, Kumar was looking forward to seeing two wins in Atlanta so the team can win it all at the next home game at Chase Center. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Shivani Kumar was among the die-hard fans making the trek to Georgia. Standing in line to board a plane at San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday, Kumar was looking forward to seeing two wins in Atlanta so the team can win it all at the next home game at Chase Center. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Valks in five. We’re winning at home!” said Kumar, who is a season ticket holder and recently traveled to see the team play in Las Vegas during the semifinals. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Valks in five. We’re winning at home!” said Kumar, who is a season ticket holder and recently traveled to see the team play in Las Vegas during the semifinals. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries defeated the Dream in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals\">Game 1 in San Francisco\u003c/a>. But Atlanta’s team came back for the win on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals\">Monday night during Game 2\u003c/a>, proving they would not let their opponent get another \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">series sweep\u003c/a> in the playoffs. The Valkyries, only in their second season in the league, swept the Las Vegas Aces earlier this month.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries defeated the Dream in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals\">Game 1 in San Francisco\u003c/a>. But Atlanta’s team came back for the win on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals\">Monday night during Game 2\u003c/a>, proving they would not let their opponent get another \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">series sweep\u003c/a> in the playoffs. The Valkyries, only in their second season in the league, swept the Las Vegas Aces earlier this month.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105509\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Miles Ott watches the game at a Valkyries watch party at White Horse Bar in Oakland on July 12, 2025. The fan group, ValQueeries, hosted a watch party.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105509\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Miles Ott watches the game at a Valkyries watch party at White Horse Bar in Oakland on July 12, 2025. The fan group, ValQueeries, hosted a watch party.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The loss didn’t deter fans like Kumar from flying across the country to see the Valkyries play. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The loss didn’t deter fans like Kumar from flying across the country to see the Valkyries play. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It was tough, but I think we know exactly what we need to do to win the next two,” Kumar said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It was tough, but I think we know exactly what we need to do to win the next two,” Kumar said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The teams both have one victory heading into Game 3, locking in at least five games in the series, which will be played in San Francisco at Chase Center. Fans have dubbed the Bay Area home court “Ballhalla,” a play on Valhalla in Norse mythology, from which the Valkyries get their name. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The teams both have one victory heading into Game 3, locking in at least five games in the series, which will be played in San Francisco at Chase Center. Fans have dubbed the Bay Area home court “Ballhalla,” a play on Valhalla in Norse mythology, from which the Valkyries get their name. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ballhalla was on the move this week, as a wave of enthusiastic fans were spending time and money to make sure their team’s signature violet is well represented at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Last year I solo traveled to watch the (Minnesota) Lynx play the (New York) Liberty in Minnesota, and that really opened my eyes to how special the Valkyries fan base was,” said Callista Stewart, who took a red-eye flight on Wednesday morning to catch Game 3 in Atlanta. “As much as I loved it there, it was nothing like what I had experienced at Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Last year I solo traveled to watch the (Minnesota) Lynx play the (New York) Liberty in Minnesota, and that really opened my eyes to how special the Valkyries fan base was,” said Callista Stewart, who took a red-eye flight on Wednesday morning to catch Game 3 in Atlanta. “As much as I loved it there, it was nothing like what I had experienced at Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She and other fans are arranging meetups throughout the week at local bars, parks and restaurants, where they hope to show their team pride en masse and enjoy some southern hospitality.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“My Atlanta plans are Valkyries, catfish, lemon pepper wings and collard greens,” said Stewart, who is organizing a pregame meetup on Wednesday. “I love soul food, so I will probably be finding as many spots as possible for every meal.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“My Atlanta plans are Valkyries, catfish, lemon pepper wings and collard greens,” said Stewart, who is organizing a pregame meetup on Wednesday. “I love soul food, so I will probably be finding as many spots as possible for every meal.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Lynette Mackey flew in Wednesday morning for game three, as well. The San Francisco resident was most excited to see one of the Valkyries star players, Gabby Williams, who started playing basketball at the Mission Recreation Center in the city, where Mackey’s daughter also played. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Lynette Mackey flew in Wednesday morning for game three, as well. The San Francisco resident was most excited to see one of the Valkyries star players, Gabby Williams, who started playing basketball at the Mission Recreation Center in the city, where Mackey’s daughter also played. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If we bring our game that we normally play, we will be okay,” Mackey told KQED while strolling the streets of downtown Atlanta. “We’re going to cheer inside there as loud as we can. Go Valks!”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If we bring our game that we normally play, we will be okay,” Mackey told KQED while strolling the streets of downtown Atlanta. “We’re going to cheer inside there as loud as we can. Go Valks!”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With the playoffs happening in the middle of the work week, some fans were hoping for good luck on the court and the tarmac.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>With the playoffs happening in the middle of the work week, some fans were hoping for good luck on the court and the tarmac.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105530\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lynette Mackey shows off her purple nails ahead of the WNBA Finals Game 3 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream, in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Sydney JohnsonKQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sanya Khanna and her partner were set to fly in on Wednesday with an expected arrival time in Atlanta around 6:30 p.m. The couple had not bought tickets to Game 3 as of Tuesday, but said that if their flight landed on time, they would head straight to the arena to try to snag seats. And either way, they’ll definitely be at Game 4 on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Sanya Khanna and her partner were set to fly in on Wednesday with an expected arrival time in Atlanta around 6:30 p.m. The couple had not bought tickets to Game 3 as of Tuesday, but said that if their flight landed on time, they would head straight to the arena to try to snag seats. And either way, they’ll definitely be at Game 4 on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m going to make my signs and dress up in violet, and my partner has a wig. We’re all prepared and excited for the game,” said Khanna, who is a season ticket holder. “We have been fans since day one. We’re absolutely in awe of all the players and our coach. The vibes are great.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I’m going to make my signs and dress up in violet, and my partner has a wig. We’re all prepared and excited for the game,” said Khanna, who is a season ticket holder. “We have been fans since day one. We’re absolutely in awe of all the players and our coach. The vibes are great.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Shelmun Dashan was flying to Atlanta on Tuesday coincidentally for a work conference, but still arrived at SFO with Valkyries swag to show some team spirit. After landing, she found out her boss bought tickets to the games in Atlanta — a welcome surprise for the Bay Area sports fan.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Shelmun Dashan was flying to Atlanta on Tuesday coincidentally for a work conference, but still arrived at SFO with Valkyries swag to show some team spirit. After landing, she found out her boss bought tickets to the games in Atlanta — a welcome surprise for the Bay Area sports fan.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I played sports in high school, but I was always like, ‘This is just a game.’ This has helped me to recapture the joy of watching team sports and enjoying the fan experience, and I can’t imagine another team in the W has a better fan experience than the Valks,” Dashan said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even more Valkyries followers are expected to descend on Atlanta ahead of Game 4 on Saturday, including Karlie O’Toole, a San Francisco-based fan who is traveling with her wife. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Even more Valkyries followers are expected to descend on Atlanta ahead of Game 4 on Saturday, including Karlie O’Toole, a San Francisco-based fan who is traveling with her wife. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105553\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lynette Mackey, Valkyries fan of San Francisco, walks the streets of downtown Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105553\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lynette Mackey, Valkyries fan of San Francisco, walks the streets of downtown Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The reason we’re traveling is it just feels like this is really special. It’s year two, and we’re about to potentially win the WNBA championship,” O’Toole said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Her group chats and fan threads are buzzing with plans to meet up in Atlanta this week. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re figuring out a place to make signs and gather and celebrate, and just bring the Ballhalla energy to Atlanta,” she said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re figuring out a place to make signs and gather and celebrate, and just bring the Ballhalla energy to Atlanta,” she said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valkyries fandom has exploded since the team officially launched in 2025, becoming the most valuable team in the league after just its first season. That’s in part due to the team’s large squad of season ticket holders, including some who live far from the Bay Area and fly in for home games regularly. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Valkyries fandom has exploded since the team officially launched in 2025, becoming the most valuable team in the league after just its first season. That’s in part due to the team’s large squad of season ticket holders, including some who live far from the Bay Area and fly in for home games regularly. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nancy Clewett is flying to Atlanta from her home in Portland, Oregon, to see the Valkyries play Game 4 this week. She has made several trips to see the team play in San Francisco and even in New York City. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Nancy Clewett is flying to Atlanta from her home in Portland, Oregon, to see the Valkyries play Game 4 this week. She has made several trips to see the team play in San Francisco and even in New York City. \u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105241\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Clewett moved north a few years ago, after living most of her life in the Bay Area and following women’s basketball at the college level. Once it became clear that the Bay Area would have its own WNBA team, she got on board immediately. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Clewett moved north a few years ago, after living most of her life in the Bay Area and following women’s basketball at the college level. Once it became clear that the Bay Area would have its own WNBA team, she got on board immediately. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The entire purpose of this trip is to see the Valkyries play the Dream,” she said, adding that she’s just excited to see some good basketball, no matter who wins the game she attends. “As a women’s basketball fan, I can’t root against Angel (Reese),” she said, referring to the Dream’s star player. “So I’m not too brokenhearted that the Valkyries lost this week, although winning it all in four games would have been nice. But I think it will be even better to win it at home in San Francisco.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The entire purpose of this trip is to see the Valkyries play the Dream,” she said, adding that she’s just excited to see some good basketball, no matter who wins the game she attends. “As a women’s basketball fan, I can’t root against Angel (Reese),” she said, referring to the Dream’s star player. “So I’m not too brokenhearted that the Valkyries lost this week, although winning it all in four games would have been nice. But I think it will be even better to win it at home in San Francisco.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valkyries fans filling the stadium in Atlanta this week said the community they’ve built in the stands is just as magical as the wins happening on the court this season. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Valkyries fans filling the stadium in Atlanta this week said the community they’ve built in the stands is just as magical as the wins happening on the court this season. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re going to support this team no matter what, and that right now for me is supporting them on the road,” said Miles Ott, who is based in Oakland and attending Game 4 in Atlanta. “To get to be part of this community and just let my support for this team be known, and what they stand for, that’s meaningful to me.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re going to support this team no matter what, and that right now for me is supporting them on the road,” said Miles Ott, who is based in Oakland and attending Game 4 in Atlanta. “To get to be part of this community and just let my support for this team be known, and what they stand for, that’s meaningful to me.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "KQED hit the road to follow the Bay Area’s premier women’s basketball team as they face the Dream in Atlanta for games three and four in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Golden State \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13994882/valkyries-fans-most-creative-fits-at-game-2-of-the-wnba-finals\">Valkyries fans\u003c/a> are flocking to Atlanta this week to cheer on the Bay Area’s Women’s National Basketball Association team as they face off against the Dream for Games 3 and 4 in the best-of-seven playoff series. The showdown kicks off Wednesday evening.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shivani Kumar was among the die-hard fans making the trek to Georgia. Standing in line to board a plane at San Francisco International Airport on Tuesday, Kumar was looking forward to seeing two wins in Atlanta so the team can win it all at the next home game at Chase Center. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Valks in five. We’re winning at home!” said Kumar, who is a season ticket holder and recently traveled to see the team play in Las Vegas during the semifinals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries defeated the Dream in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals\">Game 1 in San Francisco\u003c/a>. But Atlanta’s team came back for the win on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals\">Monday night during Game 2\u003c/a>, proving they would not let their opponent get another \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">series sweep\u003c/a> in the playoffs. The Valkyries, only in their second season in the league, swept the Las Vegas Aces earlier this month.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105509\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/250712-valkyries101_00321_TV_qed-b9e83d70-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Miles Ott watches the game at a Valkyries watch party at White Horse Bar in Oakland on July 12, 2025. The fan group, ValQueeries, hosted a watch party. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The loss didn’t deter fans like Kumar from flying across the country to see the Valkyries play. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It was tough, but I think we know exactly what we need to do to win the next two,” Kumar said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The teams both have one victory heading into Game 3, locking in at least five games in the series, which will be played in San Francisco at Chase Center. Fans have dubbed the Bay Area home court “Ballhalla,” a play on Valhalla in Norse mythology, from which the Valkyries get their name. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ballhalla was on the move this week, as a wave of enthusiastic fans were spending time and money to make sure their team’s signature violet is well represented at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Last year I solo traveled to watch the (Minnesota) Lynx play the (New York) Liberty in Minnesota, and that really opened my eyes to how special the Valkyries fan base was,” said Callista Stewart, who took a red-eye flight on Wednesday morning to catch Game 3 in Atlanta. “As much as I loved it there, it was nothing like what I had experienced at Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She and other fans are arranging meetups throughout the week at local bars, parks and restaurants, where they hope to show their team pride en masse and enjoy some southern hospitality.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My Atlanta plans are Valkyries, catfish, lemon pepper wings and collard greens,” said Stewart, who is organizing a pregame meetup on Wednesday. “I love soul food, so I will probably be finding as many spots as possible for every meal.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Lynette Mackey flew in Wednesday morning for game three, as well. The San Francisco resident was most excited to see one of the Valkyries star players, Gabby Williams, who started playing basketball at the Mission Recreation Center in the city, where Mackey’s daughter also played. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If we bring our game that we normally play, we will be okay,” Mackey told KQED while strolling the streets of downtown Atlanta. “We’re going to cheer inside there as loud as we can. Go Valks!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With the playoffs happening in the middle of the work week, some fans were hoping for good luck on the court and the tarmac.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105530\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/IMG_8939-preview-KQED-ddb30caf-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lynette Mackey shows off her purple nails ahead of the WNBA Finals Game 3 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream, in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Sydney JohnsonKQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sanya Khanna and her partner were set to fly in on Wednesday with an expected arrival time in Atlanta around 6:30 p.m. The couple had not bought tickets to Game 3 as of Tuesday, but said that if their flight landed on time, they would head straight to the arena to try to snag seats. And either way, they’ll definitely be at Game 4 on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m going to make my signs and dress up in violet, and my partner has a wig. We’re all prepared and excited for the game,” said Khanna, who is a season ticket holder. “We have been fans since day one. We’re absolutely in awe of all the players and our coach. The vibes are great.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shelmun Dashan was flying to Atlanta on Tuesday coincidentally for a work conference, but still arrived at SFO with Valkyries swag to show some team spirit. After landing, she found out her boss bought tickets to the games in Atlanta — a welcome surprise for the Bay Area sports fan.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I played sports in high school, but I was always like, ‘This is just a game.’ This has helped me to recapture the joy of watching team sports and enjoying the fan experience, and I can’t imagine another team in the W has a better fan experience than the Valks,” Dashan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even more Valkyries followers are expected to descend on Atlanta ahead of Game 4 on Saturday, including Karlie O’Toole, a San Francisco-based fan who is traveling with her wife. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105553\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-8-KQED-4a07060d-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lynette Mackey, Valkyries fan of San Francisco, walks the streets of downtown Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The reason we’re traveling is it just feels like this is really special. It’s year two, and we’re about to potentially win the WNBA championship,” O’Toole said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Her group chats and fan threads are buzzing with plans to meet up in Atlanta this week. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re figuring out a place to make signs and gather and celebrate, and just bring the Ballhalla energy to Atlanta,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valkyries fandom has exploded since the team officially launched in 2025, becoming the most valuable team in the league after just its first season. That’s in part due to the team’s large squad of season ticket holders, including some who live far from the Bay Area and fly in for home games regularly. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nancy Clewett is flying to Atlanta from her home in Portland, Oregon, to see the Valkyries play Game 4 this week. She has made several trips to see the team play in San Francisco and even in New York City. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105241\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Clewett moved north a few years ago, after living most of her life in the Bay Area and following women’s basketball at the college level. Once it became clear that the Bay Area would have its own WNBA team, she got on board immediately. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The entire purpose of this trip is to see the Valkyries play the Dream,” she said, adding that she’s just excited to see some good basketball, no matter who wins the game she attends. “As a women’s basketball fan, I can’t root against Angel (Reese),” she said, referring to the Dream’s star player. “So I’m not too brokenhearted that the Valkyries lost this week, although winning it all in four games would have been nice. But I think it will be even better to win it at home in San Francisco.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valkyries fans filling the stadium in Atlanta this week said the community they’ve built in the stands is just as magical as the wins happening on the court this season. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re going to support this team no matter what, and that right now for me is supporting them on the road,” said Miles Ott, who is based in Oakland and attending Game 4 in Atlanta. “To get to be part of this community and just let my support for this team be known, and what they stand for, that’s meaningful to me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals",
"title": "Valkyries Fall to Dream, 79-65 in Game 2 of WNBA Finals",
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"headTitle": "Valkyries Fall to Dream, 79-65 in Game 2 of WNBA Finals | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Ballhalla saw its \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> fall for the first time this postseason, as the Atlanta Dream pulled ahead in the second half Monday evening and clinched the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Riding into Game 2 of the WNBA Finals off a four-point win Saturday, the Valkyries struggled to stay afloat. After losing the lead right at halftime, the team put up only nine points in the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the Dream tacked on 21 points to end the third quarter strong, finishing with a 14-point lead over the Valkyries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The crowd erupted in groans during a handful of foul calls in the third quarter — with some fans chanting “Ref, you suck!” from the bleachers, according to KQED’s Natalia Navarro, who reported live from Ballhalla. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105237\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105237\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries huddle after losing to the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105230\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105230\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton plays during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105228\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105228\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105236\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105236\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans react after the Golden State Valkyries lose to the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jordin Canada ended the quarter with a buzzer beater from across the court, before the Dream continued dominating the fourth quarter, scoring an additional 19 points. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Angel Reese carried the Dream’s offense with a double-double — 30 points and 16 rebounds. She also made history, becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to have at least 20 points and 10 boards in a Finals game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Dream sank nearly twice as many free throws as the Valkyries, clearing 30 out of 35 shots from the line, with the Valkyries making 16 out of 19. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries fought through the end, putting 19 points on the board in the fourth quarter, but ultimately, were left chasing the Dream, who forced 19 turnovers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the postgame conference, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton said they “shot terribly” and that they “need to be able to take a punch and punch back.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Despite the loss, the fans still have faith and they kept the energy high through the bitter end.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These ladies can pull it out,” Merrill Feather told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The good news is, there will be one more game here and they’ll take it then,” Paul Wedel said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The franchise has come a long — and fast — way since its debut in 2024. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the WNBA’s 13th addition to the league, the Valkyries have seen an explosive rise, with one of the league’s most devoted fan bases. Violet-clad crowds flock to Chase Center to cheer them on, and the team has already broken records. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Earlier this month, \u003cem>Sportico\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/golden-state-valkyries-revenue-first-100-million-1234946807/\">reported\u003c/a> that the Valkyries became the first professional women’s sports team in history to surpass $100 million in annual revenue. It also estimated that after a full WNBA Finals run, the Valkyries could end up bringing in around $30 million more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105230\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105230\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton plays during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105243\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105243\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">East Bay rapper LaRussell performs at halftime during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105227\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105227\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105241\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105241\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Athletic’s podcast, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/287-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/\">No Offseason\u003c/a>, said that Ballhalla gives the Valkyries a significant home-court advantage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries sold out every game this \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-sell-out-all-home-games-for-second-consecutive-season\">season\u003c/a> and last — packing the stands with violet wigs, sequin jackets and fans chanting “G-S-V” until they \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">lose their voices\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Games 3 and 4 will take place in Atlanta’s 17,000-seat State Farm Arena. The venue is an upgrade from the Dream’s usual home, the Gateway Center Arena at College Park, which holds just 3,500 fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To make the move work, Game 3 was pushed up from Oct. 22 to Oct. 21. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For Game 4, the Hawks changed their tipoff time on Oct. 24 from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the Valkyries and the Dream changed theirs from 3:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105173\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105173\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Toni Noonan wears Golden State Valkyries face paint before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105223\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105223\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stacey Camillo cheers before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the Valkyries are away, fans can cheer together throughout the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">city\u003c/a> or stop by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104572/going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla\">Boohalla\u003c/a> to get in the violet spirit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If the series goes to Game 7, the Valkyries and the Dream return to San Francisco for a haunted Halloween showdown. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A standout moment for Game 2, KQED’s Natalia Navarro reported, was what came after the buzzer. Valkyries fans proved their reputation, chanting “G-S-V” for a solid minute and cheering the team off the court.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105223\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stacey Camillo cheers before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105223\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stacey Camillo cheers before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the Valkyries are away, fans can cheer together throughout the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">city\u003c/a> or stop by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104572/going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla\">Boohalla\u003c/a> to get in the violet spirit. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While the Valkyries are away, fans can cheer together throughout the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">city\u003c/a> or stop by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104572/going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla\">Boohalla\u003c/a> to get in the violet spirit. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If the series goes to Game 7, the Valkyries and the Dream return to San Francisco for a haunted Halloween showdown. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If the series goes to Game 7, the Valkyries and the Dream return to San Francisco for a haunted Halloween showdown. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A standout moment for Game 2, KQED’s Natalia Navarro reported, was what came after the buzzer. Valkyries fans proved their reputation, chanting “G-S-V” for a solid minute and cheering the team off the court.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A standout moment for Game 2, KQED’s Natalia Navarro reported, was what came after the buzzer. Valkyries fans proved their reputation, chanting “G-S-V” for a solid minute and cheering the team off the court.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "After a tight first half, the Dream pulled ahead in the third and fourth quarters, securing a win over the Golden State Valkyries. Next stop — Atlanta for Game 3. ",
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"title": "Valkyries Fall to Dream, 79-65 in Game 2 of WNBA Finals | KQED",
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"headline": "Valkyries Fall to Dream, 79-65 in Game 2 of WNBA Finals",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Ballhalla saw its \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> fall for the first time this postseason, as the Atlanta Dream pulled ahead in the second half Monday evening and clinched the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Riding into Game 2 of the WNBA Finals off a four-point win Saturday, the Valkyries struggled to stay afloat. After losing the lead right at halftime, the team put up only nine points in the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the Dream tacked on 21 points to end the third quarter strong, finishing with a 14-point lead over the Valkyries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The crowd erupted in groans during a handful of foul calls in the third quarter — with some fans chanting “Ref, you suck!” from the bleachers, according to KQED’s Natalia Navarro, who reported live from Ballhalla. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105237\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105237\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries huddle after losing to the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105230\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105230\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton plays during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105228\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105228\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105236\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105236\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans react after the Golden State Valkyries lose to the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jordin Canada ended the quarter with a buzzer beater from across the court, before the Dream continued dominating the fourth quarter, scoring an additional 19 points. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Angel Reese carried the Dream’s offense with a double-double — 30 points and 16 rebounds. She also made history, becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to have at least 20 points and 10 boards in a Finals game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Dream sank nearly twice as many free throws as the Valkyries, clearing 30 out of 35 shots from the line, with the Valkyries making 16 out of 19. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries fought through the end, putting 19 points on the board in the fourth quarter, but ultimately, were left chasing the Dream, who forced 19 turnovers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the postgame conference, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton said they “shot terribly” and that they “need to be able to take a punch and punch back.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Despite the loss, the fans still have faith and they kept the energy high through the bitter end.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These ladies can pull it out,” Merrill Feather told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The good news is, there will be one more game here and they’ll take it then,” Paul Wedel said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The franchise has come a long — and fast — way since its debut in 2024. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the WNBA’s 13th addition to the league, the Valkyries have seen an explosive rise, with one of the league’s most devoted fan bases. Violet-clad crowds flock to Chase Center to cheer them on, and the team has already broken records. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Earlier this month, \u003cem>Sportico\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/golden-state-valkyries-revenue-first-100-million-1234946807/\">reported\u003c/a> that the Valkyries became the first professional women’s sports team in history to surpass $100 million in annual revenue. It also estimated that after a full WNBA Finals run, the Valkyries could end up bringing in around $30 million more.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105230\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105230\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton plays during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105243\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105243\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">East Bay rapper LaRussell performs at halftime during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105227\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105227\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105241\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105241\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-26-BL-e17d384c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Athletic’s podcast, \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/287-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/\">No Offseason\u003c/a>, said that Ballhalla gives the Valkyries a significant home-court advantage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries sold out every game this \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/golden-state-valkyries-sell-out-all-home-games-for-second-consecutive-season\">season\u003c/a> and last — packing the stands with violet wigs, sequin jackets and fans chanting “G-S-V” until they \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">lose their voices\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Games 3 and 4 will take place in Atlanta’s 17,000-seat State Farm Arena. The venue is an upgrade from the Dream’s usual home, the Gateway Center Arena at College Park, which holds just 3,500 fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>To make the move work, Game 3 was pushed up from Oct. 22 to Oct. 21. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For Game 4, the Hawks changed their tipoff time on Oct. 24 from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the Valkyries and the Dream changed theirs from 3:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105173\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105173\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Toni Noonan wears Golden State Valkyries face paint before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105223\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105223\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stacey Camillo cheers before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the Valkyries are away, fans can cheer together throughout the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">city\u003c/a> or stop by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104572/going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla\">Boohalla\u003c/a> to get in the violet spirit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If the series goes to Game 7, the Valkyries and the Dream return to San Francisco for a haunted Halloween showdown. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A standout moment for Game 2, KQED’s Natalia Navarro reported, was what came after the buzzer. Valkyries fans proved their reputation, chanting “G-S-V” for a solid minute and cheering the team off the court.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>It’s another first for the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> — the franchise’s first-ever WNBA Finals win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team took Game 1 of the best-of-seven series against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries channeled a lively Ballhalla crowd during the match, taking in yet another sold-out arena’s roars. The game was a close one, 68-64. The two teams went back and forth to take the lead until the last few minutes, when the Valkyries held on. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105004\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We always know we’re gonna find a way somehow,” forward Gabby Williams told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When asked how it felt to hear the crowd shout her name, Williams said it feels “like we’re not done yet.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Viveca Ycoy-Walton, who watched the game at Oakland’s Golden Ratio Bar, was feeling differently. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m feeling freaking amazing,” Ycoy-Walton said. “This is a moment for the Bay right now.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105012\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105012\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries celebrate their win against the Atlanta Dream during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105008\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105008\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Atlanta and Golden State are both top-tier defending teams, and as they battled, the Valkyries seemed to miss some of the shots they would usually make. Williams wasn’t worried. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I feel the belief and the trust from my teammates and staff. That’s why those moments don’t maybe feel as heavy, because I know whatever happens, this team is just going to find a way,” Williams said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fans cheered throughout the game and erupted when the Valkyries got the win. Even before the match, they showed their love for the atmosphere in and out of the arena. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Alisha Ardiana, dressed in lavender coveralls, hair and a Valkyries bag outside of Chase Center, made fun of her wife last year for her interest in the team — only to find herself basking in the joy she said she was surrounded by. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105001\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Today is about lavender,” Ardiana said. “So much of what is important about this event is that everyone gets to be a shiny 12-year-old version of themselves.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Carol Rossi’s journey to being a fan was a little different — she was a founding season ticket holder. She said she thought fans would mostly be other lesbians, but found that families, dads and people of all cultures were always around. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We like to say, ‘This is what our country would be like if Kamala [Harris] had been elected president,’” Rossi said. “Everyone’s welcome and we get along.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105007\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105007\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Season ticket holder Jessie Dotson said she’s been “all in” since experiencing the energy of the crowd.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just love the game, I love the vibe. It’s just like a happy place,” Dotson said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will be adding to their list of historic firsts if they win the series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’re only in their second season. Despite being the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, they were counted out by some in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, who they swept\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104979\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104979\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alisha Ardiana stands outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104978\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104978\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alison Garvin (left) and Mallory Haggart cheer outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’re no underdogs in the Finals, though. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Whether it’s thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeBIhTPNX8V/\">Ballhalla’s magic\u003c/a> or the undeniable strength of the team’s roster this year, ESPN predicted before Game 1 that the Valkyries had \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50182030/wnba-finals-2026-dream-valkyries-preview-predictions\">a 62.4% chance\u003c/a> of taking home the franchise’s first championship.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Dream, which swept the New York Liberty in its own semifinals series, hasn’t been to the finals since 2013, when they were swept (like they were the other two previous times the Dream reached the WNBA’s highest stage). But they have three All-Stars this year and are \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50190828/finals-ranking-best-players-playoffs\">leading\u003c/a> ESPN’s individual player playoff rankings.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the Valkyries’ first season, they clinched an expansion team’s first appearance in the playoffs after \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50162878/wnba-finals-2026-golden-state-valkyries-expansion-team\">achieving\u003c/a> the league’s second-best first-year winning percentage ever. They were swept in the first round, but clearly didn’t give up. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104977\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans stand outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’re the first professional women’s sports team \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/golden-state-valkyries-hit-record-100-million-annual-revenue-worlds-most-valuable-womens-sports-franchise-nearing-1-billion/19936590/\">to generate at least\u003c/a> $100 million in annual revenue — in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48645552/valkyries-wnba-most-valuable-team-2nd-straight-year\">second year in a row, the Valks have posted\u003c/a> the highest value of any WNBA team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ycoy-Walton said if they win, it will be “by design.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s no secret that at the second year of what they’ve built there in the organization, from the [general manager] all the way down to the coaches, even to the support staff, they built something really special here in Oakland even though they play in [San Francisco],” Ycoy-Walton said. “Oakland really has a big piece of the heart of the Valks.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>V Vasquez, a bartender at Golden Ratio, said at halftime that the Valkyries mean more for Oakland because of the departure of other professional sports teams like the former Oakland Raiders and the A’s. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105017\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s a bummer to see them go,” Vasquez said. “A women’s basketball team, I feel like it’s bringing in a lot of people who maybe weren’t following the WNBA before.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Game 2 of the Finals is at Chase Center on Monday at 5 p.m., and Nakase is hoping fans bring even more energy. “Level up, right? We gotta go Game 2,” Nakase said after the game. “ It has to be better, we’re gonna ask more from our players, so I’d say … rest and recover, Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The team took Game 1 of the best-of-seven series against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries channeled a lively Ballhalla crowd during the match, taking in yet another sold-out arena’s roars. The game was a close one, 68-64. The two teams went back and forth to take the lead until the last few minutes, when the Valkyries held on. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105004\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We always know we’re gonna find a way somehow,” forward Gabby Williams told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When asked how it felt to hear the crowd shout her name, Williams said it feels “like we’re not done yet.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Atlanta and Golden State are both top-tier defending teams, and as they battled, the Valkyries seemed to miss some of the shots they would usually make. Williams wasn’t worried. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Alisha Ardiana, dressed in lavender coveralls, hair and a Valkyries bag outside of Chase Center, made fun of her wife last year for her interest in the team — only to find herself basking in the joy she said she was surrounded by. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Today is about lavender,” Ardiana said. “So much of what is important about this event is that everyone gets to be a shiny 12-year-old version of themselves.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Carol Rossi’s journey to being a fan was a little different — she was a founding season ticket holder. She said she thought fans would mostly be other lesbians, but found that families, dads and people of all cultures were always around. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105000\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Season ticket holder Jessie Dotson said she’s been “all in” since experiencing the energy of the crowd.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will be adding to their list of historic firsts if they win the series. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They’re only in their second season. Despite being the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, they were counted out by some in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, who they swept\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104979\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alisha Ardiana stands outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104978\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alison Garvin (left) and Mallory Haggart cheer outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Whether it’s thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeBIhTPNX8V/\">Ballhalla’s magic\u003c/a> or the undeniable strength of the team’s roster this year, ESPN predicted before Game 1 that the Valkyries had \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50182030/wnba-finals-2026-dream-valkyries-preview-predictions\">a 62.4% chance\u003c/a> of taking home the franchise’s first championship.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Dream, which swept the New York Liberty in its own semifinals series, hasn’t been to the finals since 2013, when they were swept (like they were the other two previous times the Dream reached the WNBA’s highest stage). But they have three All-Stars this year and are \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50190828/finals-ranking-best-players-playoffs\">leading\u003c/a> ESPN’s individual player playoff rankings.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the Valkyries’ first season, they clinched an expansion team’s first appearance in the playoffs after \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50162878/wnba-finals-2026-golden-state-valkyries-expansion-team\">achieving\u003c/a> the league’s second-best first-year winning percentage ever. They were swept in the first round, but clearly didn’t give up. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In the Valkyries’ first season, they clinched an expansion team’s first appearance in the playoffs after \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50162878/wnba-finals-2026-golden-state-valkyries-expansion-team\">achieving\u003c/a> the league’s second-best first-year winning percentage ever. They were swept in the first round, but clearly didn’t give up. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104977\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans stand outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They’re the first professional women’s sports team \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/golden-state-valkyries-hit-record-100-million-annual-revenue-worlds-most-valuable-womens-sports-franchise-nearing-1-billion/19936590/\">to generate at least\u003c/a> $100 million in annual revenue — in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48645552/valkyries-wnba-most-valuable-team-2nd-straight-year\">second year in a row, the Valks have posted\u003c/a> the highest value of any WNBA team. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ycoy-Walton said if they win, it will be “by design.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s no secret that at the second year of what they’ve built there in the organization, from the [general manager] all the way down to the coaches, even to the support staff, they built something really special here in Oakland even though they play in [San Francisco],” Ycoy-Walton said. “Oakland really has a big piece of the heart of the Valks.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>V Vasquez, a bartender at Golden Ratio, said at halftime that the Valkyries mean more for Oakland because of the departure of other professional sports teams like the former Oakland Raiders and the A’s. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>V Vasquez, a bartender at Golden Ratio, said at halftime that the Valkyries mean more for Oakland because of the departure of other professional sports teams like the former Oakland Raiders and the A’s. \u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105017\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s a bummer to see them go,” Vasquez said. “A women’s basketball team, I feel like it’s bringing in a lot of people who maybe weren’t following the WNBA before.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Game 2 of the Finals is at Chase Center on Monday at 5 p.m., and Nakase is hoping fans bring even more energy. “Level up, right? We gotta go Game 2,” Nakase said after the game. “ It has to be better, we’re gonna ask more from our players, so I’d say … rest and recover, Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Game 2 of the Finals is at Chase Center on Monday at 5 p.m., and Nakase is hoping fans bring even more energy. “Level up, right? We gotta go Game 2,” Nakase said after the game. “ It has to be better, we’re gonna ask more from our players, so I’d say … rest and recover, Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The Valkyries bested the Atlanta Dream at San Francisco’s Chase Center. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>It’s another first for the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> — the franchise’s first-ever WNBA Finals win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team took Game 1 of the best-of-seven series against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries channeled a lively Ballhalla crowd during the match, taking in yet another sold-out arena’s roars. The game was a close one, 68-64. The two teams went back and forth to take the lead until the last few minutes, when the Valkyries held on. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105004\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-21-BL-38e239e7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We always know we’re gonna find a way somehow,” forward Gabby Williams told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When asked how it felt to hear the crowd shout her name, Williams said it feels “like we’re not done yet.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Viveca Ycoy-Walton, who watched the game at Oakland’s Golden Ratio Bar, was feeling differently. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m feeling freaking amazing,” Ycoy-Walton said. “This is a moment for the Bay right now.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105012\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105012\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries celebrate their win against the Atlanta Dream during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105008\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105008\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Atlanta and Golden State are both top-tier defending teams, and as they battled, the Valkyries seemed to miss some of the shots they would usually make. Williams wasn’t worried. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I feel the belief and the trust from my teammates and staff. That’s why those moments don’t maybe feel as heavy, because I know whatever happens, this team is just going to find a way,” Williams said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fans cheered throughout the game and erupted when the Valkyries got the win. Even before the match, they showed their love for the atmosphere in and out of the arena. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Alisha Ardiana, dressed in lavender coveralls, hair and a Valkyries bag outside of Chase Center, made fun of her wife last year for her interest in the team — only to find herself basking in the joy she said she was surrounded by. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105001\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Today is about lavender,” Ardiana said. “So much of what is important about this event is that everyone gets to be a shiny 12-year-old version of themselves.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Carol Rossi’s journey to being a fan was a little different — she was a founding season ticket holder. She said she thought fans would mostly be other lesbians, but found that families, dads and people of all cultures were always around. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We like to say, ‘This is what our country would be like if Kamala [Harris] had been elected president,’” Rossi said. “Everyone’s welcome and we get along.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105000\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-17-BL-eb68ee9e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12105007\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105007\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Season ticket holder Jessie Dotson said she’s been “all in” since experiencing the energy of the crowd.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just love the game, I love the vibe. It’s just like a happy place,” Dotson said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will be adding to their list of historic firsts if they win the series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’re only in their second season. Despite being the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, they were counted out by some in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, who they swept\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104979\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104979\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-10-BL-e1c6ec8d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alisha Ardiana stands outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104978\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104978\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-08-BL-2891b308-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alison Garvin (left) and Mallory Haggart cheer outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’re no underdogs in the Finals, though. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Whether it’s thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeBIhTPNX8V/\">Ballhalla’s magic\u003c/a> or the undeniable strength of the team’s roster this year, ESPN predicted before Game 1 that the Valkyries had \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50182030/wnba-finals-2026-dream-valkyries-preview-predictions\">a 62.4% chance\u003c/a> of taking home the franchise’s first championship.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Dream, which swept the New York Liberty in its own semifinals series, hasn’t been to the finals since 2013, when they were swept (like they were the other two previous times the Dream reached the WNBA’s highest stage). But they have three All-Stars this year and are \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50190828/finals-ranking-best-players-playoffs\">leading\u003c/a> ESPN’s individual player playoff rankings.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the Valkyries’ first season, they clinched an expansion team’s first appearance in the playoffs after \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50162878/wnba-finals-2026-golden-state-valkyries-expansion-team\">achieving\u003c/a> the league’s second-best first-year winning percentage ever. They were swept in the first round, but clearly didn’t give up. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104977\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-03-BL-7f500e70-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans stand outside Chase Center in San Francisco before the WNBA Finals game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They’re the first professional women’s sports team \u003ca href=\"https://abc7news.com/post/golden-state-valkyries-hit-record-100-million-annual-revenue-worlds-most-valuable-womens-sports-franchise-nearing-1-billion/19936590/\">to generate at least\u003c/a> $100 million in annual revenue — in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48645552/valkyries-wnba-most-valuable-team-2nd-straight-year\">second year in a row, the Valks have posted\u003c/a> the highest value of any WNBA team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ycoy-Walton said if they win, it will be “by design.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s no secret that at the second year of what they’ve built there in the organization, from the [general manager] all the way down to the coaches, even to the support staff, they built something really special here in Oakland even though they play in [San Francisco],” Ycoy-Walton said. “Oakland really has a big piece of the heart of the Valks.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>V Vasquez, a bartender at Golden Ratio, said at halftime that the Valkyries mean more for Oakland because of the departure of other professional sports teams like the former Oakland Raiders and the A’s. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105017\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-31-BL-a8bc3c98-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Golden State Valkyries during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 17, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s a bummer to see them go,” Vasquez said. “A women’s basketball team, I feel like it’s bringing in a lot of people who maybe weren’t following the WNBA before.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Game 2 of the Finals is at Chase Center on Monday at 5 p.m., and Nakase is hoping fans bring even more energy. “Level up, right? We gotta go Game 2,” Nakase said after the game. “ It has to be better, we’re gonna ask more from our players, so I’d say … rest and recover, Ballhalla.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "part-of-the-presidio-san-francisco-bids-farewell-to-beloved-indoor-park-house-of-air",
"title": "Part of the Presidio: San Francisco Bids Farewell to Beloved Indoor Park, House of Air",
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"headTitle": "Part of the Presidio: San Francisco Bids Farewell to Beloved Indoor Park, House of Air | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>For kids who have been going to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s House of Air, a beloved trampoline park in the Presidio, things just won’t be the same when it closes early next year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>House of Air announced Thursday that it will close on Feb. 15, 2027, because it didn’t renew its lease that ends at the beginning of March.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The facility — a former U.S. Army airplane hangar — has stayed true to its roots since its debut in 2010, bringing flightless play and good times of all kinds across its 8,000 square feet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It has dodgeball, general jumping, training for athletes, birthdays — which kids said they can’t find anywhere else. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-06-BL-KQED-5150d7a6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104677\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-06-BL-KQED-5150d7a6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-06-BL-KQED-5150d7a6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-06-BL-KQED-5150d7a6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A staff member jumps on a trampoline at the House of Air Trampoline Park and Cafe near Crissy Field in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t want it to close because this place is a part of San Francisco,” said Lee, 11, who has been coming to the park for years. “It’s a part of the Presidio [that] is missing now. It’s all just gone.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The original facility, officially known as Building 926, was built in 1921. Restored for House of Air’s opening in partnership with its landlord, Presidio Trust, the company said it has since boasted over one million visitors. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Daniel Matsumoto, general manager for the park, said that the company decided not to renew its lease after exploring renewal options with the Presidio Trust. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There would be high costs associated with keeping the lease in this space, and we don’t feel that it’s something that we can meet necessarily,” Matsumoto said, adding that business had been doing really well recently. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The park’s bread and butter, Matsumoto said, is just general jumping and doing many birthday parties. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think most kids in the city have been to a birthday party here at some point,” Matsumoto said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s exactly what Damaris Sosa Clahr, along with her daughter and a friend, came for on Friday afternoon, when kids and parents had just begun to trickle in on an otherwise quiet day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You know, it’s something to do indoors, and I could just sit and relax while they’re playing,” Sosa Clahr said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Friends Mikko M. and Gibson M., both 11 years old, said they come to the park at least once a month and have met many friends during their time at House of Air. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s gonna be hard to beat,” Mikko said. “I just love this place a lot.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When asked where they might go instead, all of the young jumpers that KQED spoke with said they didn’t know of anything else that compared to House of Air. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104673\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The House of Air Trampoline Park and Cafe near Crissy Field in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And even location-wise, it’s so classic and iconic. It’s facing Crissy Field,” said Grace, 17. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The park is still open for play until it closes in February. Jumpers can show up for regular general jumping and other activities until then. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Matsumoto said there will be a special farewell event closer to its closing date, with plans underway. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s not yet clear what the Presidio Trust — which will decide what happens to the former airplane hangar and trampoline park — will look for next. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But several kids suggested an idea for it: another trampoline park.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104673\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The House of Air Trampoline Park and Cafe near Crissy Field in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“And even location-wise, it’s so classic and iconic. It’s facing Crissy Field,” said Grace, 17. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The park is still open for play until it closes in February. Jumpers can show up for regular general jumping and other activities until then. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Matsumoto said there will be a special farewell event closer to its closing date, with plans underway. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s not yet clear what the Presidio Trust — which will decide what happens to the former airplane hangar and trampoline park — will look for next. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But several kids suggested an idea for it: another trampoline park.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Kids say they don’t want the 16-year-old trampoline park to close after the company announced Thursday that its doors would shut in early 2027.",
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"title": "Part of the Presidio: San Francisco Bids Farewell to Beloved Indoor Park, House of Air | KQED",
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"headline": "Part of the Presidio: San Francisco Bids Farewell to Beloved Indoor Park, House of Air",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>For kids who have been going to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s House of Air, a beloved trampoline park in the Presidio, things just won’t be the same when it closes early next year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>House of Air announced Thursday that it will close on Feb. 15, 2027, because it didn’t renew its lease that ends at the beginning of March.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The facility — a former U.S. Army airplane hangar — has stayed true to its roots since its debut in 2010, bringing flightless play and good times of all kinds across its 8,000 square feet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It has dodgeball, general jumping, training for athletes, birthdays — which kids said they can’t find anywhere else. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-06-BL-KQED-5150d7a6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104677\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-06-BL-KQED-5150d7a6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-06-BL-KQED-5150d7a6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-06-BL-KQED-5150d7a6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A staff member jumps on a trampoline at the House of Air Trampoline Park and Cafe near Crissy Field in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t want it to close because this place is a part of San Francisco,” said Lee, 11, who has been coming to the park for years. “It’s a part of the Presidio [that] is missing now. It’s all just gone.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The original facility, officially known as Building 926, was built in 1921. Restored for House of Air’s opening in partnership with its landlord, Presidio Trust, the company said it has since boasted over one million visitors. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Daniel Matsumoto, general manager for the park, said that the company decided not to renew its lease after exploring renewal options with the Presidio Trust. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There would be high costs associated with keeping the lease in this space, and we don’t feel that it’s something that we can meet necessarily,” Matsumoto said, adding that business had been doing really well recently. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The park’s bread and butter, Matsumoto said, is just general jumping and doing many birthday parties. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I think most kids in the city have been to a birthday party here at some point,” Matsumoto said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s exactly what Damaris Sosa Clahr, along with her daughter and a friend, came for on Friday afternoon, when kids and parents had just begun to trickle in on an otherwise quiet day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You know, it’s something to do indoors, and I could just sit and relax while they’re playing,” Sosa Clahr said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Friends Mikko M. and Gibson M., both 11 years old, said they come to the park at least once a month and have met many friends during their time at House of Air. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s gonna be hard to beat,” Mikko said. “I just love this place a lot.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When asked where they might go instead, all of the young jumpers that KQED spoke with said they didn’t know of anything else that compared to House of Air. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104673\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-HOUSEOFAIR-01-BL-KQED-6f2e4de0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The House of Air Trampoline Park and Cafe near Crissy Field in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And even location-wise, it’s so classic and iconic. It’s facing Crissy Field,” said Grace, 17. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The park is still open for play until it closes in February. Jumpers can show up for regular general jumping and other activities until then. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Matsumoto said there will be a special farewell event closer to its closing date, with plans underway. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s not yet clear what the Presidio Trust — which will decide what happens to the former airplane hangar and trampoline park — will look for next. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But several kids suggested an idea for it: another trampoline park.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla",
"title": "Going to Cheer for the Valkyries This Saturday? Stop by ‘Boohalla’",
"publishDate": 1792179298,
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"headTitle": "Going to Cheer for the Valkyries This Saturday? Stop by ‘Boohalla’ | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>At the intersection of Third Avenue and Clement Street in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s Inner Richmond, there stands a perfect encapsulation of how this reporter’s October is going: A Halloween-themed Valkyries installation, fittingly titled \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area couple Sarah Swig, left, and Ainsley Rossitto, right, who created “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, speak about their creative process and inspiration behind the tribute display at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Can you tell we’re passionate?” said Sarah Swig, steward of Boohalla. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s become, like, my whole personality,” her wife, Ainsley Rossitto, said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">how to follow the finals and where to watch the game\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&femb=1&ll=0%2C0&z=7\">bars in or near the Inner Richmond\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1393\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-1536x1070.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A “This is Boohalla” flag hangs in the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We did a little bottle service for the skeletons here to celebrate,” Rossitto said. “We have some things rolling out for the Dream very soon.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And with the display come the Valkyries’ fervent fans. Rossitto said that they regularly find people outside their yard, taking pictures and posting on social media.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104690\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104690\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bentley, the 12-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, stands in “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" data-id=\"12104679\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104679\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Halle Berry, Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams’ cat, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tombstone with WNBA team logos that the Golden State Valkyries have defeated is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104686\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104686\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton holding queen and ace cards is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It is especially a hit among kids on their way to school. Two little girls told Swig that they wanted to be Valkyries for Halloween. A young boy, she said, saw the display and rattled off, by heart, all of the teams in the WNBA league. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s really heartwarming,” Swig said. “This fan base is just so positive, and that really stems from the players, from the leadership, from the team … They really cultivated the entire Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That diversity is reflected in the fans the couple has met. They said that people have stopped by the house traveling from all over the Bay Area — Santa Rosa to the East Bay to the Peninsula. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“They don’t feel like strangers,” Rossitto said. “You guys are bonded by the same thing, and the fandom, and everybody’s been so friendly … I’d say hundreds of people have come by.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And many of them are hungry for more. The couple has already been asked what they are planning for Christmas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ll be back next year,” Rossitto said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Make the pilgrimage to this decorated Inner Richmond home during the WNBA Finals. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>At the intersection of Third Avenue and Clement Street in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s Inner Richmond, there stands a perfect encapsulation of how this reporter’s October is going: A Halloween-themed Valkyries installation, fittingly titled \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area couple Sarah Swig, left, and Ainsley Rossitto, right, who created “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, speak about their creative process and inspiration behind the tribute display at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Can you tell we’re passionate?” said Sarah Swig, steward of Boohalla. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s become, like, my whole personality,” her wife, Ainsley Rossitto, said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">how to follow the finals and where to watch the game\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&femb=1&ll=0%2C0&z=7\">bars in or near the Inner Richmond\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1393\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-1536x1070.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A “This is Boohalla” flag hangs in the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We did a little bottle service for the skeletons here to celebrate,” Rossitto said. “We have some things rolling out for the Dream very soon.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And with the display come the Valkyries’ fervent fans. Rossitto said that they regularly find people outside their yard, taking pictures and posting on social media.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104690\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104690\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bentley, the 12-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, stands in “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" data-id=\"12104679\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104679\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Halle Berry, Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams’ cat, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tombstone with WNBA team logos that the Golden State Valkyries have defeated is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104686\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104686\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton holding queen and ace cards is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It is especially a hit among kids on their way to school. Two little girls told Swig that they wanted to be Valkyries for Halloween. A young boy, she said, saw the display and rattled off, by heart, all of the teams in the WNBA league. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s really heartwarming,” Swig said. “This fan base is just so positive, and that really stems from the players, from the leadership, from the team … They really cultivated the entire Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That diversity is reflected in the fans the couple has met. They said that people have stopped by the house traveling from all over the Bay Area — Santa Rosa to the East Bay to the Peninsula. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“They don’t feel like strangers,” Rossitto said. “You guys are bonded by the same thing, and the fandom, and everybody’s been so friendly … I’d say hundreds of people have come by.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And many of them are hungry for more. The couple has already been asked what they are planning for Christmas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ll be back next year,” Rossitto said.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals",
"title": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals",
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"headTitle": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)",
"Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)",
"Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)",
"Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)",
"Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)",
"Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)"
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"text": "How to watch the games online"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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"text": "How to watch the game in person"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Events hosted by ValQueeries",
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"Salesforce Park in San Francisco (starts Monday)",
"The Center in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)",
"Rikki’s in San Francisco",
"Hi Tops in San Francisco",
"Mother in San Francisco",
"Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco",
"Valley Tavern in San Francisco",
"Providence Night Club in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"Woodbury Bar in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"Skylark in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"The Disability Cultural Center in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)",
"George & Walt’s in Oakland",
"Xingones Cantina in Oakland",
"Oakland Athletic Club in Oakland",
"White Horse Bar in Oakland",
"Understory in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)",
"Barebottle Brewing Company in Santa Clara",
"Rookie’s Sports Lodge in San José"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Where you can watch the Valkyries’ games as the team makes it to the WNBA Finals in its second year.",
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"title": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
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"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
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"marketplace": {
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
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"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
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"politicalbreakdown": {
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"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
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"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
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"pri-the-world": {
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"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
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"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
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"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
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"reveal": {
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"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
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},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
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"order": 16
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},
"science-friday": {
"id": "science-friday",
"title": "Science Friday",
"info": "Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations nationwide. Each week, the show focuses on science topics that are in the news and tries to bring an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science and to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.",
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"snap-judgment": {
"id": "snap-judgment",
"title": "Snap Judgment",
"tagline": "Real stories with killer beats",
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