window.__IS_SSR__=true
window.__INITIAL_STATE__={
"attachmentsReducer": {
"audio_0": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_0",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background0.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_1": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_1",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background1.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_2": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_2",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background2.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_3": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_3",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background3.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_4": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_4",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background4.jpg"
}
}
},
"placeholder": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "placeholder",
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"height": 512,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-lrg": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-med": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-sm": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xxsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"small": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xlarge": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-32": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 32,
"height": 32,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-50": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 50,
"height": 50,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-64": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 64,
"height": 64,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-96": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 96,
"height": 96,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-128": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 128,
"height": 128,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"detail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
}
},
"news_12107294": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12107294",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12107294",
"found": true
},
"title": "261029-ValkyriesGame6-19-BL_qed",
"publishDate": 1793298647,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793298663,
"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.",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-19-BL_qed-bc760f1c-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-19-BL_qed-bc760f1c-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-19-BL_qed-bc760f1c-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-19-BL_qed-bc760f1c-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-19-BL_qed-bc760f1c-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-19-BL_qed-bc760f1c-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-19-BL_qed-bc760f1c.jpg",
"width": 1999,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12106555": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12106555",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12106555",
"found": true
},
"title": "261026-ValksGame5-JY-06",
"publishDate": 1793074988,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793075192,
"caption": "Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) catches the ball as Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) guards her during game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026.",
"credit": "Juliana Yamada/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-06-cde75be0-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-06-cde75be0-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-06-cde75be0-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-06-cde75be0-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-06-cde75be0-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-06-cde75be0-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-06-cde75be0.jpg",
"width": 1999,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12106348": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12106348",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12106348",
"found": true
},
"title": "20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED",
"publishDate": 1792884506,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792884533,
"caption": "Leanne Deegenaars, 50, and Beverly McClendon, 70, both of Novato, wear Valkyries head pieces at CTR Food Works in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.",
"credit": "Gina Castro/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED-e4f62767-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED-e4f62767-1536x1025.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1025,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED-e4f62767-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED-e4f62767-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED-e4f62767-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED-e4f62767-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED-e4f62767.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1334
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12106300": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12106300",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12106300",
"found": true
},
"title": "20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-272-KQED_",
"publishDate": 1792876823,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792876871,
"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.",
"credit": "Gina Castro/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-272-KQED_-b0002cb1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-272-KQED_-b0002cb1-1536x1025.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1025,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-272-KQED_-b0002cb1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-272-KQED_-b0002cb1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-272-KQED_-b0002cb1-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-272-KQED_-b0002cb1-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-272-KQED_-b0002cb1.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1334
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12105698": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12105698",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12105698",
"found": true
},
"title": "20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-22-KQED",
"publishDate": 1792640064,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792686070,
"caption": "Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) attempts to regain control of the ball during Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.",
"credit": "Gina Castro/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-22-KQED-81e9f7e8-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-22-KQED-81e9f7e8-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-22-KQED-81e9f7e8-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-22-KQED-81e9f7e8-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-22-KQED-81e9f7e8-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-22-KQED-81e9f7e8-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-22-KQED-81e9f7e8.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12105529": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12105529",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12105529",
"found": true
},
"title": "20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED",
"publishDate": 1792603852,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792604177,
"caption": "Lynette Mackey, Valkyries fan of San Francisco, rocks a Gabby Williams t-shirt ahead of the WNBA Finals Game 3 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream, in downtown Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.",
"credit": "Gina Castro/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2-1536x1025.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1025,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1334
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12105242": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12105242",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12105242",
"found": true
},
"title": "261019-ValksGame1-20-BL",
"publishDate": 1792469237,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792469249,
"caption": "Golden State Valkyries Tiffany Hayes takes a shot during Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-20-BL-7a3a0657-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-20-BL-7a3a0657-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-20-BL-7a3a0657-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-20-BL-7a3a0657-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-20-BL-7a3a0657-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-20-BL-7a3a0657-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-20-BL-7a3a0657.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12105002": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12105002",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12105002",
"found": true
},
"title": "261017-ValksGame1-19-BL",
"publishDate": 1792277991,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792278262,
"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.",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-19-BL-6b224e59-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-19-BL-6b224e59-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-19-BL-6b224e59-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-19-BL-6b224e59-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-19-BL-6b224e59-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-19-BL-6b224e59-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-19-BL-6b224e59.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12104685": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12104685",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12104685",
"found": true
},
"title": "20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED",
"publishDate": 1792107405,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792182161,
"caption": "A skeleton wearing Golden State Valkyries player Kayla Thornton’s number and jersey, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. The display is a tribute to the WNBA expansion team’s success in the playoffs.",
"credit": "Gina Castro/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED-67503487-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED-67503487-1536x1025.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1025,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED-67503487-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED-67503487-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED-67503487-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED-67503487-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED-67503487.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1334
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12103942": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12103942",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12103942",
"found": true
},
"title": "10092026Valkyries Friday Night_GH_019_qed",
"publishDate": 1791647169,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12103702,
"modified": 1791647195,
"caption": "A Golden State Valkyries fan wearing a No. 15 jersey throws his arms in the air during the team's game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.",
"credit": "Gustavo Hernandez/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12103929": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12103929",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12103929",
"found": true
},
"title": "10092026Valkyries Friday Night_GH_032_qed",
"publishDate": 1791644730,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12103702,
"modified": 1791644751,
"caption": "Savi Joshi throws her arms in the air as the Golden State Valkyries complete a sweep of the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.",
"credit": "Gustavo Hernandez/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_032_qed-b3563058-160x104.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 104,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_032_qed-b3563058-1536x999.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 999,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_032_qed-b3563058-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_032_qed-b3563058-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_032_qed-b3563058-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_032_qed-b3563058-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_032_qed-b3563058.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1301
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12102727": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12102727",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12102727",
"found": true
},
"title": "261002-ValkyriesRound1-03-BL_qed",
"publishDate": 1791044351,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12102708,
"modified": 1791044407,
"caption": "Fans cheer during Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series between the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-03-BL_qed-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-03-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-03-BL_qed-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-03-BL_qed-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-03-BL_qed-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-03-BL_qed-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-03-BL_qed.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
}
},
"audioPlayerReducer": {
"postId": "stream_live",
"isPaused": true,
"isPlaying": false,
"pfsActive": false,
"pledgeModalIsOpen": true,
"playerDrawerIsOpen": false,
"liveAudioPlayStartedAt": 0,
"liveAudioPlayContext": ""
},
"authorsReducer": {
"nnavarro": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11756",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11756",
"found": true
},
"name": "Natalia Navarro",
"firstName": "Natalia",
"lastName": "Navarro",
"slug": "nnavarro",
"email": "nnavarro@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "Afternoon News Anchor",
"bio": "Natalia Navarro is KQED's afternoon radio news anchor. She covers daily breaking news, and specializes in covering LGBTQ+ communities and women's sports. Natalia came to KQED in 2021 from Colorado Public Radio, where she was a reporter and host, and worked on a health team to cover the COVID-19 pandemic. She has received several awards for her work from organizations including the San Francisco Press Club, Society of Professional Journalists and the Colorado Broadcasters Association. Natalia is originally from Tucson, Arizona, where she got her start in journalism writing for the Arizona Daily Star, Arizona Public Media and the Tucson Weekly. Natalia earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and economics, and her master's degree in journalism from the University of Arizona.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2bdb19fd9520bdea295a2d5f9b2ad65ec51cf0bf559fb1cc041d3a0a04d62ad?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": "https://www.instagram.com/radionavarro/",
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Natalia Navarro | KQED",
"description": "Afternoon News Anchor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2bdb19fd9520bdea295a2d5f9b2ad65ec51cf0bf559fb1cc041d3a0a04d62ad?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a2bdb19fd9520bdea295a2d5f9b2ad65ec51cf0bf559fb1cc041d3a0a04d62ad?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/nnavarro"
},
"jlara": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11761",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11761",
"found": true
},
"name": "Juan Carlos Lara",
"firstName": "Juan Carlos",
"lastName": "Lara",
"slug": "jlara",
"email": "jlara@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": null,
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/19e2052b9b05657c5ff2af2121846e9c?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Juan Carlos Lara | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/19e2052b9b05657c5ff2af2121846e9c?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/19e2052b9b05657c5ff2af2121846e9c?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/jlara"
},
"sjohnson": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11840",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11840",
"found": true
},
"name": "Sydney Johnson",
"firstName": "Sydney",
"lastName": "Johnson",
"slug": "sjohnson",
"email": "sjohnson@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Reporter",
"bio": "Sydney Johnson is a general assignment reporter at KQED. She previously reported on public health and city government at the San Francisco Examiner, and before that, she covered statewide education policy for EdSource. Her reporting has won multiple local, state and national awards. Sydney is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and lives in San Francisco.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/97855f2719b72ad6190b7c535fe642c8?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "sydneyfjohnson",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Sydney Johnson | KQED",
"description": "KQED Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/97855f2719b72ad6190b7c535fe642c8?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/97855f2719b72ad6190b7c535fe642c8?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/sjohnson"
},
"nkhan": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11867",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11867",
"found": true
},
"name": "Nisa Khan",
"firstName": "Nisa",
"lastName": "Khan",
"slug": "nkhan",
"email": "nkhan@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Nisa Khan is a reporter for KQED's Audience News Desk. She was formerly a data reporter at Michigan Radio. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Information from the University of Michigan and a Master of Arts in Communication from Stanford University.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8720459eef081ff64582b3506b124d58523e80e120704a0cbd9892533c914991?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "mnisakhan",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor",
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Nisa Khan | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8720459eef081ff64582b3506b124d58523e80e120704a0cbd9892533c914991?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8720459eef081ff64582b3506b124d58523e80e120704a0cbd9892533c914991?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/nkhan"
},
"gcastro": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11908",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11908",
"found": true
},
"name": "Gina Castro",
"firstName": "Gina",
"lastName": "Castro",
"slug": "gcastro",
"email": "gcastro@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": null,
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/27b36c9ac0b86aced91deb0fc63fc510307488fa6761ac6062ac2eb798ed123f?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor",
"manage_categories"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "perspectives",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Gina Castro | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/27b36c9ac0b86aced91deb0fc63fc510307488fa6761ac6062ac2eb798ed123f?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/27b36c9ac0b86aced91deb0fc63fc510307488fa6761ac6062ac2eb798ed123f?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/gcastro"
},
"emanoukian": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11925",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11925",
"found": true
},
"name": "Elize Manoukian",
"firstName": "Elize",
"lastName": "Manoukian",
"slug": "emanoukian",
"email": "emanoukian@KQED.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "Digital News Editor",
"bio": "Elize Manoukian is an award-winning audio producer and Senior Editor on the Express Desk, KQED's digital news platform. Her work has appeared on KPFA, Interlochen Public Radio, Oregon Public Broadcast, the New York Daily News, LA Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4525f1a8e46ccb30933b32653d9772064cfefe3fa655eb45b3b3a80341f6bdad?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Elize Manoukian | KQED",
"description": "Digital News Editor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4525f1a8e46ccb30933b32653d9772064cfefe3fa655eb45b3b3a80341f6bdad?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4525f1a8e46ccb30933b32653d9772064cfefe3fa655eb45b3b3a80341f6bdad?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/emanoukian"
},
"gzada": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11929",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11929",
"found": true
},
"name": "Gilare Zada",
"firstName": "Gilare",
"lastName": "Zada",
"slug": "gzada",
"email": "gzada@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": null,
"bio": "Gilare Zada is a Kurdish-American from San Diego, CA. Storytelling, fitness, and binge reading are some of her passions outside of news reporting. Her work has appeared in Mission Local, the Peninsula Press, the San Francisco Press Club, and more. She also writes as a class correspondent for the Stanford Magazine - go Card!",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/33a75f2b947669a488a805edec3fbf3838c1cedaedda710e983770633b4d6a75?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"administrator"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Gilare Zada | KQED",
"description": null,
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/33a75f2b947669a488a805edec3fbf3838c1cedaedda710e983770633b4d6a75?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/33a75f2b947669a488a805edec3fbf3838c1cedaedda710e983770633b4d6a75?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/gzada"
},
"skennedy": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11935",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11935",
"found": true
},
"name": "Samantha Kennedy",
"firstName": "Samantha",
"lastName": "Kennedy",
"slug": "skennedy",
"email": "SKennedy@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": null,
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/adc7b14bf1e801793202a156ecc864d4ad505b0fd63162a2f3da0e5ba57222d0?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Samantha Kennedy | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/adc7b14bf1e801793202a156ecc864d4ad505b0fd63162a2f3da0e5ba57222d0?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/adc7b14bf1e801793202a156ecc864d4ad505b0fd63162a2f3da0e5ba57222d0?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/skennedy"
},
"ejackson": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "12003",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "12003",
"found": true
},
"name": "Ella Jackson",
"firstName": "Ella",
"lastName": "Jackson",
"slug": "ejackson",
"email": "ejackson@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": null,
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c688edc62aec1dcae096e1475956d245f72bde99cff316455871c9b22a7205b?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Ella Jackson | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c688edc62aec1dcae096e1475956d245f72bde99cff316455871c9b22a7205b?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c688edc62aec1dcae096e1475956d245f72bde99cff316455871c9b22a7205b?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/ejackson"
}
},
"pagesReducer": {
"news_tag_womens-basketball": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1131",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1131",
"score": 10.406811
},
"featImg": null,
"name": "women's basketball",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "women's basketball Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1142,
"slug": "womens-basketball",
"isLoading": false,
"title": "women's basketball",
"pageMeta": {
"site": "news",
"WpPageTemplate": "page-topic-editorial",
"currentPage": 1
},
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"layout": "cardArticle2",
"query": "posts/news?tag=womens-basketball",
"seeMore": false,
"paginated": true,
"page": 1
}
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/ad"
}
]
}
},
"pfsSessionReducer": {},
"postsReducer": {
"stream_live": {
"type": "live",
"id": "stream_live",
"audioUrl": "https://hls.kqed.org/hls/kqed_app/playlist.m3u8",
"title": "Live Stream",
"excerpt": "Live Stream information currently unavailable.",
"link": "/radio",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "KQED Live",
"link": "/"
}
},
"stream_kqedNewscast": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "stream_kqedNewscast",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/RDnews/newscast.mp3?_=1",
"title": "KQED Newscast",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "88.5 FM",
"link": "/"
}
},
"news_12106966": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12106966",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12106966",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1793302989000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"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,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "‘Here for the Valks’: Golden State and Atlanta Dream Return to SF for WNBA Finals Game 7 | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"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",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107249,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-01-BL-KQED-462094c6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107249\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107338,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107338\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-26-BL-KQED-3c2ca2f5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107338\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107339,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107339\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-27-BL-KQED-b621b5e3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107339\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nakase told reporters after the game that she was frustrated by the performance in the first quarter. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Nakase told reporters after the game that she was frustrated by the performance in the first quarter. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Just unacceptable, a poor start,” Nakase said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Just unacceptable, a poor start,” Nakase said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said the Dream did a good job setting the tone of the game early. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said the Dream did a good job setting the tone of the game early. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12104572"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-13-KQED-67503487-1536x1025.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Something to learn from,” Williams said. “What’s great is we have another chance.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Something to learn from,” Williams said. “What’s great is we have another chance.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When we can punch first, we’ve won every single game,” Reese told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“When we can punch first, we’ve won every single game,” Reese told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107341,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\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/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-33-BL-KQED-b4eb338a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107341\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think our team is ready,” said fan Alex Morrison of Berkeley, who traveled to Atlanta for Game 6. While hoping the Valkyries would get the win on Thursday, they said they know the team “would get the opportunity” eventually. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I think our team is ready,” said fan Alex Morrison of Berkeley, who traveled to Atlanta for Game 6. While hoping the Valkyries would get the win on Thursday, they said they know the team “would get the opportunity” eventually. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107254,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-14-BL-KQED-960951de.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107254\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107253,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107253\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-07-BL-KQED-79d1e8cc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107253\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107252,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107252\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-VALKYRIESGAME6-05-BL-KQED-361dc3b2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107252\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nakase and Williams said the start time wasn’t a factor in how they played. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Nakase and Williams said the start time wasn’t a factor in how they played. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“That had nothing to do with it. We played at 1 [p.m.] in Atlanta last week,” Nakase said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“That had nothing to do with it. We played at 1 [p.m.] in Atlanta last week,” Nakase said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some Valkyries’ devoted fans, too, could not be deterred from following them to Georgia and from showing up to watch parties around the Bay in the middle of the morning. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Some Valkyries’ devoted fans, too, could not be deterred from following them to Georgia and from showing up to watch parties around the Bay in the middle of the morning. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sharon Brooks said she woke up at 2 a.m. to get to the Chase Center at 5 a.m. to get a seat to watch the Valkyries play.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Sharon Brooks said she woke up at 2 a.m. to get to the Chase Center at 5 a.m. to get a seat to watch the Valkyries play.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you’re a fan, you do it,” Brooks said. “I’m here for the Valks. I’m a Valkyrie.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“If you’re a fan, you do it,” Brooks said. “I’m here for the Valks. I’m a Valkyrie.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>State Farm Arena, which holds 16,888 people, was \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-valkries-dream-sellout-a5b843b2c76456046d25588b55c49d29\">sold out\u003c/a>. Valkyries fans, decked out in all types of violet clothing, were chanting “GSV” nearby even before the game had started.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>State Farm Arena, which holds 16,888 people, was \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-valkries-dream-sellout-a5b843b2c76456046d25588b55c49d29\">sold out\u003c/a>. Valkyries fans, decked out in all types of violet clothing, were chanting “GSV” nearby even before the game had started.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107293,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107293\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261029-ValkyriesGame6-16-BL_qed-b956465d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107293\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Golden State Valkyries play the Atlanta Dream during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center’s Thrive City in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oakland fan Stephisha Ycoy-Walton also flew to Atlanta to root for the team, and said it was no question whether she would be there. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Oakland fan Stephisha Ycoy-Walton also flew to Atlanta to root for the team, and said it was no question whether she would be there. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Alisa Carmichael from Moraga told KQED from Atlanta after the game that it was rough, but knows that the team has perseverance. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Alisa Carmichael from Moraga told KQED from Atlanta after the game that it was rough, but knows that the team has perseverance. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You cannot deny what we can do,” Carmichael said. “So, next Saturday, we are going to get the championship.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“You cannot deny what we can do,” Carmichael said. “So, next Saturday, we are going to get the championship.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"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. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793317221,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 0,
"wordCount": 1267
},
"headData": {
"title": "‘Here for the Valks’: Golden State and Atlanta Dream Return to SF for WNBA Finals Game 7 | KQED",
"description": "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. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "‘Here for the Valks’: Golden State and Atlanta Dream Return to SF for WNBA Finals Game 7",
"datePublished": "2026-10-29T12:43:09-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-29T16:40:21-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12106966",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12106966/valkyries-look-to-clinch-wnba-championship-in-game-6-against-atlanta-dream",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"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>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12106966/valkyries-look-to-clinch-wnba-championship-in-game-6-against-atlanta-dream",
"authors": [
"11935",
"11756",
"11761"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_1386",
"news_34081",
"news_34044",
"news_2672",
"news_38",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12107294",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12106058": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12106058",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12106058",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1793070600000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"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,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Golden State Valkyries Take Care of Business in Ballhalla in Game 5 of WNBA Finals | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"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",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106570,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg 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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\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/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-30-7bfc60a7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106570\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106568,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106568\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-28-2b2df94f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106568\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106556,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106556\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-07-5bd59852.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106556\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12106319"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-21-KQED-e4f62767.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Others traveled from Georgia, like Sug Parker, the former high school basketball coach of the Dream’s guard Allisha Gray. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Others traveled from Georgia, like Sug Parker, the former high school basketball coach of the Dream’s guard Allisha Gray. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106564,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106564\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-22-3f9c72c4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106564\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106562,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106562\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-19-62bfdba2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106562\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106559,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106559\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zendaya attends game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-15-1281e0ac.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106559\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zendaya attends game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 26, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106557,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106557\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261026-ValksGame5-JY-10-93667357.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106557\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "After a second win in a row against the Atlanta Dream, the Valks are one game away from securing the championship title. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793174536,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 0,
"wordCount": 908
},
"headData": {
"title": "Golden State Valkyries Take Care of Business in Ballhalla in Game 5 of WNBA Finals | KQED",
"description": "After a second win in a row against the Atlanta Dream, the Valks are one game away from securing the championship title. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Golden State Valkyries Take Care of Business in Ballhalla in Game 5 of WNBA Finals",
"datePublished": "2026-10-26T20:10:00-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-28T01:02:16-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"audioUrl": "https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/0af137ef-751e-4b19-a055-aaef00d2d578/ffca7e9f-6831-41c5-bcaf-aaef00f5a073/30a05744-cce4-47ea-954e-b4f00145c495/audio.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12106058",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12106058/golden-state-valkyries-ride-momentum-into-game-5-of-wnba-finals-against-atlanta-dream",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"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>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12106058/golden-state-valkyries-ride-momentum-into-game-5-of-wnba-finals-against-atlanta-dream",
"authors": [
"11756",
"11935",
"11925"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_1386",
"news_34081",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_2672",
"news_38",
"news_33257",
"news_1131",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12106555",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12106319": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12106319",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12106319",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1792947600000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "valkyries-fans-bring-the-violet-to-atlanta-in-game-4",
"title": "Valkyries Fans Bring the Violet to Atlanta in Game 4",
"publishDate": 1792947600,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Valkyries Fans Bring the Violet to Atlanta in Game 4 | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"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",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106344,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"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)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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\"/>\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106337,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106336,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-1-KQED-393eb54b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106336\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-1-KQED-393eb54b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106336\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106345,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"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-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\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/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-13-KQED-58cc2133.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106345\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106346,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-14-KQED-7b4a1966.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106346\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-14-KQED-7b4a1966.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106346\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106338,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-3-KQED-1efa32f8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106338\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-3-KQED-1efa32f8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106338\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106343,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"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-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sanya Khanna models a Golden State Valkyries face tattoo on her cheek in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\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/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-10-KQED-3c95ab9e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106343\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sanya Khanna models a Golden State Valkyries face tattoo on her cheek in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106349,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-23-KQED-4f5cb507.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106349\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-23-KQED-4f5cb507.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106349\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106341,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-8-KQED-6f1bb487.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106341\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison of Berkeley rocks a Golden State Valkyries jersey in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-8-KQED-6f1bb487.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106341\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alex Morrison of Berkeley rocks a Golden State Valkyries jersey in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106339,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"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-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\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/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-5-KQED-5927e332.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106339\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106347,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-17-KQED-b95c5691.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106347\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-17-KQED-b95c5691.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106347\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106342,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-9-KQED-e9071f5f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106342\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValksGame4Fits_GC-9-KQED-e9071f5f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106342\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
}
],
"excerpt": "Bay Area Fans show up and show out over 2,000 miles across the country.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793130017,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 0,
"wordCount": 369
},
"headData": {
"title": "Valkyries Fans Bring the Violet to Atlanta in Game 4 | KQED",
"description": "Bay Area Fans show up and show out over 2,000 miles across the country.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Valkyries Fans Bring the Violet to Atlanta in Game 4",
"datePublished": "2026-10-25T10:00:00-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-27T12:40:17-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12106319",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12106319/valkyries-fans-bring-the-violet-to-atlanta-in-game-4",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"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>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12106319/valkyries-fans-bring-the-violet-to-atlanta-in-game-4",
"authors": [
"11908"
],
"categories": [
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_23681",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_17996",
"news_2672",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131"
],
"featImg": "news_12106348",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12106077": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12106077",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12106077",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1792850400000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "golden-state-valkyries-take-on-atlanta-dream-in-game-4-of-the-wnba-finals",
"title": "Valkyries Win Game 4 in Atlanta to Tie WNBA Finals Series 2-2",
"publishDate": 1792850400,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Valkyries Win Game 4 in Atlanta to Tie WNBA Finals Series 2-2 | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"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",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106262,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106261,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With less than 30 seconds left in the game, the Dream had narrowed the lead even more, but the Valkyries held on.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>With less than 30 seconds left in the game, the Dream had narrowed the lead even more, but the Valkyries held on.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106299,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106298,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106298\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer after the Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 during Game 4 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-35-KQED_-9bfc09c7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106298\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer after the Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 during Game 4 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fan Miles Ott was hyped about the win. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Fan Miles Ott was hyped about the win. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’ve got a freaking series, baby,” Ott told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’ve got a freaking series, baby,” Ott told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“As for being her father, I’m so proud of her,” Renard said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“As for being her father, I’m so proud of her,” Renard said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106255,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-4-KQED_-e7ea4439.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106255\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s like you have 150 of your new best friends that you just met.” McClendon said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s like you have 150 of your new best friends that you just met.” McClendon said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106258,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106258\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase reacts during the first quarter of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-7-KQED_-dbd88dc6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106258\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase reacts during the first quarter of Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They need us here. They need to feel us,” Thomas-Williams said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“They need us here. They need to feel us,” Thomas-Williams said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Madison Huynh said the “best team in the world” took better care of the ball this game. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Madison Huynh said the “best team in the world” took better care of the ball this game. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12105350"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It looks like we’re the team we’re supposed to be,” Huynh said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It looks like we’re the team we’re supposed to be,” Huynh said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Williams said the team was, “undisciplined on defense.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Williams said the team was, “undisciplined on defense.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106288,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106288\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-17-KQED_-90ae7b3a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106288\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106287,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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-16-KQED_-6d0e161d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106287\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-16-KQED_-6d0e161d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106287\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ott flew from Oakland to Atlanta on Friday night for a quick turnaround trip just to cheer on his favorite team. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Ott flew from Oakland to Atlanta on Friday night for a quick turnaround trip just to cheer on his favorite team. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re going to support this team no matter what,” Ott said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’re going to support this team no matter what,” Ott said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12106289,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106289\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261024_ValkyriesGame4_GC-19-KQED_-9cd648c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106289\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase had confidence even before Game 4 that her team could still come back and win it today. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase had confidence even before Game 4 that her team could still come back and win it today. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“After times when we’ve been punched, we know how to come back,” Nakase said in Wednesday’s postgame conference. “What’s good is that usually we come back even tighter.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“After times when we’ve been punched, we know how to come back,” Nakase said in Wednesday’s postgame conference. “What’s good is that usually we come back even tighter.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Game 5 will be played at Chase Center on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Game 5 will be played at Chase Center on Monday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "The Golden State Valkyries took Game 4 on the Dream’s court after losing two in a row.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792945189,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 0,
"wordCount": 1389
},
"headData": {
"title": "Valkyries Win Game 4 in Atlanta to Tie WNBA Finals Series 2-2 | KQED",
"description": "The Golden State Valkyries took Game 4 on the Dream’s court after losing two in a row.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Valkyries Win Game 4 in Atlanta to Tie WNBA Finals Series 2-2",
"datePublished": "2026-10-24T07:00:00-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-25T09:19:49-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"audioUrl": "https://traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/0af137ef-751e-4b19-a055-aaef00d2d578/ffca7e9f-6831-41c5-bcaf-aaef00f5a073/445e7318-815c-477c-8200-b4ec011f4f32/audio.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12106077",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12106077/golden-state-valkyries-take-on-atlanta-dream-in-game-4-of-the-wnba-finals",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"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>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12106077/golden-state-valkyries-take-on-atlanta-dream-in-game-4-of-the-wnba-finals",
"authors": [
"11840"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_1386",
"news_34081",
"news_34044",
"news_17996",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131"
],
"featImg": "news_12106300",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12105569": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12105569",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12105569",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1792620000000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "golden-state-valkyries-fans-gear-up-for-game-3-of-the-wnba-finals-in-atlanta",
"title": "Valkyries Fans Take Dream Loss in Stride, Prepare to Rally for Game 4",
"publishDate": 1792620000,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Valkyries Fans Take Dream Loss in Stride, Prepare to Rally for Game 4 | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"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",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Casanave was part of one of the pockets of purple at State Farm Arena that stood out against a sea of hometown blue as diehard Valkyries supporters cheered for the Bay Area team.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Casanave was part of one of the pockets of purple at State Farm Arena that stood out against a sea of hometown blue as diehard Valkyries supporters cheered for the Bay Area team.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105689,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"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-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries face off against the Atlanta Dream during Game 3 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-8-KQED-deb12d81.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105689\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Golden State Valkyries face off against the Atlanta Dream during Game 3 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105696,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261021_ValkyriesGame3_GC-20-KQED-7f4312cb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105696\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans sit surrounded by a sea of Atlanta Dream fans during Game 3 of the WNBA finals between the Valkyries and the Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Christine McSpadden was disappointed but remained optimistic. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Christine McSpadden was disappointed but remained optimistic. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Well that was a tough loss, but I know they’re going to come back,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Well that was a tough loss, but I know they’re going to come back,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I came all the way from San Francisco to cheer my girls on,” she said. “I love my girls, ride or die, I love them.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I came all the way from San Francisco to cheer my girls on,” she said. “I love my girls, ride or die, I love them.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"layout": {
"type": "flex",
"flexWrap": null
},
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105623,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg 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\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-05-KQED-ccbbc102.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105623\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105640,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg 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\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg 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\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"navigationButtonType": "icon",
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105633,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg 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\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-07-KQED-4b85167d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105633\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105635,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg 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\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sirena Roberts and Danielle Hohos wear Golden State Valkyries themed basketball purses in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-Valkyries-Game-3-GC-08-KQED-09e62bff.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105635\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sirena Roberts and Danielle Hohos wear Golden State Valkyries themed basketball purses in Atlanta on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>By Wednesday, the team was ready to come back and leave it all on the court. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>By Wednesday, the team was ready to come back and leave it all on the court. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In spite of the loss, the number of fans in Atlanta reflected the pride and passion the Valkyries have inspired.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In spite of the loss, the number of fans in Atlanta reflected the pride and passion the Valkyries have inspired.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12105350"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261020_TravelhallaValkyries_GC-6-KQED-6fb447c2.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Harris, a self-described massive Bay Area sports fan, quickly grew to love the team. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Harris, a self-described massive Bay Area sports fan, quickly grew to love the team. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105681,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"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-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=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105695,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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\"/>\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Their meteoric rise comes as the WNBA has seen a boost in fandom across the country.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Their meteoric rise comes as the WNBA has seen a boost in fandom across the country.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For many Valkyries fans, the rapid growth has been a source of pride and excitement.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For many Valkyries fans, the rapid growth has been a source of pride and excitement.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For Los Angeles-based Valkyries fan Hill Winans, following the team has become a huge hobby. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For Los Angeles-based Valkyries fan Hill Winans, following the team has become a huge hobby. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I believe in us. I still believe in us,” Winans said after the game.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I believe in us. I still believe in us,” Winans said after the game.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"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. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792696471,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 0,
"wordCount": 1062
},
"headData": {
"title": "Valkyries Fans Take Dream Loss in Stride, Prepare to Rally for Game 4 | KQED",
"description": "The Bay Area’s WNBA team took on the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Game 3 of the best-of-seven series. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Valkyries Fans Take Dream Loss in Stride, Prepare to Rally for Game 4",
"datePublished": "2026-10-21T15:00:00-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-22T12:14:31-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12105569",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12105569/golden-state-valkyries-fans-gear-up-for-game-3-of-the-wnba-finals-in-atlanta",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"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>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12105569/golden-state-valkyries-fans-gear-up-for-game-3-of-the-wnba-finals-in-atlanta",
"authors": [
"11840"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_18058",
"news_1386",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_2672",
"news_38",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131"
],
"featImg": "news_12105698",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12105350": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12105350",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12105350",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1792598951000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "valkyries-fans-soar-to-atlanta-for-wnba-playoffs",
"title": "Valkyries Fans Soar to Atlanta for WNBA Playoffs",
"publishDate": 1792598951,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Valkyries Fans Soar to Atlanta for WNBA Playoffs | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"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",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105509,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)"
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The loss didn’t deter fans like Kumar from flying across the country to see the Valkyries play. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The loss didn’t deter fans like Kumar from flying across the country to see the Valkyries play. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"arts_13994882"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/20261019_ValksGame2_015_qed-6a991ed2.JPG",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105530,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)"
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105553,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)"
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Her group chats and fan threads are buzzing with plans to meet up in Atlanta this week. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Her group chats and fan threads are buzzing with plans to meet up in Atlanta this week. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105241,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)"
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"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.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792605721,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 29,
"wordCount": 1355
},
"headData": {
"title": "Valkyries Fans Soar to Atlanta for WNBA Playoffs | KQED",
"description": "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.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Valkyries Fans Soar to Atlanta for WNBA Playoffs",
"datePublished": "2026-10-21T09:09:11-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-21T11:02:01-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12105350",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12105350/valkyries-fans-soar-to-atlanta-for-wnba-playoffs",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"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>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12105350/valkyries-fans-soar-to-atlanta-for-wnba-playoffs",
"authors": [
"11840"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_1386",
"news_33130",
"news_34081",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12105529",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12105116": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12105116",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12105116",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1792453716000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"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",
"publishDate": 1792453716,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Valkyries Fall to Dream, 79-65 in Game 2 of WNBA Finals | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"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",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105237,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105237\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-31-BL-7a9b8a29.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105237\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105230,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105230\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105230\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105228,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105228\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-14-BL-d68531d0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105228\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105236,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105236\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-29-BL-5d7293b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105236\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12104461"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Despite the loss, the fans still have faith and they kept the energy high through the bitter end.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Despite the loss, the fans still have faith and they kept the energy high through the bitter end.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“These ladies can pull it out,” Merrill Feather told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“These ladies can pull it out,” Merrill Feather told KQED after the game. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The franchise has come a long — and fast — way since its debut in 2024. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The franchise has come a long — and fast — way since its debut in 2024. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105230,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105230\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-19-BL-0bb766d6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105230\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105243,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105243\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-21-BL-c1761e82.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105243\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105227,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105227\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-13-BL-21d0d3b1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105227\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105241,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To make the move work, Game 3 was pushed up from Oct. 22 to Oct. 21. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To make the move work, Game 3 was pushed up from Oct. 22 to Oct. 21. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105173,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105173\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-03-BL-47a34861.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105173\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105223,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105223\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stacey Camillo cheers before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-04-BL-9f8e9d68.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105223\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stacey Camillo cheers before Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the Valkyries are away, fans can cheer together throughout the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">city\u003c/a> or stop by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104572/going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla\">Boohalla\u003c/a> to get in the violet spirit. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If the series goes to Game 7, the Valkyries and the Dream return to San Francisco for a haunted Halloween showdown. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A standout moment for Game 2, KQED’s Natalia Navarro reported, was what came after the buzzer. Valkyries fans proved their reputation, chanting “G-S-V” for a solid minute and cheering the team off the court.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"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. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792516216,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 23,
"wordCount": 982
},
"headData": {
"title": "Valkyries Fall to Dream, 79-65 in Game 2 of WNBA Finals | KQED",
"description": "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. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Valkyries Fall to Dream, 79-65 in Game 2 of WNBA Finals",
"datePublished": "2026-10-19T16:48:36-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-20T10:10:16-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"sticky": false,
"WpOldSlug": "valkyries-host-atlanta-dream-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals-seeking-2-0-edge",
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12105116",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"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>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12105116/valkyries-fall-to-dream-65-79-in-game-2-of-wnba-finals",
"authors": [
"12003",
"11929",
"11756"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_1386",
"news_33130",
"news_34044",
"news_2672",
"news_38",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12105242",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12104970": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12104970",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12104970",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1792262304000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals",
"title": "Valkyries Take WNBA Finals Game 1",
"publishDate": 1792262304,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Valkyries Take WNBA Finals Game 1 | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"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",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The team took Game 1 of the best-of-seven series against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105004,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)"
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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\"/>\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We always know we’re gonna find a way somehow,” forward Gabby Williams told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We always know we’re gonna find a way somehow,” forward Gabby Williams told reporters after the game. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When asked how it felt to hear the crowd shout her name, Williams said it feels “like we’re not done yet.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Viveca Ycoy-Walton, who watched the game at Oakland’s Golden Ratio Bar, was feeling differently. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Viveca Ycoy-Walton, who watched the game at Oakland’s Golden Ratio Bar, was feeling differently. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m feeling freaking amazing,” Ycoy-Walton said. “This is a moment for the Bay right now.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I’m feeling freaking amazing,” Ycoy-Walton said. “This is a moment for the Bay right now.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105012,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105008,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105008\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-25-BL-5b245d1f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105008\"/>\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.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Atlanta and Golden State are both top-tier defending teams, and as they battled, the Valkyries seemed to miss some of the shots they would usually make. Williams wasn’t worried. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105001,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg 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=\"(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 1 of the WNBA Finals 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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-18-BL-15b8283e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105001\"/>\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.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105000,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105007,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105007\"/>\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",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261017-ValksGame1-24-BL-0d081d1a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105007\"/>\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"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Season ticket holder Jessie Dotson said she’s been “all in” since experiencing the energy of the crowd.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Season ticket holder Jessie Dotson said she’s been “all in” since experiencing the energy of the crowd.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I just love the game, I love the vibe. It’s just like a happy place,” Dotson said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I just love the game, I love the vibe. It’s just like a happy place,” Dotson said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will be adding to their list of historic firsts if they win the series. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will be adding to their list of historic firsts if they win the series. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They’re only in their second season. Despite being the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, they were counted out by some in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, who they swept\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104979,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104978,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They’re no underdogs in the Finals, though. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>They’re no underdogs in the Finals, though. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104977,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)"
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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\"/>\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ycoy-Walton said if they win, it will be “by design.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Ycoy-Walton said if they win, it will be “by design.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12105017,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"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)"
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"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",
"innerContent": [
"\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"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "The Valkyries bested the Atlanta Dream at San Francisco’s Chase Center. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792445587,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 29,
"wordCount": 1205
},
"headData": {
"title": "Valkyries Take WNBA Finals Game 1 | KQED",
"description": "The Valkyries bested the Atlanta Dream at San Francisco’s Chase Center. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Valkyries Take WNBA Finals Game 1",
"datePublished": "2026-10-17T11:38:24-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-19T14:33:07-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12104970",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"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>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12104970/valkyries-host-game-1-of-wnba-finals",
"authors": [
"11935",
"11756"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_18058",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_17996",
"news_2672",
"news_33257",
"news_1131"
],
"featImg": "news_12105002",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12104572": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12104572",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12104572",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1792179298000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla",
"title": "Going to Cheer for the Valkyries This Saturday? Stop by ‘Boohalla’",
"publishDate": 1792179298,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Going to Cheer for the Valkyries This Saturday? Stop by ‘Boohalla’ | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>At the intersection of Third Avenue and Clement Street in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s Inner Richmond, there stands a perfect encapsulation of how this reporter’s October is going: A Halloween-themed Valkyries installation, fittingly titled \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area couple Sarah Swig, left, and Ainsley Rossitto, right, who created “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, speak about their creative process and inspiration behind the tribute display at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Can you tell we’re passionate?” said Sarah Swig, steward of Boohalla. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s become, like, my whole personality,” her wife, Ainsley Rossitto, said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">how to follow the finals and where to watch the game\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&femb=1&ll=0%2C0&z=7\">bars in or near the Inner Richmond\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1393\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-1536x1070.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A “This is Boohalla” flag hangs in the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We did a little bottle service for the skeletons here to celebrate,” Rossitto said. “We have some things rolling out for the Dream very soon.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And with the display come the Valkyries’ fervent fans. Rossitto said that they regularly find people outside their yard, taking pictures and posting on social media.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104690\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104690\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bentley, the 12-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, stands in “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" data-id=\"12104679\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104679\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Halle Berry, Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams’ cat, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tombstone with WNBA team logos that the Golden State Valkyries have defeated is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104686\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104686\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton holding queen and ace cards is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It is especially a hit among kids on their way to school. Two little girls told Swig that they wanted to be Valkyries for Halloween. A young boy, she said, saw the display and rattled off, by heart, all of the teams in the WNBA league. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s really heartwarming,” Swig said. “This fan base is just so positive, and that really stems from the players, from the leadership, from the team … They really cultivated the entire Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That diversity is reflected in the fans the couple has met. They said that people have stopped by the house traveling from all over the Bay Area — Santa Rosa to the East Bay to the Peninsula. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“They don’t feel like strangers,” Rossitto said. “You guys are bonded by the same thing, and the fandom, and everybody’s been so friendly … I’d say hundreds of people have come by.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And many of them are hungry for more. The couple has already been asked what they are planning for Christmas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ll be back next year,” Rossitto said.\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At the intersection of Third Avenue and Clement Street in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s Inner Richmond, there stands a perfect encapsulation of how this reporter’s October is going: A Halloween-themed Valkyries installation, fittingly titled \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At the intersection of Third Avenue and Clement Street in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s Inner Richmond, there stands a perfect encapsulation of how this reporter’s October is going: A Halloween-themed Valkyries installation, fittingly titled \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104681,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area couple Sarah Swig, left, and Ainsley Rossitto, right, who created “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, speak about their creative process and inspiration behind the tribute display at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\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/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104681\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area couple Sarah Swig, left, and Ainsley Rossitto, right, who created “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, speak about their creative process and inspiration behind the tribute display at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Can you tell we’re passionate?” said Sarah Swig, steward of Boohalla. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Can you tell we’re passionate?” said Sarah Swig, steward of Boohalla. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s become, like, my whole personality,” her wife, Ainsley Rossitto, said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s become, like, my whole personality,” her wife, Ainsley Rossitto, said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">how to follow the finals and where to watch the game\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&femb=1&ll=0%2C0&z=7\">bars in or near the Inner Richmond\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">how to follow the finals and where to watch the game\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&femb=1&ll=0%2C0&z=7\">bars in or near the Inner Richmond\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104689,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-1536x1070.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-1536x1070.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A “This is Boohalla” flag hangs in the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\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/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104689\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A “This is Boohalla” flag hangs in the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12104461"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We did a little bottle service for the skeletons here to celebrate,” Rossitto said. “We have some things rolling out for the Dream very soon.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We did a little bottle service for the skeletons here to celebrate,” Rossitto said. “We have some things rolling out for the Dream very soon.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And with the display come the Valkyries’ fervent fans. Rossitto said that they regularly find people outside their yard, taking pictures and posting on social media.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And with the display come the Valkyries’ fervent fans. Rossitto said that they regularly find people outside their yard, taking pictures and posting on social media.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104690,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104690\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bentley, the 12-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, stands in “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104690\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bentley, the 12-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, stands in “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104679,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104679\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Halle Berry, Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams’ cat, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104679\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Halle Berry, Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams’ cat, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104688,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104688\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tombstone with WNBA team logos that the Golden State Valkyries have defeated is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104688\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tombstone with WNBA team logos that the Golden State Valkyries have defeated is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104686,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104686\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton holding queen and ace cards is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104686\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton holding queen and ace cards is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It is especially a hit among kids on their way to school. Two little girls told Swig that they wanted to be Valkyries for Halloween. A young boy, she said, saw the display and rattled off, by heart, all of the teams in the WNBA league. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It is especially a hit among kids on their way to school. Two little girls told Swig that they wanted to be Valkyries for Halloween. A young boy, she said, saw the display and rattled off, by heart, all of the teams in the WNBA league. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s really heartwarming,” Swig said. “This fan base is just so positive, and that really stems from the players, from the leadership, from the team … They really cultivated the entire Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s really heartwarming,” Swig said. “This fan base is just so positive, and that really stems from the players, from the leadership, from the team … They really cultivated the entire Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That diversity is reflected in the fans the couple has met. They said that people have stopped by the house traveling from all over the Bay Area — Santa Rosa to the East Bay to the Peninsula. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That diversity is reflected in the fans the couple has met. They said that people have stopped by the house traveling from all over the Bay Area — Santa Rosa to the East Bay to the Peninsula. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12104680,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They don’t feel like strangers,” Rossitto said. “You guys are bonded by the same thing, and the fandom, and everybody’s been so friendly … I’d say hundreds of people have come by.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“They don’t feel like strangers,” Rossitto said. “You guys are bonded by the same thing, and the fandom, and everybody’s been so friendly … I’d say hundreds of people have come by.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And many of them are hungry for more. The couple has already been asked what they are planning for Christmas. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And many of them are hungry for more. The couple has already been asked what they are planning for Christmas. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’ll be back next year,” Rossitto said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’ll be back next year,” Rossitto said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "Make the pilgrimage to this decorated Inner Richmond home during the WNBA Finals. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792182613,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 23,
"wordCount": 1030
},
"headData": {
"title": "Going to Cheer for the Valkyries This Saturday? Stop by ‘Boohalla’ | KQED",
"description": "Make the pilgrimage to this decorated Inner Richmond home during the WNBA Finals. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Going to Cheer for the Valkyries This Saturday? Stop by ‘Boohalla’",
"datePublished": "2026-10-16T12:34:58-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-16T13:30:13-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 34168,
"slug": "guides-and-explainers",
"name": "Guides and Explainers"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12104572",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12104572/going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>At the intersection of Third Avenue and Clement Street in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s Inner Richmond, there stands a perfect encapsulation of how this reporter’s October is going: A Halloween-themed Valkyries installation, fittingly titled \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area couple Sarah Swig, left, and Ainsley Rossitto, right, who created “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, speak about their creative process and inspiration behind the tribute display at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Can you tell we’re passionate?” said Sarah Swig, steward of Boohalla. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s become, like, my whole personality,” her wife, Ainsley Rossitto, said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">how to follow the finals and where to watch the game\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&femb=1&ll=0%2C0&z=7\">bars in or near the Inner Richmond\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1393\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-1536x1070.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A “This is Boohalla” flag hangs in the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We did a little bottle service for the skeletons here to celebrate,” Rossitto said. “We have some things rolling out for the Dream very soon.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And with the display come the Valkyries’ fervent fans. Rossitto said that they regularly find people outside their yard, taking pictures and posting on social media.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104690\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104690\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bentley, the 12-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, stands in “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" data-id=\"12104679\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104679\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Halle Berry, Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams’ cat, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tombstone with WNBA team logos that the Golden State Valkyries have defeated is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104686\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104686\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton holding queen and ace cards is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It is especially a hit among kids on their way to school. Two little girls told Swig that they wanted to be Valkyries for Halloween. A young boy, she said, saw the display and rattled off, by heart, all of the teams in the WNBA league. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s really heartwarming,” Swig said. “This fan base is just so positive, and that really stems from the players, from the leadership, from the team … They really cultivated the entire Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That diversity is reflected in the fans the couple has met. They said that people have stopped by the house traveling from all over the Bay Area — Santa Rosa to the East Bay to the Peninsula. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“They don’t feel like strangers,” Rossitto said. “You guys are bonded by the same thing, and the fandom, and everybody’s been so friendly … I’d say hundreds of people have come by.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And many of them are hungry for more. The couple has already been asked what they are planning for Christmas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ll be back next year,” Rossitto said.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12104572/going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla",
"authors": [
"11867"
],
"categories": [
"news_34168",
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_32707",
"news_18058",
"news_1386",
"news_34081",
"news_35888",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_18816",
"news_38",
"news_33257",
"news_1131"
],
"featImg": "news_12104685",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12104461": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12104461",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12104461",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1792090800000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals",
"title": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals",
"publishDate": 1792090800,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103944,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12101439,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)",
"Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)",
"Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)",
"Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)",
"Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)",
"Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "How to watch the games online"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102726,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "How to watch the game in person"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "How to watch the game at a bar"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12103702"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_032_qed-b3563058.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Valkyries Tailgate on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco",
"Events hosted by ValQueeries",
"Events hosted by The People’s Watch Party",
"Events hosted by Hysteria",
"Salesforce Park in San Francisco (starts Monday)",
"The Center in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)",
"Rikki’s in San Francisco",
"Hi Tops in San Francisco",
"Mother in San Francisco",
"Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco",
"Valley Tavern in San Francisco",
"Providence Night Club in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"Woodbury Bar in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"Skylark in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"The Disability Cultural Center in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)",
"George & Walt’s in Oakland",
"Xingones Cantina in Oakland",
"Oakland Athletic Club in Oakland",
"White Horse Bar in Oakland",
"Understory in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)",
"Barebottle Brewing Company in Santa Clara",
"Rookie’s Sports Lodge in San José"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\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,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
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"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "Where you can watch the Valkyries’ games as the team makes it to the WNBA Finals in its second year.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1792177239,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 25,
"wordCount": 1105
},
"headData": {
"title": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals | KQED",
"description": "Where you can watch the Valkyries’ games as the team makes it to the WNBA Finals in its second year.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals",
"datePublished": "2026-10-15T12:00:00-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-16T12:00:39-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 34168,
"slug": "guides-and-explainers",
"name": "Guides and Explainers"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12104461",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals",
"authors": [
"11867"
],
"categories": [
"news_34168",
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_32707",
"news_18058",
"news_1386",
"news_34081",
"news_35888",
"news_34044",
"news_38",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12103942",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12103702": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12103702",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12103702",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1791648012000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces",
"title": "Golden State Valkyries Advance to WNBA Finals After Sweeping Las Vegas Aces",
"publishDate": 1791648012,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Golden State Valkyries Advance to WNBA Finals After Sweeping Las Vegas Aces | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> are heading to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s WNBA team defeated the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, on Friday night 87-77 in overtime, sweeping their semifinals opponent 3-0 in the best-of-five series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valkyries fans decked out in violet spilled out onto the sidewalk at a watch party at the Mission brewery Standard Deviant cheering after the final buzzer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I feel elated, just absolutely buzzed. This just means so much for the city and so much for sports,” said Becky Mincio. “We’re literally in tears because this just means so much.”\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=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12103933\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103933\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans applaud as the Golden State Valkyries face the Las Vegas Aces during a watch party at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/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=\"12103931\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103931\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries merchandise and party favors cover a table before a watch party at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the finals next Saturday, Oct. 17 at Chase Center. It’s only the team’s second season but already the Valkyries’ second time in a WNBA playoff series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082769/the-valkyries-first-season-was-a-huge-success-can-they-take-it-to-the-next-level\">since launching in 2025\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But Friday’s win in Las Vegas didn’t come easy. Fans were on edge for nearly all of the first half as the Valkyries trailed behind the Aces, who had home court advantage. The Aces led at halftime, and the teams traded the lead back and forth throughout the fourth quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries managed to claw back to a tie, sending the game into overtime. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At a post-game press conference, Center Kiah Stokes and guard Gabby Williams said the overtime win was a mix of excitement — and relief.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It feels special because this is a special group,” Williams said. “We’re about to have some bandwagoners because we didn’t get no love all season. Nobody believed in us, but it honestly made us smile because all we need is each other.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When the team ultimately clinched the win, the Mission brewery erupted in cheers. \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=\"889\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12103934\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_030_qed-cdb409da.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103934\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_030_qed-cdb409da.jpg 889w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_030_qed-cdb409da-160x240.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 889px) 100vw, 889px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chelsea Blockin jumps and cheers as the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"889\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12103938\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_028_qed-20ea4e3b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103938\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_028_qed-20ea4e3b.jpg 889w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_028_qed-20ea4e3b-160x240.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 889px) 100vw, 889px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zac Brown throws his arms in the air as the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In the last game, Gabby [Williams] said that she felt like Ballhalla was the sixth person on the court,” said Chelsea Locklin referring to recent comments from the team’s star forward about fans at the Chase Center. “It felt like we were still sending the same Ballhalla energy to them in Vegas.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ballhalla, a play on the mythological hall called Valhalla in the same Norse mythology that the Valkyries are named after, has become a source of joy and pride for the team’s fanbase. Many of the viewers at Standard Deviant said they had gone to games in person before Friday’s away game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101382/golden-state-valkyries-playoffs-wnba-2026-chase-center-ballhalla\">Fandom\u003c/a> for the team has exploded with celebrity-studded games and sold-out matches leading up to their finals debut. Their homecourt has been packed with fans in purple shirts, winged headpieces and other homages to the team’s mythical mascot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After their inaugural season, the Valkyries were deemed the most valuable team in the league, reaching around $850 million valuation in 2026 after a record-breaking $78 million in revenue, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48645552/valkyries-wnba-most-valuable-team-2nd-straight-year\">ESPN\u003c/a>, largely fueled by the team’s thousands of season-ticket holders and sponsorship. \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/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103942\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries fan wearing a No. 15 jersey throws his arms in the air during the team’s game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m a season-ticket holder, been at every single game, losing my voice every single night,” said Angelina Zamatia, who came out to watch the game with friends in San Francisco on Friday night. “I’m so proud of this team. Literally a dream come true.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Megan Gerwe came to Friday’s watch party at Standard Deviant with her moms and friends to celebrate her aunt’s birthday, even handmaking lavender party hats with the team logo for extra flair. She said the team has been especially meaningful to her family. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There are lots of queer players on our team, which is super important and cool for my family, because we’re represented,” Gerwe said. “I’m just so glad that so many people here are into the Valkyries it’s such a special thing to be a part of, especially for women and queer women.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fiona Lin grew up watching NBA games with her dad and grandfather in China, and said it’s been thrilling to feel represented by players like Kaitlyn Chen. She said having a home team to root for in San Francisco has been an exciting and, at times nerve-wracking, experience. \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=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12103941\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103941\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Max Chang (left) and Fiona Lin pose in matching Golden State Valkyries shirts outside Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/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=\"12103944\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We went to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102708/valkyries-comeback-win-catapults-team-to-its-first-semifinals\">one of the playoffs last Friday\u003c/a>. I was so stressed the whole time. I was so nervous that my Oura ring was like, ‘you were so stressed for the last two hours and a half,’” Lin laughed, referring to a health monitoring wearable device. “But the crowd was just amazing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase, a former WNBA player and assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, knows the playoff circuit well. In her previous role as assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces, she steered the team to two WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase was awarded WNBA Coach of the year after leading the Valkyries’ debut season in 2025. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That year, the Valkyries quickly gave fans something to cheer for by reaching the playoffs, making history as the first expansion team to reach a postseason in their inaugural season. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Niki Hsu (left), Alyssa Leu and Kayla Curameng pose in matching Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen jerseys at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However the Valkyries 2025 playoff series fell short when the Minnesota Lynx knocked the team out in the first round. This year, the Valkyries managed to push further. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Andrew Pospeshil and other rowdy fans Friday night couldn’t be more excited for the next round. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m watching every game for the finals,” he said. “This is the greatest sports environment and fandom. It’s so much fun. I feel like the team has a great chemistry. The fans are just enjoying this so much. I’m having a f— time.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Williams said the team culture and the work they’d put in together made it feel like they “had something worth fighting for.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Shout out to the Valkyries organization, they had this vision from the start and to see it come to fruition already in year two, it’s pretty amazing. It’s special,” Stokes said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase said she saw a “new level of fight” from her players last night.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Literally this is a dream come true to be going to the finals in our second year — it can come true,” Nakase said. “As we know, job’s not done and we now have to go another gear.”\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> are heading to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> are heading to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s WNBA team defeated the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, on Friday night 87-77 in overtime, sweeping their semifinals opponent 3-0 in the best-of-five series. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s WNBA team defeated the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, on Friday night 87-77 in overtime, sweeping their semifinals opponent 3-0 in the best-of-five series. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valkyries fans decked out in violet spilled out onto the sidewalk at a watch party at the Mission brewery Standard Deviant cheering after the final buzzer. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Valkyries fans decked out in violet spilled out onto the sidewalk at a watch party at the Mission brewery Standard Deviant cheering after the final buzzer. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I feel elated, just absolutely buzzed. This just means so much for the city and so much for sports,” said Becky Mincio. “We’re literally in tears because this just means so much.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I feel elated, just absolutely buzzed. This just means so much for the city and so much for sports,” said Becky Mincio. “We’re literally in tears because this just means so much.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103933,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103933\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans applaud as the Golden State Valkyries face the Las Vegas Aces during a watch party at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103933\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans applaud as the Golden State Valkyries face the Las Vegas Aces during a watch party at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103931,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103931\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries merchandise and party favors cover a table before a watch party at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103931\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries merchandise and party favors cover a table before a watch party at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the finals next Saturday, Oct. 17 at Chase Center. It’s only the team’s second season but already the Valkyries’ second time in a WNBA playoff series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082769/the-valkyries-first-season-was-a-huge-success-can-they-take-it-to-the-next-level\">since launching in 2025\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the finals next Saturday, Oct. 17 at Chase Center. It’s only the team’s second season but already the Valkyries’ second time in a WNBA playoff series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082769/the-valkyries-first-season-was-a-huge-success-can-they-take-it-to-the-next-level\">since launching in 2025\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But Friday’s win in Las Vegas didn’t come easy. Fans were on edge for nearly all of the first half as the Valkyries trailed behind the Aces, who had home court advantage. The Aces led at halftime, and the teams traded the lead back and forth throughout the fourth quarter. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But Friday’s win in Las Vegas didn’t come easy. Fans were on edge for nearly all of the first half as the Valkyries trailed behind the Aces, who had home court advantage. The Aces led at halftime, and the teams traded the lead back and forth throughout the fourth quarter. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries managed to claw back to a tie, sending the game into overtime. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries managed to claw back to a tie, sending the game into overtime. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At a post-game press conference, Center Kiah Stokes and guard Gabby Williams said the overtime win was a mix of excitement — and relief.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At a post-game press conference, Center Kiah Stokes and guard Gabby Williams said the overtime win was a mix of excitement — and relief.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It feels special because this is a special group,” Williams said. “We’re about to have some bandwagoners because we didn’t get no love all season. Nobody believed in us, but it honestly made us smile because all we need is each other.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It feels special because this is a special group,” Williams said. “We’re about to have some bandwagoners because we didn’t get no love all season. Nobody believed in us, but it honestly made us smile because all we need is each other.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When the team ultimately clinched the win, the Mission brewery erupted in cheers. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>When the team ultimately clinched the win, the Mission brewery erupted in cheers. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103934,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_030_qed-cdb409da.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103934\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chelsea Blockin jumps and cheers as the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_030_qed-cdb409da.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103934\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chelsea Blockin jumps and cheers as the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103938,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_028_qed-20ea4e3b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103938\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zac Brown throws his arms in the air as the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_028_qed-20ea4e3b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103938\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zac Brown throws his arms in the air as the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In the last game, Gabby [Williams] said that she felt like Ballhalla was the sixth person on the court,” said Chelsea Locklin referring to recent comments from the team’s star forward about fans at the Chase Center. “It felt like we were still sending the same Ballhalla energy to them in Vegas.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“In the last game, Gabby [Williams] said that she felt like Ballhalla was the sixth person on the court,” said Chelsea Locklin referring to recent comments from the team’s star forward about fans at the Chase Center. “It felt like we were still sending the same Ballhalla energy to them in Vegas.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ballhalla, a play on the mythological hall called Valhalla in the same Norse mythology that the Valkyries are named after, has become a source of joy and pride for the team’s fanbase. Many of the viewers at Standard Deviant said they had gone to games in person before Friday’s away game. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Ballhalla, a play on the mythological hall called Valhalla in the same Norse mythology that the Valkyries are named after, has become a source of joy and pride for the team’s fanbase. Many of the viewers at Standard Deviant said they had gone to games in person before Friday’s away game. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101382/golden-state-valkyries-playoffs-wnba-2026-chase-center-ballhalla\">Fandom\u003c/a> for the team has exploded with celebrity-studded games and sold-out matches leading up to their finals debut. Their homecourt has been packed with fans in purple shirts, winged headpieces and other homages to the team’s mythical mascot. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101382/golden-state-valkyries-playoffs-wnba-2026-chase-center-ballhalla\">Fandom\u003c/a> for the team has exploded with celebrity-studded games and sold-out matches leading up to their finals debut. Their homecourt has been packed with fans in purple shirts, winged headpieces and other homages to the team’s mythical mascot. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After their inaugural season, the Valkyries were deemed the most valuable team in the league, reaching around $850 million valuation in 2026 after a record-breaking $78 million in revenue, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48645552/valkyries-wnba-most-valuable-team-2nd-straight-year\">ESPN\u003c/a>, largely fueled by the team’s thousands of season-ticket holders and sponsorship. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After their inaugural season, the Valkyries were deemed the most valuable team in the league, reaching around $850 million valuation in 2026 after a record-breaking $78 million in revenue, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48645552/valkyries-wnba-most-valuable-team-2nd-straight-year\">ESPN\u003c/a>, largely fueled by the team’s thousands of season-ticket holders and sponsorship. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103942,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103942\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries fan wearing a No. 15 jersey throws his arms in the air during the team’s game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103942\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries fan wearing a No. 15 jersey throws his arms in the air during the team’s game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m a season-ticket holder, been at every single game, losing my voice every single night,” said Angelina Zamatia, who came out to watch the game with friends in San Francisco on Friday night. “I’m so proud of this team. Literally a dream come true.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I’m a season-ticket holder, been at every single game, losing my voice every single night,” said Angelina Zamatia, who came out to watch the game with friends in San Francisco on Friday night. “I’m so proud of this team. Literally a dream come true.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Megan Gerwe came to Friday’s watch party at Standard Deviant with her moms and friends to celebrate her aunt’s birthday, even handmaking lavender party hats with the team logo for extra flair. She said the team has been especially meaningful to her family. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Megan Gerwe came to Friday’s watch party at Standard Deviant with her moms and friends to celebrate her aunt’s birthday, even handmaking lavender party hats with the team logo for extra flair. She said the team has been especially meaningful to her family. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There are lots of queer players on our team, which is super important and cool for my family, because we’re represented,” Gerwe said. “I’m just so glad that so many people here are into the Valkyries it’s such a special thing to be a part of, especially for women and queer women.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“There are lots of queer players on our team, which is super important and cool for my family, because we’re represented,” Gerwe said. “I’m just so glad that so many people here are into the Valkyries it’s such a special thing to be a part of, especially for women and queer women.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fiona Lin grew up watching NBA games with her dad and grandfather in China, and said it’s been thrilling to feel represented by players like Kaitlyn Chen. She said having a home team to root for in San Francisco has been an exciting and, at times nerve-wracking, experience. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Fiona Lin grew up watching NBA games with her dad and grandfather in China, and said it’s been thrilling to feel represented by players like Kaitlyn Chen. She said having a home team to root for in San Francisco has been an exciting and, at times nerve-wracking, experience. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"layout": {
"type": "flex",
"flexWrap": null
},
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103941,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103941\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Max Chang (left) and Fiona Lin pose in matching Golden State Valkyries shirts outside Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103941\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Max Chang (left) and Fiona Lin pose in matching Golden State Valkyries shirts outside Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103944,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We went to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102708/valkyries-comeback-win-catapults-team-to-its-first-semifinals\">one of the playoffs last Friday\u003c/a>. I was so stressed the whole time. I was so nervous that my Oura ring was like, ‘you were so stressed for the last two hours and a half,’” Lin laughed, referring to a health monitoring wearable device. “But the crowd was just amazing.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We went to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102708/valkyries-comeback-win-catapults-team-to-its-first-semifinals\">one of the playoffs last Friday\u003c/a>. I was so stressed the whole time. I was so nervous that my Oura ring was like, ‘you were so stressed for the last two hours and a half,’” Lin laughed, referring to a health monitoring wearable device. “But the crowd was just amazing.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase, a former WNBA player and assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, knows the playoff circuit well. In her previous role as assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces, she steered the team to two WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase, a former WNBA player and assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, knows the playoff circuit well. In her previous role as assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces, she steered the team to two WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nakase was awarded WNBA Coach of the year after leading the Valkyries’ debut season in 2025. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Nakase was awarded WNBA Coach of the year after leading the Valkyries’ debut season in 2025. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That year, the Valkyries quickly gave fans something to cheer for by reaching the playoffs, making history as the first expansion team to reach a postseason in their inaugural season. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That year, the Valkyries quickly gave fans something to cheer for by reaching the playoffs, making history as the first expansion team to reach a postseason in their inaugural season. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12103946,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Niki Hsu (left), Alyssa Leu and Kayla Curameng pose in matching Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen jerseys at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103946\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Niki Hsu (left), Alyssa Leu and Kayla Curameng pose in matching Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen jerseys at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>However the Valkyries 2025 playoff series fell short when the Minnesota Lynx knocked the team out in the first round. This year, the Valkyries managed to push further. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>However the Valkyries 2025 playoff series fell short when the Minnesota Lynx knocked the team out in the first round. This year, the Valkyries managed to push further. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Andrew Pospeshil and other rowdy fans Friday night couldn’t be more excited for the next round. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Andrew Pospeshil and other rowdy fans Friday night couldn’t be more excited for the next round. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m watching every game for the finals,” he said. “This is the greatest sports environment and fandom. It’s so much fun. I feel like the team has a great chemistry. The fans are just enjoying this so much. I’m having a f— time.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I’m watching every game for the finals,” he said. “This is the greatest sports environment and fandom. It’s so much fun. I feel like the team has a great chemistry. The fans are just enjoying this so much. I’m having a f— time.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Williams said the team culture and the work they’d put in together made it feel like they “had something worth fighting for.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Williams said the team culture and the work they’d put in together made it feel like they “had something worth fighting for.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Shout out to the Valkyries organization, they had this vision from the start and to see it come to fruition already in year two, it’s pretty amazing. It’s special,” Stokes said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Shout out to the Valkyries organization, they had this vision from the start and to see it come to fruition already in year two, it’s pretty amazing. It’s special,” Stokes said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nakase said she saw a “new level of fight” from her players last night.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Nakase said she saw a “new level of fight” from her players last night.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Literally this is a dream come true to be going to the finals in our second year — it can come true,” Nakase said. “As we know, job’s not done and we now have to go another gear.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Literally this is a dream come true to be going to the finals in our second year — it can come true,” Nakase said. “As we know, job’s not done and we now have to go another gear.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the finals next Saturday, Oct. 17 at Chase Center.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1791679904,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 29,
"wordCount": 1308
},
"headData": {
"title": "Golden State Valkyries Advance to WNBA Finals After Sweeping Las Vegas Aces | KQED",
"description": "The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the finals next Saturday, Oct. 17 at Chase Center.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Golden State Valkyries Advance to WNBA Finals After Sweeping Las Vegas Aces",
"datePublished": "2026-10-10T09:00:12-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-10T17:51:44-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12103702",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> are heading to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s WNBA team defeated the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, on Friday night 87-77 in overtime, sweeping their semifinals opponent 3-0 in the best-of-five series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valkyries fans decked out in violet spilled out onto the sidewalk at a watch party at the Mission brewery Standard Deviant cheering after the final buzzer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I feel elated, just absolutely buzzed. This just means so much for the city and so much for sports,” said Becky Mincio. “We’re literally in tears because this just means so much.”\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=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12103933\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103933\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_016_qed-40cc2b0d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans applaud as the Golden State Valkyries face the Las Vegas Aces during a watch party at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/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=\"12103931\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103931\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_007_qed-d0db134d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries merchandise and party favors cover a table before a watch party at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the finals next Saturday, Oct. 17 at Chase Center. It’s only the team’s second season but already the Valkyries’ second time in a WNBA playoff series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082769/the-valkyries-first-season-was-a-huge-success-can-they-take-it-to-the-next-level\">since launching in 2025\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But Friday’s win in Las Vegas didn’t come easy. Fans were on edge for nearly all of the first half as the Valkyries trailed behind the Aces, who had home court advantage. The Aces led at halftime, and the teams traded the lead back and forth throughout the fourth quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries managed to claw back to a tie, sending the game into overtime. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At a post-game press conference, Center Kiah Stokes and guard Gabby Williams said the overtime win was a mix of excitement — and relief.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It feels special because this is a special group,” Williams said. “We’re about to have some bandwagoners because we didn’t get no love all season. Nobody believed in us, but it honestly made us smile because all we need is each other.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When the team ultimately clinched the win, the Mission brewery erupted in cheers. \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=\"889\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12103934\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_030_qed-cdb409da.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103934\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_030_qed-cdb409da.jpg 889w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_030_qed-cdb409da-160x240.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 889px) 100vw, 889px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chelsea Blockin jumps and cheers as the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"889\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12103938\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_028_qed-20ea4e3b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103938\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_028_qed-20ea4e3b.jpg 889w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_028_qed-20ea4e3b-160x240.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 889px) 100vw, 889px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zac Brown throws his arms in the air as the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In the last game, Gabby [Williams] said that she felt like Ballhalla was the sixth person on the court,” said Chelsea Locklin referring to recent comments from the team’s star forward about fans at the Chase Center. “It felt like we were still sending the same Ballhalla energy to them in Vegas.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ballhalla, a play on the mythological hall called Valhalla in the same Norse mythology that the Valkyries are named after, has become a source of joy and pride for the team’s fanbase. Many of the viewers at Standard Deviant said they had gone to games in person before Friday’s away game. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101382/golden-state-valkyries-playoffs-wnba-2026-chase-center-ballhalla\">Fandom\u003c/a> for the team has exploded with celebrity-studded games and sold-out matches leading up to their finals debut. Their homecourt has been packed with fans in purple shirts, winged headpieces and other homages to the team’s mythical mascot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After their inaugural season, the Valkyries were deemed the most valuable team in the league, reaching around $850 million valuation in 2026 after a record-breaking $78 million in revenue, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48645552/valkyries-wnba-most-valuable-team-2nd-straight-year\">ESPN\u003c/a>, largely fueled by the team’s thousands of season-ticket holders and sponsorship. \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/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103942\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_019_qed-9d5b3406-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries fan wearing a No. 15 jersey throws his arms in the air during the team’s game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m a season-ticket holder, been at every single game, losing my voice every single night,” said Angelina Zamatia, who came out to watch the game with friends in San Francisco on Friday night. “I’m so proud of this team. Literally a dream come true.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Megan Gerwe came to Friday’s watch party at Standard Deviant with her moms and friends to celebrate her aunt’s birthday, even handmaking lavender party hats with the team logo for extra flair. She said the team has been especially meaningful to her family. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There are lots of queer players on our team, which is super important and cool for my family, because we’re represented,” Gerwe said. “I’m just so glad that so many people here are into the Valkyries it’s such a special thing to be a part of, especially for women and queer women.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fiona Lin grew up watching NBA games with her dad and grandfather in China, and said it’s been thrilling to feel represented by players like Kaitlyn Chen. She said having a home team to root for in San Francisco has been an exciting and, at times nerve-wracking, experience. \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=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12103941\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103941\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_010_qed-57cb1f9a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Max Chang (left) and Fiona Lin pose in matching Golden State Valkyries shirts outside Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/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=\"12103944\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We went to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102708/valkyries-comeback-win-catapults-team-to-its-first-semifinals\">one of the playoffs last Friday\u003c/a>. I was so stressed the whole time. I was so nervous that my Oura ring was like, ‘you were so stressed for the last two hours and a half,’” Lin laughed, referring to a health monitoring wearable device. “But the crowd was just amazing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase, a former WNBA player and assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, knows the playoff circuit well. In her previous role as assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces, she steered the team to two WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase was awarded WNBA Coach of the year after leading the Valkyries’ debut season in 2025. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That year, the Valkyries quickly gave fans something to cheer for by reaching the playoffs, making history as the first expansion team to reach a postseason in their inaugural season. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_006_qed-63bbf2f9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Niki Hsu (left), Alyssa Leu and Kayla Curameng pose in matching Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen jerseys at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However the Valkyries 2025 playoff series fell short when the Minnesota Lynx knocked the team out in the first round. This year, the Valkyries managed to push further. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Andrew Pospeshil and other rowdy fans Friday night couldn’t be more excited for the next round. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m watching every game for the finals,” he said. “This is the greatest sports environment and fandom. It’s so much fun. I feel like the team has a great chemistry. The fans are just enjoying this so much. I’m having a f— time.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Williams said the team culture and the work they’d put in together made it feel like they “had something worth fighting for.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Shout out to the Valkyries organization, they had this vision from the start and to see it come to fruition already in year two, it’s pretty amazing. It’s special,” Stokes said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase said she saw a “new level of fight” from her players last night.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Literally this is a dream come true to be going to the finals in our second year — it can come true,” Nakase said. “As we know, job’s not done and we now have to go another gear.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces",
"authors": [
"11840"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_18058",
"news_1386",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_2672",
"news_38",
"news_1131"
],
"featImg": "news_12103929",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12102708": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12102708",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12102708",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1791066637000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "valkyries-comeback-win-catapults-team-to-its-first-semifinals",
"title": "Valkyries Comeback Win Catapults Team to Its First Semifinals",
"publishDate": 1791066637,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Valkyries Comeback Win Catapults Team to Its First Semifinals | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> punched their ticket to the franchise’s first-ever WNBA semifinals on Friday night, after erasing a 16-point deficit in the second half of a win-or-go-home playoff game against the Dallas Wings. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Chase Center’s sell-out crowd erupted when the Valkyries, largely led by a 17-point second half push by forward Gabby Williams, took the last game in a best-of-three round one series on their home court. In just their second season since beginning play in 2025, it marks the franchise’s first playoff series win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 77-73 victory advances them to a best-of-five semifinals series, where they’ll host defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, starting Sunday. \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=\"12102722\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102722\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players celebrate after defeating the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102726\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Williams told ESPN after the game that she swore there was magic in Ballhalla, the name given to Chase Center, when filled with fans who are loud and passionate. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I loved it because it forced us to talk louder, communicate more and when you’re screaming more, your energy is up and you’re into it, so we definitely owe Ballhalla a big thank you,” Williams said at the post-game press conference. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Williams scored a team high of 19 points overall and netted the last baskets that resulted in victory for the No. 2 seeded team. \u003c/p>\n\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=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102714\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102714\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans react after the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102712\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102712\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area rapper E-40 poses for a photo courtside near the end of Game 3 of the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA first-round playoff series against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tiffany Hayes was the team’s second-highest scorer of the night, trailing Williams with 18 points. She said a switch flipped in the last quarter or so of the game – “it’s literally win or go home, so we gotta do something.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t know if I can speak for everyone, but I think I can when I say: Our back’s against the wall, we’re going to scratch and claw and do what we need to do and lock into our scheme,” Hayes said post-game. \u003c/p>\n\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=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102728\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102728\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams plays in Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102719\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102719\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes goes for the shot as the Valkyries play the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the Wings scored 18 consecutive points between the end of the first half and the beginning of the third quarter, Veronica Burton hit a three-pointer that marked the beginning of the Valkyries path to victory. The team went on to outscore the Wings 17-15 in the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase appeared to collapse near the sideline in the fourth quarter, but went on coaching the rest of the game. Nakase didn’t appear at the post-game conference but assistant coach Kasib Powell said that she was fine and will be ready for the semifinals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Obviously, it’s a quick turnaround. We play again on Sunday and she wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Powell told reporters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102725\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Confetti falls after the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries made history when they reached the playoffs last year in their inaugural season, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But their historic performance fell short when the Minnesota Lynx swept them in the first round, leaving the Valkyries with a 0% winning percentage in the playoffs. \u003c/p>\n\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=\"12102715\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102715\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Margaret and Diggory Williams cheer before the Golden State Valkyries play the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 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=\"12102713\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102713\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch in anticipation near the end of Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series between the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, they’re the highest ranked team remaining this postseason. Hayes said she’s seen the work that staff and players have put in since last year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I literally commend everybody down the line, top to bottom on just our work ethic and wanting to work and wanting to win and get better as a team,” Hayes said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will host the Aces tomorrow at 1 p.m at Chase Center in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> punched their ticket to the franchise’s first-ever WNBA semifinals on Friday night, after erasing a 16-point deficit in the second half of a win-or-go-home playoff game against the Dallas Wings. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> punched their ticket to the franchise’s first-ever WNBA semifinals on Friday night, after erasing a 16-point deficit in the second half of a win-or-go-home playoff game against the Dallas Wings. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Chase Center’s sell-out crowd erupted when the Valkyries, largely led by a 17-point second half push by forward Gabby Williams, took the last game in a best-of-three round one series on their home court. In just their second season since beginning play in 2025, it marks the franchise’s first playoff series win. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Chase Center’s sell-out crowd erupted when the Valkyries, largely led by a 17-point second half push by forward Gabby Williams, took the last game in a best-of-three round one series on their home court. In just their second season since beginning play in 2025, it marks the franchise’s first playoff series win. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The 77-73 victory advances them to a best-of-five semifinals series, where they’ll host defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, starting Sunday. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The 77-73 victory advances them to a best-of-five semifinals series, where they’ll host defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, starting Sunday. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102722,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102722\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players celebrate after defeating the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102722\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players celebrate after defeating the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102726,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Williams told ESPN after the game that she swore there was magic in Ballhalla, the name given to Chase Center, when filled with fans who are loud and passionate. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Williams told ESPN after the game that she swore there was magic in Ballhalla, the name given to Chase Center, when filled with fans who are loud and passionate. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I loved it because it forced us to talk louder, communicate more and when you’re screaming more, your energy is up and you’re into it, so we definitely owe Ballhalla a big thank you,” Williams said at the post-game press conference. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I loved it because it forced us to talk louder, communicate more and when you’re screaming more, your energy is up and you’re into it, so we definitely owe Ballhalla a big thank you,” Williams said at the post-game press conference. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Williams scored a team high of 19 points overall and netted the last baskets that resulted in victory for the No. 2 seeded team. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Williams scored a team high of 19 points overall and netted the last baskets that resulted in victory for the No. 2 seeded team. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102714,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102714\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans react after the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102714\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans react after the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102712,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102712\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area rapper E-40 poses for a photo courtside near the end of Game 3 of the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA first-round playoff series against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102712\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area rapper E-40 poses for a photo courtside near the end of Game 3 of the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA first-round playoff series against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tiffany Hayes was the team’s second-highest scorer of the night, trailing Williams with 18 points. She said a switch flipped in the last quarter or so of the game – “it’s literally win or go home, so we gotta do something.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Tiffany Hayes was the team’s second-highest scorer of the night, trailing Williams with 18 points. She said a switch flipped in the last quarter or so of the game – “it’s literally win or go home, so we gotta do something.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t know if I can speak for everyone, but I think I can when I say: Our back’s against the wall, we’re going to scratch and claw and do what we need to do and lock into our scheme,” Hayes said post-game. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I don’t know if I can speak for everyone, but I think I can when I say: Our back’s against the wall, we’re going to scratch and claw and do what we need to do and lock into our scheme,” Hayes said post-game. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102728,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102728\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams plays in Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102728\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams plays in Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102719,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102719\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes goes for the shot as the Valkyries play the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102719\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes goes for the shot as the Valkyries play the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After the Wings scored 18 consecutive points between the end of the first half and the beginning of the third quarter, Veronica Burton hit a three-pointer that marked the beginning of the Valkyries path to victory. The team went on to outscore the Wings 17-15 in the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After the Wings scored 18 consecutive points between the end of the first half and the beginning of the third quarter, Veronica Burton hit a three-pointer that marked the beginning of the Valkyries path to victory. The team went on to outscore the Wings 17-15 in the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase appeared to collapse near the sideline in the fourth quarter, but went on coaching the rest of the game. Nakase didn’t appear at the post-game conference but assistant coach Kasib Powell said that she was fine and will be ready for the semifinals. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase appeared to collapse near the sideline in the fourth quarter, but went on coaching the rest of the game. Nakase didn’t appear at the post-game conference but assistant coach Kasib Powell said that she was fine and will be ready for the semifinals. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Obviously, it’s a quick turnaround. We play again on Sunday and she wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Powell told reporters. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Obviously, it’s a quick turnaround. We play again on Sunday and she wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Powell told reporters. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102725,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102725\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Confetti falls after the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102725\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Confetti falls after the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries made history when they reached the playoffs last year in their inaugural season, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries made history when they reached the playoffs last year in their inaugural season, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But their historic performance fell short when the Minnesota Lynx swept them in the first round, leaving the Valkyries with a 0% winning percentage in the playoffs. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But their historic performance fell short when the Minnesota Lynx swept them in the first round, leaving the Valkyries with a 0% winning percentage in the playoffs. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/gallery",
"attrs": {
"linkTo": "none",
"images": [],
"ids": [],
"shortCodeTransforms": [],
"imageCrop": true,
"randomOrder": false,
"fixedHeight": true,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"allowResize": false,
"aspectRatio": "auto"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102715,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102715\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Margaret and Diggory Williams cheer before the Golden State Valkyries play the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102715\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Margaret and Diggory Williams cheer before the Golden State Valkyries play the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12102713,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102713\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch in anticipation near the end of Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series between the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102713\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch in anticipation near the end of Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series between the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Now, they’re the highest ranked team remaining this postseason. Hayes said she’s seen the work that staff and players have put in since last year. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Now, they’re the highest ranked team remaining this postseason. Hayes said she’s seen the work that staff and players have put in since last year. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I literally commend everybody down the line, top to bottom on just our work ethic and wanting to work and wanting to win and get better as a team,” Hayes said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I literally commend everybody down the line, top to bottom on just our work ethic and wanting to work and wanting to win and get better as a team,” Hayes said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will host the Aces tomorrow at 1 p.m at Chase Center in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will host the Aces tomorrow at 1 p.m at Chase Center in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "The Friday win against the Dallas Wings is also the team’s first playoff series win since the franchise began play in 2025. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1791230744,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 16,
"wordCount": 900
},
"headData": {
"title": "Valkyries Comeback Win Catapults Team to Its First Semifinals | KQED",
"description": "The Friday win against the Dallas Wings is also the team’s first playoff series win since the franchise began play in 2025. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Valkyries Comeback Win Catapults Team to Its First Semifinals",
"datePublished": "2026-10-03T15:30:37-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-05T13:05:44-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"name": "Sports"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12102708",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12102708/valkyries-comeback-win-catapults-team-to-its-first-semifinals",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> punched their ticket to the franchise’s first-ever WNBA semifinals on Friday night, after erasing a 16-point deficit in the second half of a win-or-go-home playoff game against the Dallas Wings. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Chase Center’s sell-out crowd erupted when the Valkyries, largely led by a 17-point second half push by forward Gabby Williams, took the last game in a best-of-three round one series on their home court. In just their second season since beginning play in 2025, it marks the franchise’s first playoff series win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The 77-73 victory advances them to a best-of-five semifinals series, where they’ll host defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, starting Sunday. \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=\"12102722\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102722\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-42-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players celebrate after defeating the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102726\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Williams told ESPN after the game that she swore there was magic in Ballhalla, the name given to Chase Center, when filled with fans who are loud and passionate. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I loved it because it forced us to talk louder, communicate more and when you’re screaming more, your energy is up and you’re into it, so we definitely owe Ballhalla a big thank you,” Williams said at the post-game press conference. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Williams scored a team high of 19 points overall and netted the last baskets that resulted in victory for the No. 2 seeded team. \u003c/p>\n\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=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102714\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102714\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-40-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans react after the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102712\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102712\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-37-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area rapper E-40 poses for a photo courtside near the end of Game 3 of the Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA first-round playoff series against the Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tiffany Hayes was the team’s second-highest scorer of the night, trailing Williams with 18 points. She said a switch flipped in the last quarter or so of the game – “it’s literally win or go home, so we gotta do something.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t know if I can speak for everyone, but I think I can when I say: Our back’s against the wall, we’re going to scratch and claw and do what we need to do and lock into our scheme,” Hayes said post-game. \u003c/p>\n\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=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102728\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102728\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-04-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams plays in Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102719\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102719\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-24-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes goes for the shot as the Valkyries play the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the Wings scored 18 consecutive points between the end of the first half and the beginning of the third quarter, Veronica Burton hit a three-pointer that marked the beginning of the Valkyries path to victory. The team went on to outscore the Wings 17-15 in the third quarter. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coach Natalie Nakase appeared to collapse near the sideline in the fourth quarter, but went on coaching the rest of the game. Nakase didn’t appear at the post-game conference but assistant coach Kasib Powell said that she was fine and will be ready for the semifinals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Obviously, it’s a quick turnaround. We play again on Sunday and she wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Powell told reporters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102725\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-49-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Confetti falls after the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries made history when they reached the playoffs last year in their inaugural season, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But their historic performance fell short when the Minnesota Lynx swept them in the first round, leaving the Valkyries with a 0% winning percentage in the playoffs. \u003c/p>\n\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=\"12102715\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102715\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-01-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Margaret and Diggory Williams cheer before the Golden State Valkyries play the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 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=\"12102713\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102713\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-38-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch in anticipation near the end of Game 3 of the WNBA first-round playoff series between the Golden State Valkyries and Dallas Wings at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, they’re the highest ranked team remaining this postseason. Hayes said she’s seen the work that staff and players have put in since last year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I literally commend everybody down the line, top to bottom on just our work ethic and wanting to work and wanting to win and get better as a team,” Hayes said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will host the Aces tomorrow at 1 p.m at Chase Center in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12102708/valkyries-comeback-win-catapults-team-to-its-first-semifinals",
"authors": [
"11935"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_2672",
"news_38",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12102727",
"label": "news"
}
},
"podcastsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"podcasts": {}
},
"radioProgramsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"radioPrograms": {}
},
"radioSearchSegmentsReducer": {},
"programsReducer": {
"all-things-considered": {
"id": "all-things-considered",
"title": "All Things Considered",
"info": "Every weekday, \u003cem>All Things Considered\u003c/em> hosts Robert Siegel, Audie Cornish, Ari Shapiro, and Kelly McEvers present the program's trademark mix of news, interviews, commentaries, reviews, and offbeat features. Michel Martin hosts on the weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 1pm-2pm, 4:30pm-6:30pm\u003cbr />SAT-SUN 5pm-6pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/All-Things-Considered-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/all-things-considered"
},
"american-suburb-podcast": {
"id": "american-suburb-podcast",
"title": "American Suburb: The Podcast",
"tagline": "The flip side of gentrification, told through one town",
"info": "Gentrification is changing cities across America, forcing people from neighborhoods they have long called home. Call them the displaced. Now those priced out of the Bay Area are looking for a better life in an unlikely place. American Suburb follows this migration to one California town along the Delta, 45 miles from San Francisco. But is this once sleepy suburb ready for them?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/American-Suburb-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 19
},
"link": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/RBrW",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=1287748328",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/American-Suburb-p1086805/",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/feed/podcast",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMzMDExODgxNjA5"
}
},
"baycurious": {
"id": "baycurious",
"title": "Bay Curious",
"tagline": "Exploring the Bay Area, one question at a time",
"info": "KQED’s new podcast, Bay Curious, gets to the bottom of the mysteries — both profound and peculiar — that give the Bay Area its unique identity. And we’ll do it with your help! You ask the questions. You decide what Bay Curious investigates. And you join us on the journey to find the answers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bay-Curious-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Bay Curious",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/baycurious",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 3
},
"link": "/podcasts/baycurious",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bay-curious/id1172473406",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/500557090/bay-curious",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/category/bay-curious-podcast/feed/podcast",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9a90d476-aa04-455d-9a4c-0871ed6216d4/bay-curious",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/bay-curious",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6O76IdmhixfijmhTZLIJ8k"
}
},
"bbc-world-service": {
"id": "bbc-world-service",
"title": "BBC World Service",
"info": "The day's top stories from BBC News compiled twice daily in the week, once at weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9pm-10pm, TUE-FRI 1am-2am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BBC-World-Service-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_world_service",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "BBC World Service"
},
"link": "/radio/program/bbc-world-service",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/global-news-podcast/id135067274?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/BBC-World-Service-p455581/",
"rss": "https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/p02nq0gn.rss"
}
},
"californiareport": {
"id": "californiareport",
"title": "The California Report",
"tagline": "California, day by day",
"info": "KQED’s statewide radio news program providing daily coverage of issues, trends and public policy decisions.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareport",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 8
},
"link": "/californiareport",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-the-california-report/id79681292",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/26099305-72af-4542-9dde-ac1807fe36d5/kqed-s-the-california-report",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432285393/the-california-report",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-the-california-report-podcast-8838",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcram/feed/podcast"
}
},
"californiareportmagazine": {
"id": "californiareportmagazine",
"title": "The California Report Magazine",
"tagline": "Your state, your stories",
"info": "Every week, The California Report Magazine takes you on a road trip for the ears: to visit the places and meet the people who make California unique. The in-depth storytelling podcast from the California Report.",
"airtime": "FRI 4:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-7pm, 11pm-11:30pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Magazine-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report Magazine",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareportmagazine",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 10
},
"link": "/californiareportmagazine",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-california-report-magazine/id1314750545",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM3NjkwNjk1OTAz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/564733126/the-california-report-magazine",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-california-report-magazine",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrmag/feed/podcast"
}
},
"city-arts": {
"id": "city-arts",
"title": "City Arts & Lectures",
"info": "A one-hour radio program to hear celebrated writers, artists and thinkers address contemporary ideas and values, often discussing the creative process. Please note: tapes or transcripts are not available",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/cityartsandlecture-300x300.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.cityarts.net/",
"airtime": "SUN 1pm-2pm, TUE 10pm, WED 1am",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "City Arts & Lectures"
},
"link": "https://www.cityarts.net",
"subscribe": {
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/City-Arts-and-Lectures-p692/",
"rss": "https://www.cityarts.net/feed/"
}
},
"closealltabs": {
"id": "closealltabs",
"title": "Close All Tabs",
"tagline": "Your irreverent guide to the trends redefining our world",
"info": "Close All Tabs breaks down how digital culture shapes our world through thoughtful insights and irreverent humor.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAT_2_Tile-scaled.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Close All Tabs",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 1
},
"link": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/close-all-tabs/id214663465",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC6993880386",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/92d9d4ac-67a3-4eed-b10a-fb45d45b1ef2/close-all-tabs",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6LAJFHnGK1pYXYzv6SIol6?si=deb0cae19813417c"
}
},
"code-switch-life-kit": {
"id": "code-switch-life-kit",
"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
"airtime": "SUN 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Code-Switch-Life-Kit-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/code-switch-life-kit",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/1112190608?mt=2&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC5waHA_aWQ9NTEwMzEy",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3bExJ9JQpkwNhoHvaIIuyV",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510312/podcast.xml"
}
},
"commonwealth-club": {
"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.commonwealthclub.org/podcasts",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/commonwealth-club-of-california-podcast/id976334034?mt=2",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Commonwealth-Club-of-California-p1060/"
}
},
"forum": {
"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/forum",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
"link": "/forum",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-forum/id73329719",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432307980/forum",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-forum-podcast",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9557381633"
}
},
"freakonomics-radio": {
"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
}
},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fresh-Air-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/fresh-air",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Fresh-Air-p17/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
}
},
"here-and-now": {
"id": "here-and-now",
"title": "Here & Now",
"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
"airtime": "MON-THU 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Here-And-Now-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/here-and-now",
"subsdcribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=426698661",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Here--Now-p211/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/hiddenbrain.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain",
"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Hidden-Brain-p787503/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510308/podcast.xml"
}
},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/How-I-Built-This-p910896/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510313/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
"imageAlt": "KQED Hyphenación",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hyphenaci%C3%B3n/id1191591838",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
"youtube": "https://www.youtube.com/c/kqedarts",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6c3dd23c-93fb-4aab-97ba-1725fa6315f1/hyphenaci%C3%B3n",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
}
},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/790253322/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1492194549",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/jerrybrown/feed/podcast/",
"tuneIn": "http://tun.in/pjGcK",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/54C1dmuyFyKMFttY6X2j6r?si=K8SgRCoISNK6ZbjpXrX5-w",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/44420f75-3b0e-4301-ab3b-16da6b09e543/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown"
}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/xtTd",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Latino-USA-p621/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201853034&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/APM-Marketplace-p88/",
"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
}
},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindshift-podcast/id1078765985",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxSpNYZKNprFLCl7eEtyx"
}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/onourwatch",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0OLWoyizopu6tY1XiuX70x",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-Our-Watch-p1436229/",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-our-watch",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id73801135",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
}
},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/M4f5",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/Planet-Money-p164680/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Political Breakdown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/political-breakdown/id1327641087",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/572155894/political-breakdown",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/political-breakdown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/07RVyIjIdk2WDuVehvBMoN",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/political-breakdown/feed/podcast"
}
},
"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.possible.fm/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Possible"
},
"link": "/radio/program/possible",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/possible/id1677184070",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/730YpdUSNlMyPQwNnyjp4k"
}
},
"pri-the-world": {
"id": "pri-the-world",
"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pri.org/programs/the-world",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "PRI"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pri-the-world",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pris-the-world-latest-edition/id278196007?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/PRIs-The-World-p24/",
"rss": "http://feeds.feedburner.com/pri/theworld"
}
},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
"airtime": "SUN 12am-1am, SAT 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/radiolab1400.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/radiolab/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/radiolab",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radiolab/id152249110?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/RadioLab-p68032/",
"rss": "https://feeds.wnyc.org/radiolab"
}
},
"reveal": {
"id": "reveal",
"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
"airtime": "SAT 4pm-5pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/reveal300px.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/reveal",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/reveal/id886009669",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Reveal-p679597/",
"rss": "http://feeds.revealradio.org/revealpodcast"
}
},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rightnowish-Podcast-Tile-500x500-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Rightnowish with Pendarvis Harshaw",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 16
},
"link": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/programs/rightnowish/feed/podcast",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMxMjU5MTY3NDc4",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I"
}
},
"science-friday": {
"id": "science-friday",
"title": "Science Friday",
"info": "Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations nationwide. Each week, the show focuses on science topics that are in the news and tries to bring an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science and to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.",
"airtime": "FRI 11am-1pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Science-Friday-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/science-friday",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/science-friday",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=73329284&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Science-Friday-p394/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/science-friday"
}
},
"snap-judgment": {
"id": "snap-judgment",
"title": "Snap Judgment",
"tagline": "Real stories with killer beats",
"info": "The Snap Judgment radio show and podcast mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio. Snap's musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. This is storytelling... with a BEAT!! Snap first aired on public radio stations nationwide in July 2010. Today, Snap Judgment airs on over 450 public radio stations and is brought to the airwaves by KQED & PRX.",
"airtime": "SAT 1pm-2pm, 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Snap-Judgment-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Snap Judgment",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 4
},
"link": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/snap-judgment/id283657561",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/449018144/snap-judgment",
"stitcher": "https://www.pandora.com/podcast/snap-judgment/PC:241?source=stitcher-sunset",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3Cct7ZWmxHNAtLgBTqjC5v",
"rss": "https://snap.feed.snapjudgment.org/"
}
},
"soldout": {
"id": "soldout",
"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
"info": "Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sold-Out-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/soldout",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 13
},
"link": "/podcasts/soldout",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/911586047/s-o-l-d-o-u-t-a-new-future-for-housing",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america/id1531354937",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/soldout",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/38dTBSk2ISFoPiyYNoKn1X",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america",
"tunein": "https://tunein.com/radio/SOLD-OUT-Rethinking-Housing-in-America-p1365871/"
}
},
"spooked": {
"id": "spooked",
"title": "Spooked",
"tagline": "True-life supernatural stories",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spooked-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Spooked",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 7
},
"link": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spooked/id1279361017",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/549547848/snap-judgment-presents-spooked",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/76571Rfl3m7PLJQZKQIGCT",
"rss": "https://feeds.simplecast.com/TBotaapn"
}
},
"tech-nation": {
"id": "tech-nation",
"title": "Tech Nation Radio Podcast",
"info": "Tech Nation is a weekly public radio program, hosted by Dr. Moira Gunn. Founded in 1993, it has grown from a simple interview show to a multi-faceted production, featuring conversations with noted technology and science leaders, and a weekly science and technology-related commentary.",
"airtime": "FRI 10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tech-Nation-Radio-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://technation.podomatic.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "Tech Nation Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tech-nation",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://technation.podomatic.com/rss2.xml"
}
},
"ted-radio-hour": {
"id": "ted-radio-hour",
"title": "TED Radio Hour",
"info": "The TED Radio Hour is a journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, fresh approaches to old problems, and new ways to think and create.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm, SAT 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/tedRadioHour.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?showDate=2018-06-22",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/ted-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/8vsS",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=523121474&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/TED-Radio-Hour-p418021/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510298/podcast.xml"
}
},
"thebay": {
"id": "thebay",
"title": "The Bay",
"tagline": "Local news to keep you rooted",
"info": "Host Devin Katayama walks you through the biggest story of the day with reporters and newsmakers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Bay-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Bay",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/thebay",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 2
},
"link": "/podcasts/thebay",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bay/id1350043452",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d800ea4c-7a2c-42f2-b861-edaf78a5db0b/the-bay",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/586725995/the-bay",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-bay",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/4BIKBKIujizLHlIlBNaAqQ",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC8259786327"
}
},
"thelatest": {
"id": "thelatest",
"title": "The Latest",
"tagline": "Trusted local news in real time",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Latest-2025-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Latest",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/thelatest",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 6
},
"link": "/thelatest",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-latest-from-kqed/id1197721799",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1257949365/the-latest-from-k-q-e-d",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/5KIIXMgM9GTi5AepwOYvIZ?si=bd3053fec7244dba",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9137121918"
}
},
"theleap": {
"id": "theleap",
"title": "The Leap",
"tagline": "What if you closed your eyes, and jumped?",
"info": "Stories about people making dramatic, risky changes, told by award-winning public radio reporter Judy Campbell.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Leap-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Leap",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/theleap",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 17
},
"link": "/podcasts/theleap",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leap/id1046668171",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/447248267/the-leap",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-leap",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3sSlVHHzU0ytLwuGs1SD1U",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/programs/the-leap/feed/podcast"
}
},
"the-moth-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-moth-radio-hour",
"title": "The Moth Radio Hour",
"info": "Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.",
"airtime": "SAT 8pm-9pm and SUN 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/theMoth.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://themoth.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "prx"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-moth-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moth-podcast/id275699983?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/The-Moth-p273888/",
"rss": "http://feeds.themoth.org/themothpodcast"
}
},
"the-new-yorker-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"title": "The New Yorker Radio Hour",
"info": "The New Yorker Radio Hour is a weekly program presented by the magazine's editor, David Remnick, and produced by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker. Each episode features a diverse mix of interviews, profiles, storytelling, and an occasional burst of humor inspired by the magazine, and shaped by its writers, artists, and editors. This isn't a radio version of a magazine, but something all its own, reflecting the rich possibilities of audio storytelling and conversation. Theme music for the show was composed and performed by Merrill Garbus of tUnE-YArDs.",
"airtime": "SAT 10am-11am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-New-Yorker-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/tnyradiohour",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1050430296",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/New-Yorker-Radio-Hour-p803804/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/newyorkerradiohour"
}
},
"the-sam-sanders-show": {
"id": "the-sam-sanders-show",
"title": "The Sam Sanders Show",
"info": "One of public radio's most dynamic voices, Sam Sanders helped launch The NPR Politics Podcast and hosted NPR's hit show It's Been A Minute. Now, the award-winning host returns with something brand new, The Sam Sanders Show. Every week, Sam Sanders and friends dig into the culture that shapes our lives: what's driving the biggest trends, how artists really think, and even the memes you can't stop scrolling past. Sam is beloved for his way of unpacking the world and bringing you up close to fresh currents and engaging conversations. The Sam Sanders Show is smart, funny and always a good time.",
"airtime": "FRI 12-1pm AND SAT 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Sam-Sanders-Show-Podcast-Tile-400x400-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "KCRW"
},
"link": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feed.cdnstream1.com/zjb/feed/download/ac/28/59/ac28594c-e1d0-4231-8728-61865cdc80e8.xml"
}
},
"the-splendid-table": {
"id": "the-splendid-table",
"title": "The Splendid Table",
"info": "\u003cem>The Splendid Table\u003c/em> hosts our nation's conversations about cooking, sustainability and food culture.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Splendid-Table-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.splendidtable.org/",
"airtime": "SUN 10-11 pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-splendid-table"
},
"this-american-life": {
"id": "this-american-life",
"title": "This American Life",
"info": "This American Life is a weekly public radio show, heard by 2.2 million people on more than 500 stations. Another 2.5 million people download the weekly podcast. It is hosted by Ira Glass, produced in collaboration with Chicago Public Media, delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards.",
"airtime": "SAT 12pm-1pm, 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/thisAmericanLife.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wbez"
},
"link": "/radio/program/this-american-life",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201671138&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"rss": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/podcast/rss.xml"
}
},
"tinydeskradio": {
"id": "tinydeskradio",
"title": "Tiny Desk Radio",
"info": "We're bringing the best of Tiny Desk to the airwaves, only on public radio.",
"airtime": "SUN 8pm and SAT 9pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/300x300-For-Member-Station-Logo-Tiny-Desk-Radio-@2x.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/g-s1-52030/tiny-desk-radio",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tinydeskradio",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/g-s1-52030/rss.xml"
}
},
"wait-wait-dont-tell-me": {
"id": "wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"title": "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!",
"info": "Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis host the weekly NPR News quiz show alongside some of the best and brightest news and entertainment personalities.",
"airtime": "SUN 10am-11am, SAT 11am-12pm, SAT 6pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Wait-Wait-Podcast-Tile-300x300-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/Xogv",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=121493804&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Wait-Wait-Dont-Tell-Me-p46/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/344098539/podcast.xml"
}
},
"weekend-edition-saturday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-saturday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Saturday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Saturday wraps up the week's news and offers a mix of analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts, sports, entertainment, and human interest stories. The two-hour program is hosted by NPR's Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon.",
"airtime": "SAT 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-saturday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-saturday"
},
"weekend-edition-sunday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-sunday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Sunday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Sunday features interviews with newsmakers, artists, scientists, politicians, musicians, writers, theologians and historians. The program has covered news events from Nelson Mandela's 1990 release from a South African prison to the capture of Saddam Hussein.",
"airtime": "SUN 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-sunday"
}
},
"racesReducer": {},
"racesGenElectionReducer": {},
"racesGenElection2026Reducer": {},
"racesGenElection2026PresidentialReducer": {},
"radioSchedulesReducer": {},
"listsReducer": {
"posts/news?tag=womens-basketball": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 0,
"size": 12
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 12,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 30,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [
"news_12106966",
"news_12106058",
"news_12106319",
"news_12106077",
"news_12105569",
"news_12105350",
"news_12105116",
"news_12104970",
"news_12104572",
"news_12104461",
"news_12103702",
"news_12102708"
],
"complete": true
}
},
"recallGuideReducer": {
"intros": {},
"policy": {},
"candidates": {}
},
"savedArticleReducer": {
"articles": [],
"status": {}
},
"newslettersReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"newsletters": {},
"isSubscribing": false,
"isUnsubscribing": false,
"subscribedNewsletters": {}
},
"termsReducer": {
"about": {
"name": "About",
"type": "terms",
"id": "about",
"slug": "about",
"link": "/about",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"arts": {
"name": "Arts & Culture",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"description": "KQED Arts provides daily in-depth coverage of the Bay Area's music, art, film, performing arts, literature and arts news, as well as cultural commentary and criticism.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts",
"slug": "arts",
"link": "/arts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"artschool": {
"name": "Art School",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "artschool",
"slug": "artschool",
"link": "/artschool",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareabites": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareabites",
"slug": "bayareabites",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareahiphop": {
"name": "Bay Area Hiphop",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareahiphop",
"slug": "bayareahiphop",
"link": "/bayareahiphop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"campaign21": {
"name": "Campaign 21",
"type": "terms",
"id": "campaign21",
"slug": "campaign21",
"link": "/campaign21",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"careers": {
"name": "Careers",
"type": "terms",
"id": "careers",
"slug": "careers",
"link": "/careers",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"checkplease": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease",
"slug": "checkplease",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"education": {
"name": "Education",
"grouping": [
"education"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "education",
"slug": "education",
"link": "/education",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"elections": {
"name": "Elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "elections",
"slug": "elections",
"link": "/elections",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"events": {
"name": "Events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "events",
"slug": "events",
"link": "/events",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"event": {
"name": "Event",
"alias": "events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "event",
"slug": "event",
"link": "/event",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"filmschoolshorts": {
"name": "Film School Shorts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "filmschoolshorts",
"slug": "filmschoolshorts",
"link": "/filmschoolshorts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"food": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "food",
"slug": "food",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"forum": {
"name": "Forum",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/forum?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "forum",
"slug": "forum",
"link": "/forum",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"futureofyou": {
"name": "Future of You",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "futureofyou",
"slug": "futureofyou",
"link": "/futureofyou",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"jpepinheart": {
"name": "KQED food",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/food,bayareabites,checkplease",
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "jpepinheart",
"slug": "jpepinheart",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"liveblog": {
"name": "Live Blog",
"type": "terms",
"id": "liveblog",
"slug": "liveblog",
"link": "/liveblog",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"livetv": {
"name": "Live TV",
"parent": "tv",
"type": "terms",
"id": "livetv",
"slug": "livetv",
"link": "/livetv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"lowdown": {
"name": "The Lowdown",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/lowdown?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "lowdown",
"slug": "lowdown",
"link": "/lowdown",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"mindshift": {
"name": "Mindshift",
"parent": "news",
"description": "MindShift explores the future of education by highlighting the innovative – and sometimes counterintuitive – ways educators and parents are helping all children succeed.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "mindshift",
"slug": "mindshift",
"link": "/mindshift",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"news": {
"name": "News",
"grouping": [
"news",
"forum"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "news",
"slug": "news",
"link": "/news",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"newsletters": {
"name": "newsletters",
"type": "terms",
"id": "newsletters",
"slug": "newsletters",
"link": "/newsletters",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"perspectives": {
"name": "Perspectives",
"parent": "radio",
"type": "terms",
"id": "perspectives",
"slug": "perspectives",
"link": "/perspectives",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"podcasts": {
"name": "Podcasts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "podcasts",
"slug": "podcasts",
"link": "/podcasts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pop": {
"name": "Pop",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pop",
"slug": "pop",
"link": "/pop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pressroom": {
"name": "Pressroom",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pressroom",
"slug": "pressroom",
"link": "/pressroom",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"quest": {
"name": "Quest",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "quest",
"slug": "quest",
"link": "/quest",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"radio": {
"name": "Radio",
"grouping": [
"forum",
"perspectives"
],
"description": "Listen to KQED Public Radio – home of Forum and The California Report – on 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento, 88.3 FM in Santa Rosa and 88.1 FM in Martinez.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "radio",
"slug": "radio",
"link": "/radio",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"root": {
"name": "KQED",
"image": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"imageWidth": 1200,
"imageHeight": 630,
"headData": {
"title": "KQED | News, Radio, Podcasts, TV | Public Media for Northern California",
"description": "KQED provides public radio, television, and independent reporting on issues that matter to the Bay Area. We’re the NPR and PBS member station for Northern California."
},
"type": "terms",
"id": "root",
"slug": "root",
"link": "/root",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"science": {
"name": "Science",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"description": "KQED Science brings you award-winning science and environment coverage from the Bay Area and beyond.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "science",
"slug": "science",
"link": "/science",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"stateofhealth": {
"name": "State of Health",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "stateofhealth",
"slug": "stateofhealth",
"link": "/stateofhealth",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"support": {
"name": "Support",
"type": "terms",
"id": "support",
"slug": "support",
"link": "/support",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"thedolist": {
"name": "The Do List",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "thedolist",
"slug": "thedolist",
"link": "/thedolist",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"trulyca": {
"name": "Truly CA",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "trulyca",
"slug": "trulyca",
"link": "/trulyca",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"tv": {
"name": "TV",
"type": "terms",
"id": "tv",
"slug": "tv",
"link": "/tv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"voterguide": {
"name": "Voter Guide",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "voterguide",
"slug": "voterguide",
"link": "/voterguide",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"guiaelectoral": {
"name": "Guia Electoral",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "guiaelectoral",
"slug": "guiaelectoral",
"link": "/guiaelectoral",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"news_tag_womens-basketball": {
"isLoading": true
},
"news_1131": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1131",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1131",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "women's basketball",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "women's basketball Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1142,
"slug": "womens-basketball",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/womens-basketball"
},
"news_28250": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_28250",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "28250",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Local",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Local Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 28267,
"slug": "local",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/local"
},
"news_8": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_8",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "8",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 8,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/news"
},
"news_10": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_10",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "10",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Sports",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Sports Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 10,
"slug": "sports",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/sports"
},
"news_1386": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1386",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1386",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Bay Area",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Bay Area Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1398,
"slug": "bay-area",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/bay-area"
},
"news_34081": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34081",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34081",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "events",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "events Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 34098,
"slug": "events",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/events"
},
"news_34044": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34044",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34044",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Golden State Valkyries",
"slug": "golden-state-valkyries",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Golden State Valkyries | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34061,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries"
},
"news_2672": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_2672",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "2672",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Photography",
"description": "Witness the Bay Area through captivating images and compelling narratives. Explore the latest visually-driven storytelling by KQED and immerse yourself in the heart of our community.",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": "Witness the Bay Area through captivating images and compelling narratives. Explore the latest visually-driven storytelling by KQED and immerse yourself in the heart of our community.",
"title": "Photography Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 2689,
"slug": "photography",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/photography"
},
"news_38": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_38",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "38",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "San Francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "San Francisco Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 58,
"slug": "san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/san-francisco"
},
"news_34078": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34078",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34078",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "sports",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "sports Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 34095,
"slug": "sports",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/sports"
},
"news_33257": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33257",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33257",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "WNBA",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "WNBA Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33274,
"slug": "wnba",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/wnba"
},
"news_25293": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_25293",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "25293",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "women's sports",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "women's sports Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 25310,
"slug": "womens-sports",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/womens-sports"
},
"news_33749": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33749",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33749",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Entertainment",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Entertainment Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33766,
"slug": "entertainment",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/entertainment"
},
"news_33740": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33740",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33740",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Events",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Events Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33757,
"slug": "events",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/events"
},
"news_33733": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33733",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33733",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33750,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/news"
},
"news_27626": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_27626",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "27626",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured-news",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured-news Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 27643,
"slug": "featured-news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-news"
},
"news_33729": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33729",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33729",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "San Francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "San Francisco Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33746,
"slug": "san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/san-francisco"
},
"news_23681": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_23681",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "23681",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "fashion",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "fashion Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 23698,
"slug": "fashion",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/fashion"
},
"news_17996": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_17996",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "17996",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 18030,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/news"
},
"news_31795": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_31795",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "31795",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 31812,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/california"
},
"news_18058": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18058",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18058",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "basketball",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "basketball Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 18092,
"slug": "basketball",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/basketball"
},
"news_33130": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33130",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33130",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Bay Area sports",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Bay Area sports Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33147,
"slug": "bay-area-sports",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/bay-area-sports"
},
"news_34168": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34168",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34168",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Guides and Explainers",
"slug": "guides-and-explainers",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Guides and Explainers Archives | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34185,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/guides-and-explainers"
},
"news_32707": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_32707",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "32707",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "audience-news",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "audience-news Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 32724,
"slug": "audience-news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/audience-news"
},
"news_35888": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_35888",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "35888",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "featured-audience-news",
"slug": "featured-audience-news",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "featured-audience-news | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 35905,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-audience-news"
},
"news_18816": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18816",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18816",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Halloween",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Halloween Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 18833,
"slug": "halloween",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/halloween"
}
},
"userPermissionsReducer": {
"wpLoggedIn": false
},
"eventsReducer": {},
"fssReducer": {},
"tvDailyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvWeeklyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvPrimetimeScheduleReducer": {},
"tvMonthlyScheduleReducer": {},
"userAccountReducer": {
"user": {
"email": null,
"emailStatus": "EMAIL_UNVALIDATED",
"loggedStatus": "LOGGED_OUT",
"loggingChecked": false,
"articles": [],
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"phoneNumber": null,
"fetchingMembership": false,
"membershipError": false,
"memberships": [
{
"id": null,
"startDate": null,
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"familyNumber": null,
"memberNumber": null,
"memberSince": null,
"expirationDate": null,
"pfsEligible": false,
"isSustaining": false,
"membershipLevel": "Prospect",
"membershipStatus": "Non Member",
"lastGiftDate": null,
"renewalDate": null,
"lastDonationAmount": null
}
]
},
"authModal": {
"isOpen": false,
"view": "LANDING_VIEW"
},
"error": null
},
"youthMediaReducer": {},
"checkPleaseReducer": {
"filterData": {
"region": {
"key": "Restaurant Region",
"filters": [
"Any Region"
]
},
"cuisine": {
"key": "Restaurant Cuisine",
"filters": [
"Any Cuisine"
]
}
},
"restaurantDataById": {},
"restaurantIdsSorted": [],
"error": null
},
"userAgentReducer": {
"userAgent": "Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)",
"isBot": true
},
"requestOutcomesReducer": {
"notFound": []
},
"navPromosReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": true,
"promos": {
"news": {
"name": "2026 Voter Guide",
"link": "/voterguide",
"imageURL": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Nav-News-Nov2026ElectionCoverage@2x-7bd4aad4.png",
"description": "Get informed in minutes with our Voter Guide for California’s November 3 election."
},
"podcasts-radio": {},
"video-tv": {},
"events": {},
"support": {}
}
}
}
