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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a postcard-perfect day in the Bay, thousands of Golden State Valkyries fans showed up and showed out along San Francisco’s waterfront Wednesday to celebrate their newly crowned champions of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The much anticipated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107759/where-is-valkyries-parade-route-san-francisco-sf-2026-wednesday-nov-4-bart-muni\">victory parade\u003c/a> delivered a double dose of joy and revelry in the region, just days after the Bay Area’s hugely successful professional women’s basketball team defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">win the league championship\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries clinching the title in only their second season set a record as the fastest that any professional basketball expansion team has accomplished such a feat. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team’s focus on including and celebrating fans from many different backgrounds and lifestyles has helped drive sellout crowds for every home game, and the undying loyalty and reciprocal love was on full display Wednesday. \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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108315\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, ahead of a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Bay Area hip-hop music blared, the champs rolled by on violet buses dancing, throwing out swag and hopping out to dap up, hug and high-five their many fans throughout the Embarcadero, leaving a wake of exhilaration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It means everything to me. It shows that these women put in so much effort to do everything here for the Bay and all the hard work that they put in,” said diehard fan Lie Crescini, who staked out a spot along the parade route at 7:30 a.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crescini flew in from Hawaii the same way she has for every home game and some away games. The Valkyries fandom, she said, is a huge part of what draws her. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s the best feeling ever because it’s like having 18,000 new family members that you actually like,” she said. “It’s a beautiful feeling … it’s a feeling that has definitely shaped my life.”\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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108350\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward, Gabby Williams, celebrates with her WNBA finals MVP trophy at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans decked out head-to-toe in the team’s signature violet were allowed to officially begin lining up along the parade route at 9 a.m. (the earliest city officials said they would let them) from the Ferry Building to 2nd and King streets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marnie Carter, a San Francisco resident who played basketball at the University of San Francisco and now works to encourage young girls to continue playing through high school, college and beyond, joined the throngs of fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She said the Valkyries have helped bring attention and resources to not only women’s basketball, but youth basketball, as well. Players, she said, have inspired both girls and boys. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I have young men — my nephews are coming down here today — and they’re excited about it,” Carter said. “It’s so hard to get resources for what we do … It’s slowly started to grow.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stephanie Ashley and Whit Guerrero weren’t surprised to see big crowds, chalking up the Valkyries wide popularity to the inclusive vibe the team has cultivated. \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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-08-BL-KQED-ee1fc0fa.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108316\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-08-BL-KQED-ee1fc0fa.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-08-BL-KQED-ee1fc0fa-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-08-BL-KQED-ee1fc0fa-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Karsyn Arribas (left) and Michelle Tokarski cheer before the start of the Valkyries WNBA championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 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-11 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=\"12108312\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108312\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, ahead of a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/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=\"12108313\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108313\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Frances Choun (left) and Alice Tripplet cheer before the start of the Valkyries WNBA championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Their message is always about celebrating the culture and community in the Bay. I feel like there is just so much pride in who the Bay is and what the Bay is about,” Ashley said. “And it’s just really beautiful to see this team love on each other so much and love on the Bay so much, and then play so well together and win.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guerrero said they are trans and Mexican, and the team is “vocally supportive” of both of those communities and more. They felt embraced by the team during the season, including on special event nights. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Just having gone to the games and them having Native American heritage month, I think they had the Mexica dancers, they had the Glide Ensemble, so like very much people of color, communities that are local,” Guerrero said. “It feels like home.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The party began early for some fans traveling from across the Bay Area to get a glimpse of their favorite team. A kickoff rally in Oakland’s Jack London Square welcomed East Bay revelers before they boarded a ferry to reach the parade. \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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-28-MC-KQED-9719bf8b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108349\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-28-MC-KQED-9719bf8b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-28-MC-KQED-9719bf8b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-28-MC-KQED-9719bf8b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans, waiting for a ferry, watch celebrations at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was a historic playoff series for many individual players, as well. Valkyries powerhouse forward Gabby Williams — who played club basketball in San Francisco as a kid — scored 30 points in Saturday’s Game 7. With 28 of those points occurring in the second half, Williams broke a WNBA record for the most points in any playoff half. She took home the title of MVP for the 2026 WNBA Finals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking at the Oakland rally, Williams thanked the team, her agent, family and friends, and Valkyries fans for their support and making her feel at ease during Game 7 at Chase Center. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I couldn’t stop smiling, because I was like, ‘Look where I am.’ You guys took the stress off of my shoulders and allowed me to play so free,” Williams said. “I was ass, I was ass for like 30 minutes of that game. I hit one bucket and y’all erupted, and I thought, I’m about to have 40 points! This does not happen without every single person who is here.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite it being a school day, there were plenty of kids along the parade route, sharing in the excitement of getting to see their Bay Area champions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zayda Williams, 8, came from Daly City with her mom and aunt, and said her favorite player is Gabby Williams, who she has followed through televised games, but never seen in person before today. \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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108459\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LaRussell performs during the Golden State Valkyries championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, celebrating their WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zayda said her message to Williams would be to “keep working hard and never give up.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marc Staudenbaur from Pacifica attended San Francisco Giants championship parades, and said the togetherness at such events made him pull his two daughters out of school to attend this parade. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“When it’s a team sport that comes together, it brings out a special type of unity,” he said. “When you’re here to celebrate something that you all rooted for, it’s a special type of parade and I wanted my kids to be able to experience that.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Domonique Ousborn and her niece Lieria Ousborn came from Berkeley to experience the historic moment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s just monumental,” Ousborn said. “Women’s sports wasn’t always getting the light that they needed. And now having this opportunity, I had to bring my niece out. I had to show her that women can do anything they set their minds to, because we are powerful and we are strong.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The celebratory and playful atmosphere was on full display well before the parade even started moving down the waterfront, with fans chanting “GSV,” waiting in huge lines to buy Valkyries merchandise and posing for photos with the team’s raven mascot, Violet. \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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-09-MC-KQED-aa8ffa43.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108327\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-09-MC-KQED-aa8ffa43.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-09-MC-KQED-aa8ffa43-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-09-MC-KQED-aa8ffa43-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the Valkyrie hypes up fans at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/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=\"1333\" data-id=\"12108366\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108366\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward, Gabby Williams, embraces Oakland mayor, Barbara Lee, at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/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=\"12108367\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-61-MC-KQED-6223508b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108367\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-61-MC-KQED-6223508b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-61-MC-KQED-6223508b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-61-MC-KQED-6223508b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer and celebrate the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA championship win at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even a group of dogs out for a walk got in on the action with matching Valks shirts and winged helmets, lounging in a grassy patch near the end of the parade route. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parade was kicked off with plenty of pomp, as local celebrities and organizations like rapper LaRussell and the motorcycle group Dykes on Bikes helped amp up the crowds. Valkyries and Warriors owner Joe Lacob cruised down the route in a low rider among a fleet of classic cars, as did Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, fresh off an election victory, and wearing a bright purple wig, alongside artist Kehlani. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mayor Daniel Lurie strode by, while Rep. Nancy Pelosi waved from a passing cable car, as fans hung over barricades and screamed with joy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bus stuffed with players drove through as crowds chanted “MVP” for Gabby Williams, and players tossed out necklaces, t-shirts and towels after crossing under a massive purple and black balloon arch. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valkyries players bounded along the barricades to greet fans, including Kaitlyn Chen, who tossed out full cans of beer, while Justė Jocytė popped champagne and sprayed down groups of parade-goers. Veronica Burton took selfies with fans while wearing a “Women Run This Game” shirt and sunglasses.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some fans dressed in home-crafted customized dresses and garments, including one woman donning a violet ball gown with pictures of the players affixed to the front. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team’s broad powerful draw brought people from all over, including Kimberly Traverso, who along with her wife is a season ticket holder and drove four hours in traffic from Ione in Amador County to be in San Francisco this morning. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The atmosphere and energy of Ballhalla, the nickname given to Chase Center when it hosts Valkyries games, “means everything” to the couple because of its inclusiveness. \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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-20-MC-KQED-de8cfcd3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-20-MC-KQED-de8cfcd3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-20-MC-KQED-de8cfcd3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-20-MC-KQED-de8cfcd3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries pose with their WNBA championship trophy at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/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-13 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=\"12108325\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-01-MC-KQED-9e6cdb89.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108325\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-01-MC-KQED-9e6cdb89.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-01-MC-KQED-9e6cdb89-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-01-MC-KQED-9e6cdb89-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer and celebrate the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA championship win at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/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=\"12108335\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-17-MC-KQED-5f23bc9f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-17-MC-KQED-5f23bc9f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-17-MC-KQED-5f23bc9f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-17-MC-KQED-5f23bc9f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Oakland Mayor, Barbara Lee, watches the celebrations at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s just the best place to be. We’re season ticket holders and we love driving the two and a half, three hours to get there just to be a part of it,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traverso was hoping the giant prop of Burton’s “iconic” hair bun, which she fashioned from foam and stuffing, would be noticed by the player herself. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“You don’t want to see that bun coming downhill,” Traverso said. “I hope Burton sees it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Center Kiah Stokes also set an all-time WNBA Finals record with 19 total blocks during the series, while also clinching her fourth career WNBA championship title.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, Tiffany Hayes had a fairytale comeback story. The Valkyries shooting guard played 10 seasons with the Dream, retired in 2023, but returned to play with the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 and signed with the Golden State Valkyries in 2025. This year, Hayes won the WNBA championship against the team where she started and built her basketball career. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps no one on the team has had a better year than Coach Natalie Nakase, who also became the first Asian American head coach to win a WNBA championship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nakase’s fans were legion Wednesday, and she took plenty of time to walk along the route signing autographs, taking photos and chatting with supporters while wearing reflective wraparound sunglasses, gold bead necklaces and a shirt featuring a cartoon of herself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 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=\"12108467\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-38-BL-KQED-72d75bfd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108467\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-38-BL-KQED-72d75bfd.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-38-BL-KQED-72d75bfd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-38-BL-KQED-72d75bfd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries player Kaitlyn Chen sprays champagne into the crowd during the team’s championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, celebrating their WNBA championship victory. (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=\"12108457\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-16-BL-KQED-d4aedd2f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108457\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-16-BL-KQED-d4aedd2f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-16-BL-KQED-d4aedd2f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-16-BL-KQED-d4aedd2f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Dykes on Bikes motorcycle contingent led the Golden State Valkyries championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, celebrating their WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/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-15 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=\"12108466\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108466\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries player Veronica Burton greets the crowd lining the Embarcadero during the team’s championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 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=\"12108460\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108460\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, for a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sue Rojcewicz, a member of the inaugural U.S. women’s basketball team in 1976 when the team won a silver Olympic medal, came up from Monterey to celebrate the Valks and the growth of the sport the organization has spurred. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I have never felt so welcome as a fan. I think they’ve got the standard for really having sports explode,” Rojcewicz said. “I hope they hold that. They love the crowd, it’s all about love and joy and teamwork. So the sky’s the limit, because I think people are craving it. We want it.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In only two years, the Valkyries quickly became the most valuable women’s sports team in the world. Much of the revenue the team has raked in has come from sponsorships and a dedicated fanbase of season ticket holders, many of whom were planning to be at Wednesday’s parade also. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women’s sports still have a long way to go to reach parity with men’s sports in terms of pay, viewership and overall investment from sports leagues. But players and their fans, who sold out Chase Center over and over again this season, say that the momentum is only getting started. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This is just what happens when you invest in women’s sports,” Hayes said immediately following the team’s win on Saturday. “We ain’t going nowhere.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On a postcard-perfect day in the Bay, thousands of Golden State Valkyries fans showed up and showed out along San Francisco’s waterfront Wednesday to celebrate their newly crowned champions of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The much anticipated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107759/where-is-valkyries-parade-route-san-francisco-sf-2026-wednesday-nov-4-bart-muni\">victory parade\u003c/a> delivered a double dose of joy and revelry in the region, just days after the Bay Area’s hugely successful professional women’s basketball team defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">win the league championship\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries clinching the title in only their second season set a record as the fastest that any professional basketball expansion team has accomplished such a feat. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries clinching the title in only their second season set a record as the fastest that any professional basketball expansion team has accomplished such a feat. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The team’s focus on including and celebrating fans from many different backgrounds and lifestyles has helped drive sellout crowds for every home game, and the undying loyalty and reciprocal love was on full display Wednesday. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The team’s focus on including and celebrating fans from many different backgrounds and lifestyles has helped drive sellout crowds for every home game, and the undying loyalty and reciprocal love was on full display Wednesday. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108315\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, ahead of a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As Bay Area hip-hop music blared, the champs rolled by on violet buses dancing, throwing out swag and hopping out to dap up, hug and high-five their many fans throughout the Embarcadero, leaving a wake of exhilaration.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>As Bay Area hip-hop music blared, the champs rolled by on violet buses dancing, throwing out swag and hopping out to dap up, hug and high-five their many fans throughout the Embarcadero, leaving a wake of exhilaration.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It means everything to me. It shows that these women put in so much effort to do everything here for the Bay and all the hard work that they put in,” said diehard fan Lie Crescini, who staked out a spot along the parade route at 7:30 a.m. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It means everything to me. It shows that these women put in so much effort to do everything here for the Bay and all the hard work that they put in,” said diehard fan Lie Crescini, who staked out a spot along the parade route at 7:30 a.m. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Crescini flew in from Hawaii the same way she has for every home game and some away games. The Valkyries fandom, she said, is a huge part of what draws her. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Crescini flew in from Hawaii the same way she has for every home game and some away games. The Valkyries fandom, she said, is a huge part of what draws her. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s the best feeling ever because it’s like having 18,000 new family members that you actually like,” she said. “It’s a beautiful feeling … it’s a feeling that has definitely shaped my life.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s the best feeling ever because it’s like having 18,000 new family members that you actually like,” she said. “It’s a beautiful feeling … it’s a feeling that has definitely shaped my life.”\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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108350\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6-1536x1024.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 forward, Gabby Williams, celebrates with her WNBA finals MVP trophy at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108350\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward, Gabby Williams, celebrates with her WNBA finals MVP trophy at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fans decked out head-to-toe in the team’s signature violet were allowed to officially begin lining up along the parade route at 9 a.m. (the earliest city officials said they would let them) from the Ferry Building to 2nd and King streets.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fans decked out head-to-toe in the team’s signature violet were allowed to officially begin lining up along the parade route at 9 a.m. (the earliest city officials said they would let them) from the Ferry Building to 2nd and King streets.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Marnie Carter, a San Francisco resident who played basketball at the University of San Francisco and now works to encourage young girls to continue playing through high school, college and beyond, joined the throngs of fans. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Marnie Carter, a San Francisco resident who played basketball at the University of San Francisco and now works to encourage young girls to continue playing through high school, college and beyond, joined the throngs of fans. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She said the Valkyries have helped bring attention and resources to not only women’s basketball, but youth basketball, as well. Players, she said, have inspired both girls and boys. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I have young men — my nephews are coming down here today — and they’re excited about it,” Carter said. “It’s so hard to get resources for what we do … It’s slowly started to grow.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Stephanie Ashley and Whit Guerrero weren’t surprised to see big crowds, chalking up the Valkyries wide popularity to the inclusive vibe the team has cultivated. \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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108312\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, ahead of a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory.\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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108313\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Frances Choun (left) and Alice Tripplet cheer before the start of the Valkyries WNBA championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Their message is always about celebrating the culture and community in the Bay. I feel like there is just so much pride in who the Bay is and what the Bay is about,” Ashley said. “And it’s just really beautiful to see this team love on each other so much and love on the Bay so much, and then play so well together and win.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Guerrero said they are trans and Mexican, and the team is “vocally supportive” of both of those communities and more. They felt embraced by the team during the season, including on special event nights. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Just having gone to the games and them having Native American heritage month, I think they had the Mexica dancers, they had the Glide Ensemble, so like very much people of color, communities that are local,” Guerrero said. “It feels like home.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The party began early for some fans traveling from across the Bay Area to get a glimpse of their favorite team. A kickoff rally in Oakland’s Jack London Square welcomed East Bay revelers before they boarded a ferry to reach the parade. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It was a historic playoff series for many individual players, as well. Valkyries powerhouse forward Gabby Williams — who played club basketball in San Francisco as a kid — scored 30 points in Saturday’s Game 7. With 28 of those points occurring in the second half, Williams broke a WNBA record for the most points in any playoff half. She took home the title of MVP for the 2026 WNBA Finals. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It was a historic playoff series for many individual players, as well. Valkyries powerhouse forward Gabby Williams — who played club basketball in San Francisco as a kid — scored 30 points in Saturday’s Game 7. With 28 of those points occurring in the second half, Williams broke a WNBA record for the most points in any playoff half. She took home the title of MVP for the 2026 WNBA Finals. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Speaking at the Oakland rally, Williams thanked the team, her agent, family and friends, and Valkyries fans for their support and making her feel at ease during Game 7 at Chase Center. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I couldn’t stop smiling, because I was like, ‘Look where I am.’ You guys took the stress off of my shoulders and allowed me to play so free,” Williams said. “I was ass, I was ass for like 30 minutes of that game. I hit one bucket and y’all erupted, and I thought, I’m about to have 40 points! This does not happen without every single person who is here.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I couldn’t stop smiling, because I was like, ‘Look where I am.’ You guys took the stress off of my shoulders and allowed me to play so free,” Williams said. “I was ass, I was ass for like 30 minutes of that game. I hit one bucket and y’all erupted, and I thought, I’m about to have 40 points! This does not happen without every single person who is here.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Despite it being a school day, there were plenty of kids along the parade route, sharing in the excitement of getting to see their Bay Area champions. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Zayda Williams, 8, came from Daly City with her mom and aunt, and said her favorite player is Gabby Williams, who she has followed through televised games, but never seen in person before today. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Zayda Williams, 8, came from Daly City with her mom and aunt, and said her favorite player is Gabby Williams, who she has followed through televised games, but never seen in person before today. \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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108459\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LaRussell performs during the Golden State Valkyries championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, celebrating their WNBA championship victory.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108459\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LaRussell performs during the Golden State Valkyries championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, celebrating their WNBA championship victory.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Zayda said her message to Williams would be to “keep working hard and never give up.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Marc Staudenbaur from Pacifica attended San Francisco Giants championship parades, and said the togetherness at such events made him pull his two daughters out of school to attend this parade. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When it’s a team sport that comes together, it brings out a special type of unity,” he said. “When you’re here to celebrate something that you all rooted for, it’s a special type of parade and I wanted my kids to be able to experience that.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“When it’s a team sport that comes together, it brings out a special type of unity,” he said. “When you’re here to celebrate something that you all rooted for, it’s a special type of parade and I wanted my kids to be able to experience that.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Domonique Ousborn and her niece Lieria Ousborn came from Berkeley to experience the historic moment.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s just monumental,” Ousborn said. “Women’s sports wasn’t always getting the light that they needed. And now having this opportunity, I had to bring my niece out. I had to show her that women can do anything they set their minds to, because we are powerful and we are strong.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s just monumental,” Ousborn said. “Women’s sports wasn’t always getting the light that they needed. And now having this opportunity, I had to bring my niece out. I had to show her that women can do anything they set their minds to, because we are powerful and we are strong.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The celebratory and playful atmosphere was on full display well before the parade even started moving down the waterfront, with fans chanting “GSV,” waiting in huge lines to buy Valkyries merchandise and posing for photos with the team’s raven mascot, Violet. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The celebratory and playful atmosphere was on full display well before the parade even started moving down the waterfront, with fans chanting “GSV,” waiting in huge lines to buy Valkyries merchandise and posing for photos with the team’s raven mascot, Violet. \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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108366\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward, Gabby Williams, embraces Oakland mayor, Barbara Lee, at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The parade was kicked off with plenty of pomp, as local celebrities and organizations like rapper LaRussell and the motorcycle group Dykes on Bikes helped amp up the crowds. Valkyries and Warriors owner Joe Lacob cruised down the route in a low rider among a fleet of classic cars, as did Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, fresh off an election victory, and wearing a bright purple wig, alongside artist Kehlani. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sue Rojcewicz, a member of the inaugural U.S. women’s basketball team in 1976 when the team won a silver Olympic medal, came up from Monterey to celebrate the Valks and the growth of the sport the organization has spurred. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is just what happens when you invest in women’s sports,” Hayes said immediately following the team’s win on Saturday. “We ain’t going nowhere.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The Bay Area’s WNBA team, only in its second year, is the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA championship title.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a postcard-perfect day in the Bay, thousands of Golden State Valkyries fans showed up and showed out along San Francisco’s waterfront Wednesday to celebrate their newly crowned champions of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The much anticipated \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107759/where-is-valkyries-parade-route-san-francisco-sf-2026-wednesday-nov-4-bart-muni\">victory parade\u003c/a> delivered a double dose of joy and revelry in the region, just days after the Bay Area’s hugely successful professional women’s basketball team defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">win the league championship\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries clinching the title in only their second season set a record as the fastest that any professional basketball expansion team has accomplished such a feat. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team’s focus on including and celebrating fans from many different backgrounds and lifestyles has helped drive sellout crowds for every home game, and the undying loyalty and reciprocal love was on full display Wednesday. \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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108315\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-06-BL-KQED-080da71b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, ahead of a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Bay Area hip-hop music blared, the champs rolled by on violet buses dancing, throwing out swag and hopping out to dap up, hug and high-five their many fans throughout the Embarcadero, leaving a wake of exhilaration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It means everything to me. It shows that these women put in so much effort to do everything here for the Bay and all the hard work that they put in,” said diehard fan Lie Crescini, who staked out a spot along the parade route at 7:30 a.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crescini flew in from Hawaii the same way she has for every home game and some away games. The Valkyries fandom, she said, is a huge part of what draws her. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s the best feeling ever because it’s like having 18,000 new family members that you actually like,” she said. “It’s a beautiful feeling … it’s a feeling that has definitely shaped my life.”\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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108350\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-52-MC-KQED-b664e8c6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward, Gabby Williams, celebrates with her WNBA finals MVP trophy at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans decked out head-to-toe in the team’s signature violet were allowed to officially begin lining up along the parade route at 9 a.m. (the earliest city officials said they would let them) from the Ferry Building to 2nd and King streets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marnie Carter, a San Francisco resident who played basketball at the University of San Francisco and now works to encourage young girls to continue playing through high school, college and beyond, joined the throngs of fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She said the Valkyries have helped bring attention and resources to not only women’s basketball, but youth basketball, as well. Players, she said, have inspired both girls and boys. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I have young men — my nephews are coming down here today — and they’re excited about it,” Carter said. “It’s so hard to get resources for what we do … It’s slowly started to grow.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stephanie Ashley and Whit Guerrero weren’t surprised to see big crowds, chalking up the Valkyries wide popularity to the inclusive vibe the team has cultivated. \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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-08-BL-KQED-ee1fc0fa.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108316\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-08-BL-KQED-ee1fc0fa.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-08-BL-KQED-ee1fc0fa-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-08-BL-KQED-ee1fc0fa-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Karsyn Arribas (left) and Michelle Tokarski cheer before the start of the Valkyries WNBA championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 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-11 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=\"12108312\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108312\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-01-BL-KQED-bcf01a50-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, ahead of a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/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=\"12108313\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108313\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-02-BL-KQED-5d94a78d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Frances Choun (left) and Alice Tripplet cheer before the start of the Valkyries WNBA championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Their message is always about celebrating the culture and community in the Bay. I feel like there is just so much pride in who the Bay is and what the Bay is about,” Ashley said. “And it’s just really beautiful to see this team love on each other so much and love on the Bay so much, and then play so well together and win.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guerrero said they are trans and Mexican, and the team is “vocally supportive” of both of those communities and more. They felt embraced by the team during the season, including on special event nights. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Just having gone to the games and them having Native American heritage month, I think they had the Mexica dancers, they had the Glide Ensemble, so like very much people of color, communities that are local,” Guerrero said. “It feels like home.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The party began early for some fans traveling from across the Bay Area to get a glimpse of their favorite team. A kickoff rally in Oakland’s Jack London Square welcomed East Bay revelers before they boarded a ferry to reach the parade. \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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-28-MC-KQED-9719bf8b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108349\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-28-MC-KQED-9719bf8b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-28-MC-KQED-9719bf8b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-28-MC-KQED-9719bf8b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans, waiting for a ferry, watch celebrations at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was a historic playoff series for many individual players, as well. Valkyries powerhouse forward Gabby Williams — who played club basketball in San Francisco as a kid — scored 30 points in Saturday’s Game 7. With 28 of those points occurring in the second half, Williams broke a WNBA record for the most points in any playoff half. She took home the title of MVP for the 2026 WNBA Finals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking at the Oakland rally, Williams thanked the team, her agent, family and friends, and Valkyries fans for their support and making her feel at ease during Game 7 at Chase Center. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I couldn’t stop smiling, because I was like, ‘Look where I am.’ You guys took the stress off of my shoulders and allowed me to play so free,” Williams said. “I was ass, I was ass for like 30 minutes of that game. I hit one bucket and y’all erupted, and I thought, I’m about to have 40 points! This does not happen without every single person who is here.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite it being a school day, there were plenty of kids along the parade route, sharing in the excitement of getting to see their Bay Area champions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zayda Williams, 8, came from Daly City with her mom and aunt, and said her favorite player is Gabby Williams, who she has followed through televised games, but never seen in person before today. \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/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108459\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-20-BL-KQED-81acc920-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LaRussell performs during the Golden State Valkyries championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, celebrating their WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zayda said her message to Williams would be to “keep working hard and never give up.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marc Staudenbaur from Pacifica attended San Francisco Giants championship parades, and said the togetherness at such events made him pull his two daughters out of school to attend this parade. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“When it’s a team sport that comes together, it brings out a special type of unity,” he said. “When you’re here to celebrate something that you all rooted for, it’s a special type of parade and I wanted my kids to be able to experience that.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Domonique Ousborn and her niece Lieria Ousborn came from Berkeley to experience the historic moment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s just monumental,” Ousborn said. “Women’s sports wasn’t always getting the light that they needed. And now having this opportunity, I had to bring my niece out. I had to show her that women can do anything they set their minds to, because we are powerful and we are strong.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The celebratory and playful atmosphere was on full display well before the parade even started moving down the waterfront, with fans chanting “GSV,” waiting in huge lines to buy Valkyries merchandise and posing for photos with the team’s raven mascot, Violet. \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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-09-MC-KQED-aa8ffa43.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108327\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-09-MC-KQED-aa8ffa43.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-09-MC-KQED-aa8ffa43-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-09-MC-KQED-aa8ffa43-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the Valkyrie hypes up fans at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/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=\"1333\" data-id=\"12108366\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108366\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-56-MC-KQED-66d06183-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries forward, Gabby Williams, embraces Oakland mayor, Barbara Lee, at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/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=\"12108367\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-61-MC-KQED-6223508b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108367\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-61-MC-KQED-6223508b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-61-MC-KQED-6223508b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-61-MC-KQED-6223508b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer and celebrate the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA championship win at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even a group of dogs out for a walk got in on the action with matching Valks shirts and winged helmets, lounging in a grassy patch near the end of the parade route. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parade was kicked off with plenty of pomp, as local celebrities and organizations like rapper LaRussell and the motorcycle group Dykes on Bikes helped amp up the crowds. Valkyries and Warriors owner Joe Lacob cruised down the route in a low rider among a fleet of classic cars, as did Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, fresh off an election victory, and wearing a bright purple wig, alongside artist Kehlani. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mayor Daniel Lurie strode by, while Rep. Nancy Pelosi waved from a passing cable car, as fans hung over barricades and screamed with joy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bus stuffed with players drove through as crowds chanted “MVP” for Gabby Williams, and players tossed out necklaces, t-shirts and towels after crossing under a massive purple and black balloon arch. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valkyries players bounded along the barricades to greet fans, including Kaitlyn Chen, who tossed out full cans of beer, while Justė Jocytė popped champagne and sprayed down groups of parade-goers. Veronica Burton took selfies with fans while wearing a “Women Run This Game” shirt and sunglasses.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some fans dressed in home-crafted customized dresses and garments, including one woman donning a violet ball gown with pictures of the players affixed to the front. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team’s broad powerful draw brought people from all over, including Kimberly Traverso, who along with her wife is a season ticket holder and drove four hours in traffic from Ione in Amador County to be in San Francisco this morning. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The atmosphere and energy of Ballhalla, the nickname given to Chase Center when it hosts Valkyries games, “means everything” to the couple because of its inclusiveness. \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/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-20-MC-KQED-de8cfcd3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-20-MC-KQED-de8cfcd3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-20-MC-KQED-de8cfcd3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-20-MC-KQED-de8cfcd3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries pose with their WNBA championship trophy at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/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-13 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=\"12108325\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-01-MC-KQED-9e6cdb89.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108325\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-01-MC-KQED-9e6cdb89.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-01-MC-KQED-9e6cdb89-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-01-MC-KQED-9e6cdb89-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer and celebrate the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA championship win at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/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=\"12108335\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-17-MC-KQED-5f23bc9f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108335\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-17-MC-KQED-5f23bc9f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-17-MC-KQED-5f23bc9f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/110426-ValkyriesParadeKickOff-17-MC-KQED-5f23bc9f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Oakland Mayor, Barbara Lee, watches the celebrations at a kickoff event for the Valkyries’ victory parade on November 4, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s just the best place to be. We’re season ticket holders and we love driving the two and a half, three hours to get there just to be a part of it,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traverso was hoping the giant prop of Burton’s “iconic” hair bun, which she fashioned from foam and stuffing, would be noticed by the player herself. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“You don’t want to see that bun coming downhill,” Traverso said. “I hope Burton sees it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Center Kiah Stokes also set an all-time WNBA Finals record with 19 total blocks during the series, while also clinching her fourth career WNBA championship title.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, Tiffany Hayes had a fairytale comeback story. The Valkyries shooting guard played 10 seasons with the Dream, retired in 2023, but returned to play with the Las Vegas Aces in 2024 and signed with the Golden State Valkyries in 2025. This year, Hayes won the WNBA championship against the team where she started and built her basketball career. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps no one on the team has had a better year than Coach Natalie Nakase, who also became the first Asian American head coach to win a WNBA championship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nakase’s fans were legion Wednesday, and she took plenty of time to walk along the route signing autographs, taking photos and chatting with supporters while wearing reflective wraparound sunglasses, gold bead necklaces and a shirt featuring a cartoon of herself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 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=\"12108467\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-38-BL-KQED-72d75bfd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108467\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-38-BL-KQED-72d75bfd.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-38-BL-KQED-72d75bfd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-38-BL-KQED-72d75bfd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries player Kaitlyn Chen sprays champagne into the crowd during the team’s championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, celebrating their WNBA championship victory. (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=\"12108457\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-16-BL-KQED-d4aedd2f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108457\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-16-BL-KQED-d4aedd2f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-16-BL-KQED-d4aedd2f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-16-BL-KQED-d4aedd2f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Dykes on Bikes motorcycle contingent led the Golden State Valkyries championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, celebrating their WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/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-15 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=\"12108466\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108466\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries player Veronica Burton greets the crowd lining the Embarcadero during the team’s championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 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=\"12108460\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108460\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, for a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sue Rojcewicz, a member of the inaugural U.S. women’s basketball team in 1976 when the team won a silver Olympic medal, came up from Monterey to celebrate the Valks and the growth of the sport the organization has spurred. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I have never felt so welcome as a fan. I think they’ve got the standard for really having sports explode,” Rojcewicz said. “I hope they hold that. They love the crowd, it’s all about love and joy and teamwork. So the sky’s the limit, because I think people are craving it. We want it.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In only two years, the Valkyries quickly became the most valuable women’s sports team in the world. Much of the revenue the team has raked in has come from sponsorships and a dedicated fanbase of season ticket holders, many of whom were planning to be at Wednesday’s parade also. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women’s sports still have a long way to go to reach parity with men’s sports in terms of pay, viewership and overall investment from sports leagues. But players and their fans, who sold out Chase Center over and over again this season, say that the momentum is only getting started. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This is just what happens when you invest in women’s sports,” Hayes said immediately following the team’s win on Saturday. “We ain’t going nowhere.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "where-is-valkyries-parade-route-san-francisco-sf-2026-wednesday-nov-4-bart-muni",
"title": "Where Is the Valkyries Official Championship Parade on Wednesday — and How Can You Be There?",
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"headTitle": "Where Is the Valkyries Official Championship Parade on Wednesday — and How Can You Be There? | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In only their second season of existence — and in the year the Women’s National Basketball Association league turns 30, no less — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">the Golden State Valkyries have already become champions\u003c/a>. And the Bay Area is, naturally, throwing a parade this week to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">nail-biting Game 7\u003c/a> against the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, the Valkyries pulled through with 68-63 — with special honors for forward and MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 28 of those points in the second half. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And while the Bay Area’s passionate fanbase has already begun celebrating, an official parade by the city of San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading to learn about what to expect during the Valkyries championship parade this week. Keep in mind: the ceremony starts at noon — and while we could \u003cem>never\u003c/em> endorse deception, this seems like a good time to mention the previous guidance of Valkyries’ Veronica Burton before Game 6’s infamous 9:30 a.m\u003cem>.\u003c/em> start time: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfAxaq8oAQ9/\">“Call in sick. I recommend it.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">city officials\u003c/a>, the Valkyries parade will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">start at the Ferry Building at 12 p.m. on Wednesday\u003c/a>, Nov. 4.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107791\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route for the Valkyries’ championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4. (Golden State Valkyries on Instagram)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parade will then travel alongside the northbound side of The Embarcadero to Second Street until \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">2 p.m.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans can begin to line up along \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">the parade route at 9 a.m\u003c/a>., \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfNAX5CGMnk/\">“on the bay side of Embarcadero from Mission Street to 2nd Street,”\u003c/a> according to the Valkyries’ Instagram.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the weather be like on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.789&lon=-122.3955\">the National Weather Service,\u003c/a> Wednesday will be a sunny day with a high of 62. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So while you should definitely be sporting the signature Valkyries purple, be sure to have layers (but also sunscreen) on you, since this parade \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be along the water on a November afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I get to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can plan your route accordingly using \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">SFMTA’s Trip Planner.\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=\"1663\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107797\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-160x133.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-1536x1277.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SFMTA’s map of the Valkyries championship parade on Wednesday.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BART\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations. Afterward, it will be a 4- or 8-minute walk, respectively, to the Ferry Building. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://twitter.com/SFBART/status/2117291370797043761\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could also take BART to Powell Street Station and then transfer to Muni’s T Third trains at Union Square Station. You would take a Southbound T Line train heading toward Sunnydale to Fourth and King — and then a short 8-minute walk to Second and King.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muni\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">you want to use Muni\u003c/a>, you can take the J Church, N Judah, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View lines to Embarcadero Station.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get to a stop at the beginning half of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>1 California\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>5R Fulton Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>7 Haight/Noriega\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>9R San Bruno Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>12 Folsom/Pacific\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>14 Mission\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>14R Mission Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>38 Geary\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>38R Geary Rapid\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get a stop at the end of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>T Third Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>15 Bayview Hunters Point Express\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>30 Stockton\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>45 Union/Stockton\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SFMTA has warned that there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be transit service changes on the day of the parade — and you can get \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">the most up-to-date information on its website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can take Caltrain to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/sanfrancisco\">San Francisco station\u003c/a> — where you can get to the \u003cem>end\u003c/em> of \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the parade at 2nd and King streets\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the agency, there will be two additional trains running for the day. The northbound train will leave San José Diridon Station at 9:13 a.m. After the parade ends at 2 p.m., the southbound train will depart San Francisco at 2:40 p.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Additionally, express train 514 and limited train 416 will both run as locals to address any capacity issues, the 514 departing San Francisco Station at 3:10 p.m. and the 416 departing at 3:40 p.m.,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the agency’s notice\u003c/a> reads. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">your eye on the Caltrain schedule\u003c/a> before any travel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to SamTrans, the following lines lead to downtown San Francisco:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The walk from Salesforce to the Ferry Building is \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/valkyries\">around ten to fifteen minutes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Fans can also take SamTrans Route 292 or Route ECR, which connects communities along El Camino Real with Millbrae Station, where they can transfer to Caltrain for service to San Francisco,” the agency’s email release reads.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to plan your route on \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesmaps\">SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Self-driving cars like Waymos can get stuck during events that are expected to draw a lot of traffic and people — notably after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">this year’s Fourth of July celebrations\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accordingly, they are subject to some limitations that aren’t usually seen for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The SFMTA has closed off \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">some roads to services like Waymo on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>On The Embarcadero\u003c/strong> south of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the Financial District\u003c/strong>, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the South of Market\u003c/strong>, streets east of First Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In South Beach\u003c/strong>:\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Bryant Street\u003c/strong> between Second Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Brannan \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Townsend \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>King Street\u003c/strong> between Fifth Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Berry \u003cstrong>Stree\u003c/strong>t\u003c/strong> between Fifth and Third streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Second Street \u003c/strong>between Bryant and King streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Third Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Brannan Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Townsend Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off are designated to these areas:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Battery Street \u003c/strong>between the Embarcadero and Market Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>First Street\u003c/strong> between Market and Harrison streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Third Street \u003c/strong>between Folsom and Brannan streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street \u003c/strong>between Harrison and Townsend streets\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the street closures on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to be in the area on Wednesday, expect crowds and heavy traffic. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026#street_closures\">SFMTA’s advisory page\u003c/a>, the following streets will be closed at these times:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In only their second season of existence — and in the year the Women’s National Basketball Association league turns 30, no less — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">the Golden State Valkyries have already become champions\u003c/a>. And the Bay Area is, naturally, throwing a parade this week to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In only their second season of existence — and in the year the Women’s National Basketball Association league turns 30, no less — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">the Golden State Valkyries have already become champions\u003c/a>. And the Bay Area is, naturally, throwing a parade this week to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">nail-biting Game 7\u003c/a> against the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, the Valkyries pulled through with 68-63 — with special honors for forward and MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 28 of those points in the second half. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">nail-biting Game 7\u003c/a> against the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, the Valkyries pulled through with 68-63 — with special honors for forward and MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 28 of those points in the second half. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And while the Bay Area’s passionate fanbase has already begun celebrating, an official parade by the city of San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And while the Bay Area’s passionate fanbase has already begun celebrating, an official parade by the city of San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn about what to expect during the Valkyries championship parade this week. Keep in mind: the ceremony starts at noon — and while we could \u003cem>never\u003c/em> endorse deception, this seems like a good time to mention the previous guidance of Valkyries’ Veronica Burton before Game 6’s infamous 9:30 a.m\u003cem>.\u003c/em> start time: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfAxaq8oAQ9/\">“Call in sick. I recommend it.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn about what to expect during the Valkyries championship parade this week. Keep in mind: the ceremony starts at noon — and while we could \u003cem>never\u003c/em> endorse deception, this seems like a good time to mention the previous guidance of Valkyries’ Veronica Burton before Game 6’s infamous 9:30 a.m\u003cem>.\u003c/em> start time: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfAxaq8oAQ9/\">“Call in sick. I recommend it.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? ",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? \u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? \u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">city officials\u003c/a>, the Valkyries parade will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">start at the Ferry Building at 12 p.m. on Wednesday\u003c/a>, Nov. 4.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">city officials\u003c/a>, the Valkyries parade will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">start at the Ferry Building at 12 p.m. on Wednesday\u003c/a>, Nov. 4.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1638x2048.jpg 1638w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107791\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route for the Valkyries’ championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Golden State Valkyries on Instagram)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107791\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route for the Valkyries’ championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Golden State Valkyries on Instagram)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The parade will then travel alongside the northbound side of The Embarcadero to Second Street until \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">2 p.m.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The parade will then travel alongside the northbound side of The Embarcadero to Second Street until \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">2 p.m.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fans can begin to line up along \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">the parade route at 9 a.m\u003c/a>., \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfNAX5CGMnk/\">“on the bay side of Embarcadero from Mission Street to 2nd Street,”\u003c/a> according to the Valkyries’ Instagram.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fans can begin to line up along \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">the parade route at 9 a.m\u003c/a>., \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfNAX5CGMnk/\">“on the bay side of Embarcadero from Mission Street to 2nd Street,”\u003c/a> according to the Valkyries’ Instagram.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What will the weather be like on Wednesday? ",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the weather be like on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the weather be like on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.789&lon=-122.3955\">the National Weather Service,\u003c/a> Wednesday will be a sunny day with a high of 62. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.789&lon=-122.3955\">the National Weather Service,\u003c/a> Wednesday will be a sunny day with a high of 62. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So while you should definitely be sporting the signature Valkyries purple, be sure to have layers (but also sunscreen) on you, since this parade \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be along the water on a November afternoon.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So while you should definitely be sporting the signature Valkyries purple, be sure to have layers (but also sunscreen) on you, since this parade \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be along the water on a November afternoon.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I get to the Valkyries parade?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I get to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can plan your route accordingly using \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">SFMTA’s Trip Planner.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can plan your route accordingly using \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">SFMTA’s Trip Planner.\u003c/a>\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/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107797\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-160x133.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-1536x1277.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SFMTA’s map of the Valkyries championship parade on Wednesday.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107797\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SFMTA’s map of the Valkyries championship parade on Wednesday.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations. Afterward, it will be a 4- or 8-minute walk, respectively, to the Ferry Building. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You can take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations. Afterward, it will be a 4- or 8-minute walk, respectively, to the Ferry Building. \u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://twitter.com/SFBART/status/2117291370797043761\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You could also take BART to Powell Street Station and then transfer to Muni’s T Third trains at Union Square Station. You would take a Southbound T Line train heading toward Sunnydale to Fourth and King — and then a short 8-minute walk to Second and King.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You could also take BART to Powell Street Station and then transfer to Muni’s T Third trains at Union Square Station. You would take a Southbound T Line train heading toward Sunnydale to Fourth and King — and then a short 8-minute walk to Second and King.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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},
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">you want to use Muni\u003c/a>, you can take the J Church, N Judah, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View lines to Embarcadero Station.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">you want to use Muni\u003c/a>, you can take the J Church, N Judah, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View lines to Embarcadero Station.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To get to a stop at the beginning half of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>To get to a stop at the beginning half of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n"
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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"innerBlocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>1 California\u003c/li>\n",
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>5R Fulton Rapid\u003c/li>\n",
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{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>7 Haight/Noriega\u003c/li>\n",
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>9R San Bruno Rapid\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>9R San Bruno Rapid\u003c/li>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>12 Folsom/Pacific\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>12 Folsom/Pacific\u003c/li>\n"
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},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>14 Mission\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>14 Mission\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>14R Mission Rapid\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>14R Mission Rapid\u003c/li>\n"
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},
{
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"\n\u003cli>38R Geary Rapid\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To get a stop at the end of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n",
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"8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street",
"15 Bayview Hunters Point Express",
"30 Stockton",
"45 Union/Stockton"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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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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"innerBlocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>T Third Street\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>T Third Street\u003c/li>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>15 Bayview Hunters Point Express\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>15 Bayview Hunters Point Express\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>30 Stockton\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>30 Stockton\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>45 Union/Stockton\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>45 Union/Stockton\u003c/li>\n"
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},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>SFMTA has warned that there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be transit service changes on the day of the parade — and you can get \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">the most up-to-date information on its website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>SFMTA has warned that there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be transit service changes on the day of the parade — and you can get \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">the most up-to-date information on its website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can take Caltrain to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/sanfrancisco\">San Francisco station\u003c/a> — where you can get to the \u003cem>end\u003c/em> of \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the parade at 2nd and King streets\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can take Caltrain to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/sanfrancisco\">San Francisco station\u003c/a> — where you can get to the \u003cem>end\u003c/em> of \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the parade at 2nd and King streets\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to the agency, there will be two additional trains running for the day. The northbound train will leave San José Diridon Station at 9:13 a.m. After the parade ends at 2 p.m., the southbound train will depart San Francisco at 2:40 p.m. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to the agency, there will be two additional trains running for the day. The northbound train will leave San José Diridon Station at 9:13 a.m. After the parade ends at 2 p.m., the southbound train will depart San Francisco at 2:40 p.m. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Additionally, express train 514 and limited train 416 will both run as locals to address any capacity issues, the 514 departing San Francisco Station at 3:10 p.m. and the 416 departing at 3:40 p.m.,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the agency’s notice\u003c/a> reads. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Additionally, express train 514 and limited train 416 will both run as locals to address any capacity issues, the 514 departing San Francisco Station at 3:10 p.m. and the 416 departing at 3:40 p.m.,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the agency’s notice\u003c/a> reads. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">your eye on the Caltrain schedule\u003c/a> before any travel.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">your eye on the Caltrain schedule\u003c/a> before any travel.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to SamTrans, the following lines lead to downtown San Francisco:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to SamTrans, the following lines lead to downtown San Francisco:\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
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"attrs": {
"items": [
"Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center",
"FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center ",
"EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center"
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},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center \u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center \u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n"
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}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The walk from Salesforce to the Ferry Building is \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/valkyries\">around ten to fifteen minutes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The walk from Salesforce to the Ferry Building is \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/valkyries\">around ten to fifteen minutes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Fans can also take SamTrans Route 292 or Route ECR, which connects communities along El Camino Real with Millbrae Station, where they can transfer to Caltrain for service to San Francisco,” the agency’s email release reads.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Fans can also take SamTrans Route 292 or Route ECR, which connects communities along El Camino Real with Millbrae Station, where they can transfer to Caltrain for service to San Francisco,” the agency’s email release reads.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Be sure to plan your route on \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesmaps\">SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Be sure to plan your route on \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesmaps\">SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Self-driving cars like Waymos can get stuck during events that are expected to draw a lot of traffic and people — notably after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">this year’s Fourth of July celebrations\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Self-driving cars like Waymos can get stuck during events that are expected to draw a lot of traffic and people — notably after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">this year’s Fourth of July celebrations\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Accordingly, they are subject to some limitations that aren’t usually seen for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The SFMTA has closed off \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">some roads to services like Waymo on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Accordingly, they are subject to some limitations that aren’t usually seen for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The SFMTA has closed off \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">some roads to services like Waymo on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n"
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"On The Embarcadero south of Battery Street",
"In the Financial District, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street",
"In the South of Market, streets east of First Street",
"In South Beach:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"\n\n",
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"\n\n",
null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>On The Embarcadero\u003c/strong> south of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>On The Embarcadero\u003c/strong> south of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the Financial District\u003c/strong>, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the Financial District\u003c/strong>, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the South of Market\u003c/strong>, streets east of First Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the South of Market\u003c/strong>, streets east of First Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"attrs": [],
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{
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"values": ""
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"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Bryant Street\u003c/strong> between Second Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Bryant Street\u003c/strong> between Second Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Brannan \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Brannan \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Townsend \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Townsend \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>King Street\u003c/strong> between Fifth Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>King Street\u003c/strong> between Fifth Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Berry \u003cstrong>Stree\u003c/strong>t\u003c/strong> between Fifth and Third streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Berry \u003cstrong>Stree\u003c/strong>t\u003c/strong> between Fifth and Third streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Second Street \u003c/strong>between Bryant and King streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Second Street \u003c/strong>between Bryant and King streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Third Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Brannan Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Third Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Brannan Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Townsend Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Townsend Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
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"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
]
}
],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In South Beach\u003c/strong>:\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In South Beach\u003c/strong>:",
null,
"\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off are designated to these areas:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off are designated to these areas:\u003c/p>\n"
],
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"items": [
"Battery Street between the Embarcadero and Market Street",
"First Street between Market and Harrison streets",
"Third Street between Folsom and Brannan streets",
"Fourth Street between Harrison and Townsend streets"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
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"innerBlocks": [
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"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Battery Street \u003c/strong>between the Embarcadero and Market Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Battery Street \u003c/strong>between the Embarcadero and Market Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>First Street\u003c/strong> between Market and Harrison streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>First Street\u003c/strong> between Market and Harrison streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Third Street \u003c/strong>between Folsom and Brannan streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Third Street \u003c/strong>between Folsom and Brannan streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street \u003c/strong>between Harrison and Townsend streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street \u003c/strong>between Harrison and Townsend streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What are the street closures on Wednesday? ",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the street closures on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the street closures on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you need to be in the area on Wednesday, expect crowds and heavy traffic. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026#street_closures\">SFMTA’s advisory page\u003c/a>, the following streets will be closed at these times:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you need to be in the area on Wednesday, expect crowds and heavy traffic. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026#street_closures\">SFMTA’s advisory page\u003c/a>, the following streets will be closed at these times:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."
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},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
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null,
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
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null,
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
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"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"attrs": [],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"attrs": [],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
}
],
"excerpt": "From the parade route to timing, here's what to know about the city’s Wednesday celebration honoring the Valkyries' WNBA championship win.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In only their second season of existence — and in the year the Women’s National Basketball Association league turns 30, no less — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">the Golden State Valkyries have already become champions\u003c/a>. And the Bay Area is, naturally, throwing a parade this week to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">nail-biting Game 7\u003c/a> against the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, the Valkyries pulled through with 68-63 — with special honors for forward and MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 28 of those points in the second half. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And while the Bay Area’s passionate fanbase has already begun celebrating, an official parade by the city of San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading to learn about what to expect during the Valkyries championship parade this week. Keep in mind: the ceremony starts at noon — and while we could \u003cem>never\u003c/em> endorse deception, this seems like a good time to mention the previous guidance of Valkyries’ Veronica Burton before Game 6’s infamous 9:30 a.m\u003cem>.\u003c/em> start time: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfAxaq8oAQ9/\">“Call in sick. I recommend it.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">city officials\u003c/a>, the Valkyries parade will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">start at the Ferry Building at 12 p.m. on Wednesday\u003c/a>, Nov. 4.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107791\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route for the Valkyries’ championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4. (Golden State Valkyries on Instagram)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parade will then travel alongside the northbound side of The Embarcadero to Second Street until \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">2 p.m.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans can begin to line up along \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">the parade route at 9 a.m\u003c/a>., \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfNAX5CGMnk/\">“on the bay side of Embarcadero from Mission Street to 2nd Street,”\u003c/a> according to the Valkyries’ Instagram.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the weather be like on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.789&lon=-122.3955\">the National Weather Service,\u003c/a> Wednesday will be a sunny day with a high of 62. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So while you should definitely be sporting the signature Valkyries purple, be sure to have layers (but also sunscreen) on you, since this parade \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be along the water on a November afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I get to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can plan your route accordingly using \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">SFMTA’s Trip Planner.\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=\"1663\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107797\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-160x133.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-1536x1277.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SFMTA’s map of the Valkyries championship parade on Wednesday.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BART\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations. Afterward, it will be a 4- or 8-minute walk, respectively, to the Ferry Building. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could also take BART to Powell Street Station and then transfer to Muni’s T Third trains at Union Square Station. You would take a Southbound T Line train heading toward Sunnydale to Fourth and King — and then a short 8-minute walk to Second and King.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muni\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">you want to use Muni\u003c/a>, you can take the J Church, N Judah, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View lines to Embarcadero Station.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get to a stop at the beginning half of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>1 California\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>5R Fulton Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>7 Haight/Noriega\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>9R San Bruno Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>12 Folsom/Pacific\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>14 Mission\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>14R Mission Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>38 Geary\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>38R Geary Rapid\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get a stop at the end of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>T Third Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>15 Bayview Hunters Point Express\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>30 Stockton\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>45 Union/Stockton\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SFMTA has warned that there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be transit service changes on the day of the parade — and you can get \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">the most up-to-date information on its website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can take Caltrain to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/sanfrancisco\">San Francisco station\u003c/a> — where you can get to the \u003cem>end\u003c/em> of \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the parade at 2nd and King streets\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the agency, there will be two additional trains running for the day. The northbound train will leave San José Diridon Station at 9:13 a.m. After the parade ends at 2 p.m., the southbound train will depart San Francisco at 2:40 p.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Additionally, express train 514 and limited train 416 will both run as locals to address any capacity issues, the 514 departing San Francisco Station at 3:10 p.m. and the 416 departing at 3:40 p.m.,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the agency’s notice\u003c/a> reads. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">your eye on the Caltrain schedule\u003c/a> before any travel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to SamTrans, the following lines lead to downtown San Francisco:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The walk from Salesforce to the Ferry Building is \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/valkyries\">around ten to fifteen minutes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Fans can also take SamTrans Route 292 or Route ECR, which connects communities along El Camino Real with Millbrae Station, where they can transfer to Caltrain for service to San Francisco,” the agency’s email release reads.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to plan your route on \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesmaps\">SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Self-driving cars like Waymos can get stuck during events that are expected to draw a lot of traffic and people — notably after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">this year’s Fourth of July celebrations\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accordingly, they are subject to some limitations that aren’t usually seen for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The SFMTA has closed off \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">some roads to services like Waymo on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>On The Embarcadero\u003c/strong> south of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the Financial District\u003c/strong>, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the South of Market\u003c/strong>, streets east of First Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In South Beach\u003c/strong>:\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Bryant Street\u003c/strong> between Second Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Brannan \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Townsend \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>King Street\u003c/strong> between Fifth Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Berry \u003cstrong>Stree\u003c/strong>t\u003c/strong> between Fifth and Third streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Second Street \u003c/strong>between Bryant and King streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Third Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Brannan Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Townsend Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off are designated to these areas:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Battery Street \u003c/strong>between the Embarcadero and Market Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>First Street\u003c/strong> between Market and Harrison streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Third Street \u003c/strong>between Folsom and Brannan streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street \u003c/strong>between Harrison and Townsend streets\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the street closures on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to be in the area on Wednesday, expect crowds and heavy traffic. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026#street_closures\">SFMTA’s advisory page\u003c/a>, the following streets will be closed at these times:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7",
"title": "‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory",
"publishDate": 1793492150,
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"headTitle": "‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory | 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> are the 2026 WNBA champions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forward Gabby Williams was in her bag in the second half of Game 7 of the Finals at the Chase Center, scoring 15 points in the third quarter to help her team win Golden State’s first-ever championship on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams was overcome with emotion after the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We just built a beautiful culture here,” she told reporters after the game.\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/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107684\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players lift the WNBA Championship Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\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-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=\"12107687\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107687\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\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=\"12107685\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107685\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes #15, Cecilia Zandalasini #24, and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate with teammates in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They’re the fastest WNBA expansion franchise to win a title and the fastest expansion team across all professional sports to win a championship since 1967.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> The Valks beat the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA’s first-ever Finals Game 7, 68-63. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team’s fervent violet fanbase — masquerading as “Boohalla” for Halloween — was out in numbers, backing the team at the Chase Center. The star-studded crowd included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, SF Giants legend Barry Bonds, E-40 and Flavor Flav in the house.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams came out aggressive at the lively arena. The Valkyries took an early 8-0 lead, keeping the Dream from scoring for the first more than five minutes of the game. But the Dream went on a 9-0 run at the beginning of the second quarter to give them the lead through halftime. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the half, the Dream led 30-24 with Jordin Canada leading with nearly half of Atlanta’s points. Veronica Burton led the Valkyries in points at the half. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams, however, dug the Valkyries out of the hole in the second half and scored 15 points to give them a small lead. The roars of fans chanting “Gabby, Gabby,” and “MVP” in Ballhalla were deafening. \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/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107703\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams gave credit to Ballhalla and her team after the game, when she was named MVP. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Y’all have been pouring into me,” Williams said about Ballhalla’s energy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Chase Center after the game, fan Taina Kissinger said that the Valkyries set the bar so high that no one will ever beat their record as the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA title. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The Bay Area is magical right now,” Kissinger said. “We all need this right now; it’s so amazing.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carmela Martinez, outside of Chase Center, gave up her ticket to the game so her family could watch, but she still felt great about the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’ve been waiting for this,” Martinez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Rikki’s Bar, fans went crazy over the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colin O’Neill said the excitement from fans showed that the Valkyries are more than a team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a community in the way that the Valkyries bring everybody together,” O’Neill said. “It’s hard not to root for and love this team.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tense Game 6 where the Valks failed to overcome defensive and offensive struggles left fans outside of the Chase Center with mixed emotions about the match-up between the two teams, but were hopeful. Both were “hungry for it,” fan Janet Lau said at Thrive City, outside of the arena. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think Ballhalla is gonna show up and show out just as much as the girls are going to on that court,” fan Dilara Retenu said. Retenu is dedicated to the Valks, traveling back-and-forth from the East Coast to the West Coast for the finals series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the team was announced, Golden State has enthralled thousands in the Bay Area and beyond, becoming the most valuable team in the league, according to Sportico. The Valkyries rise came at the same time as a surge of interest in women’s basketball as a whole — Wednesday’s Game 6 drew in one of the highest viewership counts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/10/31/wnba-finals-game-6-ratings-dream-valkyries/92538985007/\">1.5 million viewers\u003c/a> — in WNBA Finals history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The energy on both sides has been incredible, and the amount of attention it’s brought to both the sport and the teams has been incredible,” Retenue said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hulises Barcelo and his 10-year-old daughter Catalina, season ticket holders, said the Valkyries are an inspiration for the young basketball player.\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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lisa Levenberg and Mike Lynch watch The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream through the windows outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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=\"12107696\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107696\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton with a Valkyries shirt lies on a table next to fans during a watch party for Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for 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=\"12107697\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107697\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream from outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s just her wanting to be an athlete just like the players that we watch,” Hulises Barcelo said ahead of the game.”Her inspiration for coming to games is to tell herself, ‘I want to be just like them.’ And we as a family are definitely pushing and motivating her and telling her to never give up.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guard Tiffany Hayes said after the game that Ballhalla showed up “as usual,” and said, “This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re here and we ain’t going nowhere,” Hayes said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries made history in their inaugural season by being the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, but were swept in the first round. \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=\"12107688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Opera soprano Diana Pray sings for others fans at the beginning of The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for 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=\"12107691\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107691\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107692\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alli Tankersley, center, and Annie Hingtgen, right, celebrate while watching The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their dedicated fans, however, already knew that this year was \u003cem>the\u003c/em> year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s something that we’re all desiring,” fan Haley Dove said. “It’s that collective hope that we need right now, and that’s why I think it’s so powerful.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gail Whang from Oakland, who was at Thrive Center ahead of the game and was born on Halloween, she said all she wanted for her birthday is a Valkyries championship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’m here supporting women, supporting the Valks,” Whang said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Details on an official celebration for the Valkyries’ win will be released Sunday, according to the team.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Y’all have been pouring into me,” Williams said about Ballhalla’s energy.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At the Chase Center after the game, fan Taina Kissinger said that the Valkyries set the bar so high that no one will ever beat their record as the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA title. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Since the team was announced, Golden State has enthralled thousands in the Bay Area and beyond, becoming the most valuable team in the league, according to Sportico. The Valkyries rise came at the same time as a surge of interest in women’s basketball as a whole — Wednesday’s Game 6 drew in one of the highest viewership counts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/10/31/wnba-finals-game-6-ratings-dream-valkyries/92538985007/\">1.5 million viewers\u003c/a> — in WNBA Finals history. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hulises Barcelo and his 10-year-old daughter Catalina, season ticket holders, said the Valkyries are an inspiration for the young basketball player.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s just her wanting to be an athlete just like the players that we watch,” Hulises Barcelo said ahead of the game.”Her inspiration for coming to games is to tell herself, ‘I want to be just like them.’ And we as a family are definitely pushing and motivating her and telling her to never give up.” \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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107692\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alli Tankersley, center, and Annie Hingtgen, right, celebrate while watching The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/cite>\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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107692\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alli Tankersley, center, and Annie Hingtgen, right, celebrate while watching The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Their dedicated fans, however, already knew that this year was \u003cem>the\u003c/em> year. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s something that we’re all desiring,” fan Haley Dove said. “It’s that collective hope that we need right now, and that’s why I think it’s so powerful.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s something that we’re all desiring,” fan Haley Dove said. “It’s that collective hope that we need right now, and that’s why I think it’s so powerful.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For Gail Whang from Oakland, who was at Thrive Center ahead of the game and was born on Halloween, she said all she wanted for her birthday is a Valkyries championship. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m here supporting women, supporting the Valks,” Whang said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Details on an official celebration for the Valkyries’ win will be released Sunday, according to the team.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Gabby Williams led the Valkyries to the WNBA championship in the team's second season, beating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7.",
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"title": "‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory | 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> are the 2026 WNBA champions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forward Gabby Williams was in her bag in the second half of Game 7 of the Finals at the Chase Center, scoring 15 points in the third quarter to help her team win Golden State’s first-ever championship on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams was overcome with emotion after the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We just built a beautiful culture here,” she told reporters after the game.\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/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107684\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players lift the WNBA Championship Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\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-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=\"12107687\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107687\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\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=\"12107685\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107685\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes #15, Cecilia Zandalasini #24, and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate with teammates in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They’re the fastest WNBA expansion franchise to win a title and the fastest expansion team across all professional sports to win a championship since 1967.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> The Valks beat the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA’s first-ever Finals Game 7, 68-63. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team’s fervent violet fanbase — masquerading as “Boohalla” for Halloween — was out in numbers, backing the team at the Chase Center. The star-studded crowd included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, SF Giants legend Barry Bonds, E-40 and Flavor Flav in the house.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams came out aggressive at the lively arena. The Valkyries took an early 8-0 lead, keeping the Dream from scoring for the first more than five minutes of the game. But the Dream went on a 9-0 run at the beginning of the second quarter to give them the lead through halftime. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the half, the Dream led 30-24 with Jordin Canada leading with nearly half of Atlanta’s points. Veronica Burton led the Valkyries in points at the half. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams, however, dug the Valkyries out of the hole in the second half and scored 15 points to give them a small lead. The roars of fans chanting “Gabby, Gabby,” and “MVP” in Ballhalla were deafening. \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/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107703\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams gave credit to Ballhalla and her team after the game, when she was named MVP. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Y’all have been pouring into me,” Williams said about Ballhalla’s energy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Chase Center after the game, fan Taina Kissinger said that the Valkyries set the bar so high that no one will ever beat their record as the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA title. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The Bay Area is magical right now,” Kissinger said. “We all need this right now; it’s so amazing.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carmela Martinez, outside of Chase Center, gave up her ticket to the game so her family could watch, but she still felt great about the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’ve been waiting for this,” Martinez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Rikki’s Bar, fans went crazy over the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colin O’Neill said the excitement from fans showed that the Valkyries are more than a team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a community in the way that the Valkyries bring everybody together,” O’Neill said. “It’s hard not to root for and love this team.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tense Game 6 where the Valks failed to overcome defensive and offensive struggles left fans outside of the Chase Center with mixed emotions about the match-up between the two teams, but were hopeful. Both were “hungry for it,” fan Janet Lau said at Thrive City, outside of the arena. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think Ballhalla is gonna show up and show out just as much as the girls are going to on that court,” fan Dilara Retenu said. Retenu is dedicated to the Valks, traveling back-and-forth from the East Coast to the West Coast for the finals series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the team was announced, Golden State has enthralled thousands in the Bay Area and beyond, becoming the most valuable team in the league, according to Sportico. The Valkyries rise came at the same time as a surge of interest in women’s basketball as a whole — Wednesday’s Game 6 drew in one of the highest viewership counts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/10/31/wnba-finals-game-6-ratings-dream-valkyries/92538985007/\">1.5 million viewers\u003c/a> — in WNBA Finals history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The energy on both sides has been incredible, and the amount of attention it’s brought to both the sport and the teams has been incredible,” Retenue said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hulises Barcelo and his 10-year-old daughter Catalina, season ticket holders, said the Valkyries are an inspiration for the young basketball player.\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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lisa Levenberg and Mike Lynch watch The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream through the windows outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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=\"12107696\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107696\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton with a Valkyries shirt lies on a table next to fans during a watch party for Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for 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=\"12107697\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107697\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream from outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s just her wanting to be an athlete just like the players that we watch,” Hulises Barcelo said ahead of the game.”Her inspiration for coming to games is to tell herself, ‘I want to be just like them.’ And we as a family are definitely pushing and motivating her and telling her to never give up.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guard Tiffany Hayes said after the game that Ballhalla showed up “as usual,” and said, “This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re here and we ain’t going nowhere,” Hayes said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries made history in their inaugural season by being the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, but were swept in the first round. \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=\"12107688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Opera soprano Diana Pray sings for others fans at the beginning of The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for 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=\"12107691\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107691\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107692\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alli Tankersley, center, and Annie Hingtgen, right, celebrate while watching The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their dedicated fans, however, already knew that this year was \u003cem>the\u003c/em> year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s something that we’re all desiring,” fan Haley Dove said. “It’s that collective hope that we need right now, and that’s why I think it’s so powerful.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gail Whang from Oakland, who was at Thrive Center ahead of the game and was born on Halloween, she said all she wanted for her birthday is a Valkyries championship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’m here supporting women, supporting the Valks,” Whang said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Details on an official celebration for the Valkyries’ win will be released Sunday, according to the team.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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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",
"publishDate": 1793302989,
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"headTitle": "‘Here for the Valks’: Golden State and Atlanta Dream Return to SF for WNBA Finals Game 7 | 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> 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>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>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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"title": "Golden State Valkyries Take Care of Business in Ballhalla in Game 5 of WNBA Finals | KQED",
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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",
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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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"innerHTML": "\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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"\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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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg 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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\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.\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-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-2-KQED-3e23d26e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106337\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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,
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"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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"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\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-36-KQED_-251d90ec.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106299\"/>\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\u003cp>“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",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’ve got a freaking series, baby,” Ott told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Renard Hayes, Tiffany Hayes father, said after the game that Atlanta brought the vibe, but Golden State got the win. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
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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\u003cp>“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",
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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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"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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"slug": "bounce-how-the-bay-shaped-golden-state-valkyries-gabby-williams",
"title": "How The Bay Shaped Golden State Valkyries’ Gabby Williams",
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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\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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"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>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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"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>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",
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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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"\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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"\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>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",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Harris, a self-described massive Bay Area sports fan, quickly grew to love the team. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Harris, a self-described massive Bay Area sports fan, quickly grew to love the team. \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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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-6-KQED-55c6e28f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105681\"/>\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.\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-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=\"(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 at Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta 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>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",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For Los Angeles-based Valkyries fan Hill Winans, following the team has become a huge hobby. \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>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",
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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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"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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"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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"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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"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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"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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"\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\"/>\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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"\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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"\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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"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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"innerHTML": "\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\" 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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\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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"\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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"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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"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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"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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"slug": "valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals",
"title": "Valkyries Take WNBA Finals Game 1",
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"headTitle": "Valkyries Take WNBA Finals Game 1 | KQED",
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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 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\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-29-BL-f10d66f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105012\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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\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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"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>“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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"innerHTML": "\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\" 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=\"(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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"\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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"\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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"\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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"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.",
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"soldout": {
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"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
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