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_12108466": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12108466",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12108466",
"found": true
},
"title": "261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED",
"publishDate": 1793835423,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793835449,
"caption": "Golden State Valkyries player Veronica Burton greets the crowd lining the Embarcadero during the team’s championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026.",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12107792": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12107792",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12107792",
"found": true
},
"title": "Valkryies Parade LEDE",
"publishDate": 1793654478,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12107759,
"modified": 1793654550,
"caption": "The route for the Valkyries' championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4.",
"credit": "Golden State Valkyries on Instagram",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-LEDE-9f59b64c-160x106.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 106,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-LEDE-9f59b64c-1536x1015.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1015,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-LEDE-9f59b64c-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-LEDE-9f59b64c-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-LEDE-9f59b64c-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-LEDE-9f59b64c-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-LEDE-9f59b64c.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1322
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12107693": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12107693",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12107693",
"found": true
},
"title": "VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-12-KQED",
"publishDate": 1793504209,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793643434,
"caption": "Fans celebrate the Valkyries' championship victory in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.",
"credit": "Manuel Orbegozo for KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-12-KQED-7d86a7c5-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-12-KQED-7d86a7c5-1536x1025.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1025,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-12-KQED-7d86a7c5-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-12-KQED-7d86a7c5-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-12-KQED-7d86a7c5-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-12-KQED-7d86a7c5-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-12-KQED-7d86a7c5.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1334
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"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_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_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_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
},
"news_12098188": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12098188",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12098188",
"found": true
},
"title": "Womens-Sports-guide",
"publishDate": 1788384147,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12098165,
"modified": 1788384164,
"caption": "There's never been a better time to get involved in supporting Bay Area women’s sports.",
"credit": "Darren Tu/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Womens-Sports-guide-160x103.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 103,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Womens-Sports-guide-1536x992.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 992,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Womens-Sports-guide-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Womens-Sports-guide-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Womens-Sports-guide-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Womens-Sports-guide-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Womens-Sports-guide.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1240
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12097813": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12097813",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097813",
"found": true
},
"title": "Valkyries-and-Firebells",
"publishDate": 1788282710,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12096884,
"modified": 1788282729,
"caption": "Want to get involved in supporting Bay Area women’s sports? There's never been a better time.",
"credit": "Darren Tu/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Valkyries-and-Firebells-160x103.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 103,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Valkyries-and-Firebells-1536x992.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 992,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Valkyries-and-Firebells-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Valkyries-and-Firebells-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Valkyries-and-Firebells-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Valkyries-and-Firebells-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Valkyries-and-Firebells.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1240
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12092226": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12092226",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12092226",
"found": true
},
"title": "260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-16-KQED",
"publishDate": 1784757520,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1784758847,
"caption": "Maleda Youth Soccer players cheer after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.",
"credit": "Juliana Yamada/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-16-KQED-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-16-KQED-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-16-KQED-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-16-KQED-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-16-KQED-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-16-KQED.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": {
"ecruzguevarra": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "8654",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "8654",
"found": true
},
"name": "Ericka Cruz Guevarra",
"firstName": "Ericka",
"lastName": "Cruz Guevarra",
"slug": "ecruzguevarra",
"email": "ecruzguevarra@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "Producer, The Bay Podcast",
"bio": "Ericka Cruz Guevarra is host of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/podcasts/thebay\">\u003cem>The Bay\u003c/em>\u003c/a> podcast at KQED. Before host, she was the show’s producer. Her work in that capacity includes a three-part reported series on policing in Vallejo, which won a 2020 excellence in journalism award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Ericka has worked as a breaking news reporter at Oregon Public Broadcasting, helped produce the Code Switch podcast, and was KQED’s inaugural Raul Ramirez Diversity Fund intern. She’s also an alumna of NPR’s Next Generation Radio program. Send her an email if you have strong feelings about whether Fairfield and Suisun City are the Bay. Ericka is represented by SAG-AFTRA.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/accefc1de4bafc7e234b69bcb9b6f6536c130fd84709bc3069ef11a78787e1bb?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "NotoriousECG",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"subscriber"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor",
"manage_categories"
]
},
{
"site": "futureofyou",
"roles": [
"subscriber"
]
},
{
"site": "stateofhealth",
"roles": [
"subscriber"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"subscriber"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Ericka Cruz Guevarra | KQED",
"description": "Producer, The Bay Podcast",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/accefc1de4bafc7e234b69bcb9b6f6536c130fd84709bc3069ef11a78787e1bb?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/accefc1de4bafc7e234b69bcb9b6f6536c130fd84709bc3069ef11a78787e1bb?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/ecruzguevarra"
},
"ccabreralomeli": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11708",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11708",
"found": true
},
"name": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí",
"firstName": "Carlos",
"lastName": "Cabrera-Lomelí",
"slug": "ccabreralomeli",
"email": "ccabreralomeli@KQED.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "Community Reporter",
"bio": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí is a community reporter with KQED's digital engagement team. He also reports and co-produces for KQED's bilingual news hub KQED en Español. He grew up in San Francisco's Mission District and has previously worked with Univision, 48 Hills and REFORMA in Mexico City.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "@LomeliCabrera",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "about",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "perspectives",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "elections",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí | KQED",
"description": "Community Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/ccabreralomeli"
},
"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"
},
"calam": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11834",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11834",
"found": true
},
"name": "Christopher Alam",
"firstName": "Christopher",
"lastName": "Alam",
"slug": "calam",
"email": "calam@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Christopher Alam is a radio newscast intern working on local news and general assignment reporting. Before joining KQED he was active in college radio and journalism at UC Davis, where he received a bachelor's degree in English and professional writing in 2021. He is also a creative writer and does freelance work. Born in Fresno, he is now based in San Francisco and Oakland.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b3a8308c5aaa97024a7274f0a617bd7083c2b6c50039ea7d1c08f831158d1951?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "_chrisalam",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": "christopher_alam",
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Christopher Alam | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b3a8308c5aaa97024a7274f0a617bd7083c2b6c50039ea7d1c08f831158d1951?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b3a8308c5aaa97024a7274f0a617bd7083c2b6c50039ea7d1c08f831158d1951?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/calam"
},
"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"
},
"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 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. You can reach her at emanoukian@kqed.org.",
"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"
},
"gglueck": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11946",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11946",
"found": true
},
"name": "Gabriela Glueck",
"firstName": "Gabriela",
"lastName": "Glueck",
"slug": "gglueck",
"email": "gglueck@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": null,
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ec62b7e3f7727ce1070cc7046dde80271d1e63cf2178d6194f68bb8d1440f841?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Gabriela Glueck | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ec62b7e3f7727ce1070cc7046dde80271d1e63cf2178d6194f68bb8d1440f841?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ec62b7e3f7727ce1070cc7046dde80271d1e63cf2178d6194f68bb8d1440f841?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/gglueck"
},
"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-sports": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_25293",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "25293",
"score": 9.89655
},
"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,
"title": "women's sports",
"pageMeta": {
"site": "news",
"WpPageTemplate": "page-topic-editorial",
"currentPage": 1
},
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"layout": "cardArticle2",
"query": "posts/news?tag=womens-sports",
"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_12108576": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12108576",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12108576",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1793962800000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "this-is-a-historic-moment-sounds-from-the-valkyries-parade",
"title": "‘This Is a Historic Moment’: Sounds from the Valkyries Parade",
"publishDate": 1793962800,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "‘This Is a Historic Moment’: Sounds from the Valkyries Parade | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This week, thousands of Golden State Valkyries fans came together along San Francisco’s waterfront to celebrate the team’s championship victory. The win comes just two seasons into the franchise’s existence but the Valks fanbase is already something of a phenomenon. Today, we take you to the parade and hear from fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107889/valkyries-parade-draws-thousands-to-san-franciscos-embarcadero-for-wnba-championship-celebration\">Valkyries Parade Draws Thousands to San Francisco’s Embarcadero for WNBA Championship Celebration\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Episode Transcript\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This transcript is computer-generated. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> I’m Ericka Cruz Guevarra and welcome to The Bay, local news to keep you rooted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Let’s get that GSV chant going!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> This week, thousands of fans lined San Francisco’s waterfront to celebrate the newly crowned WNBA champions, the Golden State Valkyries.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> GSV! GSV!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> The Valkyries win against the Atlanta Dream is historic. They clinched the championship in just their second season and fans from the Bay Area and beyond were eager to celebrate one of the most accomplished expansion teams ever. So today we’ve got an audio postcard for you from the Valkyries Championship Parade. That’s coming up right after this.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> It’s just after 9.30am. I’m here near the Ferry Building where the parade is going to get started in about two and a half hours. So we still have a ways to go, but as you can see behind me, there are tons of fans lined up, ready to go. Excited for the Valkyries to get out here. And if you look further down the Embarcadero, there’s tons of people just completely covering the sidewalk in violet, getting ready for the Valkyries.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I mean, how do you not enjoy this beautiful day? It was washed away from beautiful rain yesterday, and guess what we have today? It’s a sunny day. Go Valkyries!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> How early did y’all get here to secure this spot?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I’ve been here since about 8:45 and I met Alice at 8:50.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> Okay!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> We’ve been waiting, waiting, and waiting for some friends.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> Alright, so you got here like more than three hours before the start of the parade. Why was it important for you to get here so early?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I came early because I didn’t want to miss a beat. I got to, I don’t want miss a beat because that’s my, that those are my girls. The, the, the veteran, all the way from the veterans to the rookies. Kaitlyn Chen, you go, girl. You got it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> And you said you’ve been as fan since day one?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I’ve been a fan since they first announced it in 2024. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I was even looking at their job listings. I’m retired, but you know what? This would be a great group to work with. I never did, but it’s okay being a fan.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman\u003c/strong>: I’m on the Embarcadero where fans have been lining up for hours to see the Valkyries WNBA Championship Parade. I talked to some people who got here as early as 7:30 this morning. People are really excited. People are excited and they told me that they want to say thanks to the team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Lie Crescini.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> How do you spell that?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> L-I-E-C-R-E S-C I-N-I.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Where are you coming from?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> You came from Hawaii?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Ah yes, came for the playoffs and now I’m here for the parade. You gotta ask everybody, everybody here is crazy, like I’m crazy. I drive, I fly, wherever they’re going I’ll drive out to if it’s drivable. I fly out here and I hit up every game that I could possibly go to. It’s like having 18,000 new family members that you actually like.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> What are you looking forward to today?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> The unity of it, the, like everybody’s happy. It’s like early in the morning and they’re actually awake. I’m looking of course to say thank you to the champions. Say thank you for amazing season. Thank you for feeding into us. Thank you always thanking us for being there. You know, because it takes a lot for us, all us fans, 18,000 plus every game sold out. Like it takes long for us to come out there and get dressed up, put on our uniforms and you know, feather my hat. Like it takes a lot, so I appreciate that they appreciate it. And they always mention Ballhalla and the fans. And I’m hoping that they really see the love that we really have for them, all the way from Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> What’s your name?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> Lily Marx.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> How do you spell that?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> L-I-L-Y-M-A-R-X. This is my Christmas, this is my pride!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Did you say gay Super Bowl?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> Oh god, this is my gay super bowl. 100%.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Can I get your name as well, please?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Katie Thurman:\u003c/strong> Uh, Katie Thurman, K-A-T-I-E-T H-U-R-M-A-N I think it’s really nice to have a city that like unequivocally supports women’s sports in the way that San Francisco does and it’s nice to be here with all of my friends and see so many like-minded and like-looking people celebrate something so like beautiful and fierce, if you will.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> It’s like the Valkyries fans will show up on a Wednesday, Wednesday at 9 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Katie Thurman:\u003c/strong> If you go to a Valkyries’ game, it is like genuinely gay. It’s it’s like walking into Pride. Like it’s the best thing ever. It’s the percentage of the amount of elder gay women there. It’s just like that. That is like my bread and butter.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> So many lesbians are in Oakland, in the East Bay, in Berkeley, and it’s nice to have something that brings us back here because we’ve never been at the forefront, we’ve never been prioritized, but we’ve always been here and supporting it, and even when we’re getting pushed back, it’s always nice to push us back in. We don’t have that many lesbian-centered spaces, contrary to popular belief, but they’re there, they’re at the arena.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> I’m standing near the end of the parade route here in San Francisco where fans have been lining up for hours. I spoke to one woman who drove four hours with her wife to be here. People are just so excited to cheer for their team. They’ve got food, they’ve got drinks, they’re getting ready for things to kick off momentarily.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> All right, Dominique Osborne.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sierra Osborne:\u003c/strong> Sierra Osborne.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> How are you guys feeling today? It’s parade day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> Good. Excited, ready to see these Valks come down. First in history, let’s do it! Had to bring my niece out so she can experience that history too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Hell yeah. And do you have a favorite player? I see you’ve got the Veronica Burton shirt on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sierra Osborne:\u003c/strong> Yes! I would say Gabby, shout out to Gabby. Gabby!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> Gabby, hometown girl! Yes! Y’all back! Hey! Yeah! GSV! GSV GSV Hall of Fame!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> La Russell came through and warmed up the crowd first, he was, you know, walking up right alongside the barrier getting into his faces and people were singing along with him and then now the bus is coming by with some players on it and they’re tossing out t-shirts and what looked Like bracelet, maybe little like game towels. People are chanting MVP, Gabby Williams.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Please welcome to the stage, your 2026 WNBA Finals MVP, Gabby Williams! There was a moment in the second half, Gabby. I think at any level, any sport, one of the most clutch championship stretches of performance and play we’ve ever seen from anybody. As you took over this game and scored 28 points in the second half. What was that feeling like as you were going through it?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Gabby Williams:\u003c/strong> I mean, what felt great is if I didn’t, or if I did or if I didn’t do it, these guys would have loved me the same. Honestly, and I think when you feel that, the pressure goes off and the basket is, it’s as big as this logo. But game two we lost at home and I remember I looked at them and I was like dang guys I’m sorry I couldn’t hit it and they were like it’s okay it’s all good you’ll get the next one. But that was that was all see look they’re all laughing because they know exactly what I mean they’re like we everything was so light like and everyone asked me what it’s like to have the ball in my hands it don’t feel any different from the first to the fourth quarter because these guys treat me the same no matter what.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> GSV! GSV!! GSV!!!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> Sue Roycewicz. I was on our first ever USA women’s basketball team in 1976 when we won the silver medal.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Amazing. And so what is this moment right now feel for you? You know, I know that this playoff series has had some of the highest viewership for WNBA games in general. Just what does this moment feel like having come along with it for so long?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> Well knowing how much we as women love the game and to see the development, just how we’ve been embraced by the youth on up, men, women, doesn’t matter, is just incredible. It’s so much fun, you know? I just love it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> And why the Valkyries? How has this become your team? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> I’m from Monterey, right? So it’s my local team, but the way they have played teamwork, embraced defense. I have never felt so welcome as a fan that I think they’ve got the standard for really just having sports explode, you know? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Where do we go from here? What do you hope will follow all this momentum and, you, know, come from this? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> You know, I don’t care where it goes, but I hope they hold that. They love the crowd. It’s all about love and joy and teamwork. So, sky’s the limit, because I think people are craving it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Back it comes to Howard… and that’s gonna do it. In just their second year of existence, the Golden State Valkyries are champions of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much to KQED reporters Juan Carlos Lara, Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, and Sydney Johnson for all the tape that you heard in this episode. This episode was produced by me and Gabriela Glueck, music courtesy of Audio Network and APM. The Bay is made every week by me and Gabriela Glueck with support from Jen Chien, Katie Springer, Maha Sanad, Ethan Toven-Lindsey.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> The Bay is a production of listener-supported KQED public media. You can help power our show by becoming a KQED member, which you could do at donate.kqed.org/podcasts. Support for The Bay, is provided in part by the Osher Production Fund. Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco, Northern California Local. And I’m Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Thanks so much for listening to The Bay This Week. Talk to you next time.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco-Northern California Local.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This week, thousands of Golden State Valkyries fans came together along San Francisco’s waterfront to celebrate the team’s championship victory. The win comes just two seasons into the franchise’s existence but the Valks fanbase is already something of a phenomenon. Today, we take you to the parade and hear from fans. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This week, thousands of Golden State Valkyries fans came together along San Francisco’s waterfront to celebrate the team’s championship victory. The win comes just two seasons into the franchise’s existence but the Valks fanbase is already something of a phenomenon. Today, we take you to the parade and hear from fans. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Valkyries Parade Draws Thousands to San Francisco’s Embarcadero for WNBA Championship Celebration",
"‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107889/valkyries-parade-draws-thousands-to-san-franciscos-embarcadero-for-wnba-championship-celebration\">Valkyries Parade Draws Thousands to San Francisco’s Embarcadero for WNBA Championship Celebration\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107889/valkyries-parade-draws-thousands-to-san-franciscos-embarcadero-for-wnba-championship-celebration\">Valkyries Parade Draws Thousands to San Francisco’s Embarcadero for WNBA Championship Celebration\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Episode Transcript",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Episode Transcript\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Episode Transcript\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This transcript is computer-generated. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This transcript is computer-generated. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> I’m Ericka Cruz Guevarra and welcome to The Bay, local news to keep you rooted.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> I’m Ericka Cruz Guevarra and welcome to The Bay, local news to keep you rooted.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Let’s get that GSV chant going!\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Let’s get that GSV chant going!\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> This week, thousands of fans lined San Francisco’s waterfront to celebrate the newly crowned WNBA champions, the Golden State Valkyries.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> This week, thousands of fans lined San Francisco’s waterfront to celebrate the newly crowned WNBA champions, the Golden State Valkyries.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> GSV! GSV!\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> GSV! GSV!\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> The Valkyries win against the Atlanta Dream is historic. They clinched the championship in just their second season and fans from the Bay Area and beyond were eager to celebrate one of the most accomplished expansion teams ever. So today we’ve got an audio postcard for you from the Valkyries Championship Parade. That’s coming up right after this.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> The Valkyries win against the Atlanta Dream is historic. They clinched the championship in just their second season and fans from the Bay Area and beyond were eager to celebrate one of the most accomplished expansion teams ever. So today we’ve got an audio postcard for you from the Valkyries Championship Parade. That’s coming up right after this.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> It’s just after 9.30am. I’m here near the Ferry Building where the parade is going to get started in about two and a half hours. So we still have a ways to go, but as you can see behind me, there are tons of fans lined up, ready to go. Excited for the Valkyries to get out here. And if you look further down the Embarcadero, there’s tons of people just completely covering the sidewalk in violet, getting ready for the Valkyries.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> It’s just after 9.30am. I’m here near the Ferry Building where the parade is going to get started in about two and a half hours. So we still have a ways to go, but as you can see behind me, there are tons of fans lined up, ready to go. Excited for the Valkyries to get out here. And if you look further down the Embarcadero, there’s tons of people just completely covering the sidewalk in violet, getting ready for the Valkyries.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I mean, how do you not enjoy this beautiful day? It was washed away from beautiful rain yesterday, and guess what we have today? It’s a sunny day. Go Valkyries!\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I mean, how do you not enjoy this beautiful day? It was washed away from beautiful rain yesterday, and guess what we have today? It’s a sunny day. Go Valkyries!\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> How early did y’all get here to secure this spot?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> How early did y’all get here to secure this spot?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I’ve been here since about 8:45 and I met Alice at 8:50.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I’ve been here since about 8:45 and I met Alice at 8:50.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> Okay!\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> Okay!\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> We’ve been waiting, waiting, and waiting for some friends.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> We’ve been waiting, waiting, and waiting for some friends.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> Alright, so you got here like more than three hours before the start of the parade. Why was it important for you to get here so early?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> Alright, so you got here like more than three hours before the start of the parade. Why was it important for you to get here so early?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I came early because I didn’t want to miss a beat. I got to, I don’t want miss a beat because that’s my, that those are my girls. The, the, the veteran, all the way from the veterans to the rookies. Kaitlyn Chen, you go, girl. You got it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I came early because I didn’t want to miss a beat. I got to, I don’t want miss a beat because that’s my, that those are my girls. The, the, the veteran, all the way from the veterans to the rookies. Kaitlyn Chen, you go, girl. You got it.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> And you said you’ve been as fan since day one?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> And you said you’ve been as fan since day one?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I’ve been a fan since they first announced it in 2024. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I’ve been a fan since they first announced it in 2024. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I was even looking at their job listings. I’m retired, but you know what? This would be a great group to work with. I never did, but it’s okay being a fan.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I was even looking at their job listings. I’m retired, but you know what? This would be a great group to work with. I never did, but it’s okay being a fan.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman\u003c/strong>: I’m on the Embarcadero where fans have been lining up for hours to see the Valkyries WNBA Championship Parade. I talked to some people who got here as early as 7:30 this morning. People are really excited. People are excited and they told me that they want to say thanks to the team.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman\u003c/strong>: I’m on the Embarcadero where fans have been lining up for hours to see the Valkyries WNBA Championship Parade. I talked to some people who got here as early as 7:30 this morning. People are really excited. People are excited and they told me that they want to say thanks to the team.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Lie Crescini.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Lie Crescini.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> How do you spell that?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> How do you spell that?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> L-I-E-C-R-E S-C I-N-I.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> L-I-E-C-R-E S-C I-N-I.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Where are you coming from?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Where are you coming from?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> You came from Hawaii?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> You came from Hawaii?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Ah yes, came for the playoffs and now I’m here for the parade. You gotta ask everybody, everybody here is crazy, like I’m crazy. I drive, I fly, wherever they’re going I’ll drive out to if it’s drivable. I fly out here and I hit up every game that I could possibly go to. It’s like having 18,000 new family members that you actually like.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Ah yes, came for the playoffs and now I’m here for the parade. You gotta ask everybody, everybody here is crazy, like I’m crazy. I drive, I fly, wherever they’re going I’ll drive out to if it’s drivable. I fly out here and I hit up every game that I could possibly go to. It’s like having 18,000 new family members that you actually like.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> What are you looking forward to today?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> What are you looking forward to today?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> The unity of it, the, like everybody’s happy. It’s like early in the morning and they’re actually awake. I’m looking of course to say thank you to the champions. Say thank you for amazing season. Thank you for feeding into us. Thank you always thanking us for being there. You know, because it takes a lot for us, all us fans, 18,000 plus every game sold out. Like it takes long for us to come out there and get dressed up, put on our uniforms and you know, feather my hat. Like it takes a lot, so I appreciate that they appreciate it. And they always mention Ballhalla and the fans. And I’m hoping that they really see the love that we really have for them, all the way from Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> The unity of it, the, like everybody’s happy. It’s like early in the morning and they’re actually awake. I’m looking of course to say thank you to the champions. Say thank you for amazing season. Thank you for feeding into us. Thank you always thanking us for being there. You know, because it takes a lot for us, all us fans, 18,000 plus every game sold out. Like it takes long for us to come out there and get dressed up, put on our uniforms and you know, feather my hat. Like it takes a lot, so I appreciate that they appreciate it. And they always mention Ballhalla and the fans. And I’m hoping that they really see the love that we really have for them, all the way from Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> What’s your name?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> What’s your name?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> Lily Marx.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> Lily Marx.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> How do you spell that?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> How do you spell that?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> L-I-L-Y-M-A-R-X. This is my Christmas, this is my pride!\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> L-I-L-Y-M-A-R-X. This is my Christmas, this is my pride!\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Did you say gay Super Bowl?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Did you say gay Super Bowl?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> Oh god, this is my gay super bowl. 100%.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> Oh god, this is my gay super bowl. 100%.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Can I get your name as well, please?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Can I get your name as well, please?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katie Thurman:\u003c/strong> Uh, Katie Thurman, K-A-T-I-E-T H-U-R-M-A-N I think it’s really nice to have a city that like unequivocally supports women’s sports in the way that San Francisco does and it’s nice to be here with all of my friends and see so many like-minded and like-looking people celebrate something so like beautiful and fierce, if you will.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katie Thurman:\u003c/strong> Uh, Katie Thurman, K-A-T-I-E-T H-U-R-M-A-N I think it’s really nice to have a city that like unequivocally supports women’s sports in the way that San Francisco does and it’s nice to be here with all of my friends and see so many like-minded and like-looking people celebrate something so like beautiful and fierce, if you will.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> It’s like the Valkyries fans will show up on a Wednesday, Wednesday at 9 a.m.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> It’s like the Valkyries fans will show up on a Wednesday, Wednesday at 9 a.m.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katie Thurman:\u003c/strong> If you go to a Valkyries’ game, it is like genuinely gay. It’s it’s like walking into Pride. Like it’s the best thing ever. It’s the percentage of the amount of elder gay women there. It’s just like that. That is like my bread and butter.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Katie Thurman:\u003c/strong> If you go to a Valkyries’ game, it is like genuinely gay. It’s it’s like walking into Pride. Like it’s the best thing ever. It’s the percentage of the amount of elder gay women there. It’s just like that. That is like my bread and butter.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> So many lesbians are in Oakland, in the East Bay, in Berkeley, and it’s nice to have something that brings us back here because we’ve never been at the forefront, we’ve never been prioritized, but we’ve always been here and supporting it, and even when we’re getting pushed back, it’s always nice to push us back in. We don’t have that many lesbian-centered spaces, contrary to popular belief, but they’re there, they’re at the arena.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> So many lesbians are in Oakland, in the East Bay, in Berkeley, and it’s nice to have something that brings us back here because we’ve never been at the forefront, we’ve never been prioritized, but we’ve always been here and supporting it, and even when we’re getting pushed back, it’s always nice to push us back in. We don’t have that many lesbian-centered spaces, contrary to popular belief, but they’re there, they’re at the arena.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> I’m standing near the end of the parade route here in San Francisco where fans have been lining up for hours. I spoke to one woman who drove four hours with her wife to be here. People are just so excited to cheer for their team. They’ve got food, they’ve got drinks, they’re getting ready for things to kick off momentarily.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> I’m standing near the end of the parade route here in San Francisco where fans have been lining up for hours. I spoke to one woman who drove four hours with her wife to be here. People are just so excited to cheer for their team. They’ve got food, they’ve got drinks, they’re getting ready for things to kick off momentarily.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> All right, Dominique Osborne.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> All right, Dominique Osborne.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sierra Osborne:\u003c/strong> Sierra Osborne.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sierra Osborne:\u003c/strong> Sierra Osborne.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> How are you guys feeling today? It’s parade day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> How are you guys feeling today? It’s parade day.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> Good. Excited, ready to see these Valks come down. First in history, let’s do it! Had to bring my niece out so she can experience that history too.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> Good. Excited, ready to see these Valks come down. First in history, let’s do it! Had to bring my niece out so she can experience that history too.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Hell yeah. And do you have a favorite player? I see you’ve got the Veronica Burton shirt on.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Hell yeah. And do you have a favorite player? I see you’ve got the Veronica Burton shirt on.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sierra Osborne:\u003c/strong> Yes! I would say Gabby, shout out to Gabby. Gabby!\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sierra Osborne:\u003c/strong> Yes! I would say Gabby, shout out to Gabby. Gabby!\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> Gabby, hometown girl! Yes! Y’all back! Hey! Yeah! GSV! GSV GSV Hall of Fame!\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> Gabby, hometown girl! Yes! Y’all back! Hey! Yeah! GSV! GSV GSV Hall of Fame!\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> La Russell came through and warmed up the crowd first, he was, you know, walking up right alongside the barrier getting into his faces and people were singing along with him and then now the bus is coming by with some players on it and they’re tossing out t-shirts and what looked Like bracelet, maybe little like game towels. People are chanting MVP, Gabby Williams.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> La Russell came through and warmed up the crowd first, he was, you know, walking up right alongside the barrier getting into his faces and people were singing along with him and then now the bus is coming by with some players on it and they’re tossing out t-shirts and what looked Like bracelet, maybe little like game towels. People are chanting MVP, Gabby Williams.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Please welcome to the stage, your 2026 WNBA Finals MVP, Gabby Williams! There was a moment in the second half, Gabby. I think at any level, any sport, one of the most clutch championship stretches of performance and play we’ve ever seen from anybody. As you took over this game and scored 28 points in the second half. What was that feeling like as you were going through it?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Please welcome to the stage, your 2026 WNBA Finals MVP, Gabby Williams! There was a moment in the second half, Gabby. I think at any level, any sport, one of the most clutch championship stretches of performance and play we’ve ever seen from anybody. As you took over this game and scored 28 points in the second half. What was that feeling like as you were going through it?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Gabby Williams:\u003c/strong> I mean, what felt great is if I didn’t, or if I did or if I didn’t do it, these guys would have loved me the same. Honestly, and I think when you feel that, the pressure goes off and the basket is, it’s as big as this logo. But game two we lost at home and I remember I looked at them and I was like dang guys I’m sorry I couldn’t hit it and they were like it’s okay it’s all good you’ll get the next one. But that was that was all see look they’re all laughing because they know exactly what I mean they’re like we everything was so light like and everyone asked me what it’s like to have the ball in my hands it don’t feel any different from the first to the fourth quarter because these guys treat me the same no matter what.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Gabby Williams:\u003c/strong> I mean, what felt great is if I didn’t, or if I did or if I didn’t do it, these guys would have loved me the same. Honestly, and I think when you feel that, the pressure goes off and the basket is, it’s as big as this logo. But game two we lost at home and I remember I looked at them and I was like dang guys I’m sorry I couldn’t hit it and they were like it’s okay it’s all good you’ll get the next one. But that was that was all see look they’re all laughing because they know exactly what I mean they’re like we everything was so light like and everyone asked me what it’s like to have the ball in my hands it don’t feel any different from the first to the fourth quarter because these guys treat me the same no matter what.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> GSV! GSV!! GSV!!!\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> GSV! GSV!! GSV!!!\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> Sue Roycewicz. I was on our first ever USA women’s basketball team in 1976 when we won the silver medal.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> Sue Roycewicz. I was on our first ever USA women’s basketball team in 1976 when we won the silver medal.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Amazing. And so what is this moment right now feel for you? You know, I know that this playoff series has had some of the highest viewership for WNBA games in general. Just what does this moment feel like having come along with it for so long?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Amazing. And so what is this moment right now feel for you? You know, I know that this playoff series has had some of the highest viewership for WNBA games in general. Just what does this moment feel like having come along with it for so long?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> Well knowing how much we as women love the game and to see the development, just how we’ve been embraced by the youth on up, men, women, doesn’t matter, is just incredible. It’s so much fun, you know? I just love it. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> Well knowing how much we as women love the game and to see the development, just how we’ve been embraced by the youth on up, men, women, doesn’t matter, is just incredible. It’s so much fun, you know? I just love it. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> And why the Valkyries? How has this become your team? \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> And why the Valkyries? How has this become your team? \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> I’m from Monterey, right? So it’s my local team, but the way they have played teamwork, embraced defense. I have never felt so welcome as a fan that I think they’ve got the standard for really just having sports explode, you know? \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> I’m from Monterey, right? So it’s my local team, but the way they have played teamwork, embraced defense. I have never felt so welcome as a fan that I think they’ve got the standard for really just having sports explode, you know? \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Where do we go from here? What do you hope will follow all this momentum and, you, know, come from this? \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Where do we go from here? What do you hope will follow all this momentum and, you, know, come from this? \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> You know, I don’t care where it goes, but I hope they hold that. They love the crowd. It’s all about love and joy and teamwork. So, sky’s the limit, because I think people are craving it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> You know, I don’t care where it goes, but I hope they hold that. They love the crowd. It’s all about love and joy and teamwork. So, sky’s the limit, because I think people are craving it.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Back it comes to Howard… and that’s gonna do it. In just their second year of existence, the Golden State Valkyries are champions of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Back it comes to Howard… and that’s gonna do it. In just their second year of existence, the Golden State Valkyries are champions of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much to KQED reporters Juan Carlos Lara, Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, and Sydney Johnson for all the tape that you heard in this episode. This episode was produced by me and Gabriela Glueck, music courtesy of Audio Network and APM. The Bay is made every week by me and Gabriela Glueck with support from Jen Chien, Katie Springer, Maha Sanad, Ethan Toven-Lindsey.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much to KQED reporters Juan Carlos Lara, Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, and Sydney Johnson for all the tape that you heard in this episode. This episode was produced by me and Gabriela Glueck, music courtesy of Audio Network and APM. The Bay is made every week by me and Gabriela Glueck with support from Jen Chien, Katie Springer, Maha Sanad, Ethan Toven-Lindsey.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> The Bay is a production of listener-supported KQED public media. You can help power our show by becoming a KQED member, which you could do at donate.kqed.org/podcasts. Support for The Bay, is provided in part by the Osher Production Fund. Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco, Northern California Local. And I’m Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Thanks so much for listening to The Bay This Week. Talk to you next time.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> The Bay is a production of listener-supported KQED public media. You can help power our show by becoming a KQED member, which you could do at donate.kqed.org/podcasts. Support for The Bay, is provided in part by the Osher Production Fund. Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco, Northern California Local. And I’m Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Thanks so much for listening to The Bay This Week. Talk to you next time.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco-Northern California Local.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco-Northern California Local.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "The Golden State Valkyries have won it all and fans are not done celebrating.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1794008694,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 0,
"wordCount": 2183
},
"headData": {
"title": "‘This Is a Historic Moment’: Sounds from the Valkyries Parade | KQED",
"description": "The Golden State Valkyries have won it all and fans are not done celebrating.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialDescription": "The Golden State Valkyries have won it all and fans are not done celebrating.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "‘This Is a Historic Moment’: Sounds from the Valkyries Parade",
"datePublished": "2026-11-06T03:00:00-08:00",
"dateModified": "2026-11-06T15:44:54-08:00",
"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": 33520,
"slug": "podcast",
"name": "Podcast"
},
"source": "The Bay",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/podcasts/thebay",
"audioUrl": "https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/KQINC1584660986.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12108576",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12108576/this-is-a-historic-moment-sounds-from-the-valkyries-parade",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This week, thousands of Golden State Valkyries fans came together along San Francisco’s waterfront to celebrate the team’s championship victory. The win comes just two seasons into the franchise’s existence but the Valks fanbase is already something of a phenomenon. Today, we take you to the parade and hear from fans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Links:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107889/valkyries-parade-draws-thousands-to-san-franciscos-embarcadero-for-wnba-championship-celebration\">Valkyries Parade Draws Thousands to San Francisco’s Embarcadero for WNBA Championship Celebration\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>Episode Transcript\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This transcript is computer-generated. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> I’m Ericka Cruz Guevarra and welcome to The Bay, local news to keep you rooted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Let’s get that GSV chant going!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> This week, thousands of fans lined San Francisco’s waterfront to celebrate the newly crowned WNBA champions, the Golden State Valkyries.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> GSV! GSV!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> The Valkyries win against the Atlanta Dream is historic. They clinched the championship in just their second season and fans from the Bay Area and beyond were eager to celebrate one of the most accomplished expansion teams ever. So today we’ve got an audio postcard for you from the Valkyries Championship Parade. That’s coming up right after this.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> It’s just after 9.30am. I’m here near the Ferry Building where the parade is going to get started in about two and a half hours. So we still have a ways to go, but as you can see behind me, there are tons of fans lined up, ready to go. Excited for the Valkyries to get out here. And if you look further down the Embarcadero, there’s tons of people just completely covering the sidewalk in violet, getting ready for the Valkyries.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I mean, how do you not enjoy this beautiful day? It was washed away from beautiful rain yesterday, and guess what we have today? It’s a sunny day. Go Valkyries!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> How early did y’all get here to secure this spot?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I’ve been here since about 8:45 and I met Alice at 8:50.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> Okay!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> We’ve been waiting, waiting, and waiting for some friends.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> Alright, so you got here like more than three hours before the start of the parade. Why was it important for you to get here so early?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I came early because I didn’t want to miss a beat. I got to, I don’t want miss a beat because that’s my, that those are my girls. The, the, the veteran, all the way from the veterans to the rookies. Kaitlyn Chen, you go, girl. You got it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> And you said you’ve been as fan since day one?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> Yeah, I’ve been a fan since they first announced it in 2024. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> I was even looking at their job listings. I’m retired, but you know what? This would be a great group to work with. I never did, but it’s okay being a fan.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman\u003c/strong>: I’m on the Embarcadero where fans have been lining up for hours to see the Valkyries WNBA Championship Parade. I talked to some people who got here as early as 7:30 this morning. People are really excited. People are excited and they told me that they want to say thanks to the team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Lie Crescini.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> How do you spell that?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> L-I-E-C-R-E S-C I-N-I.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Where are you coming from?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> You came from Hawaii?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> Ah yes, came for the playoffs and now I’m here for the parade. You gotta ask everybody, everybody here is crazy, like I’m crazy. I drive, I fly, wherever they’re going I’ll drive out to if it’s drivable. I fly out here and I hit up every game that I could possibly go to. It’s like having 18,000 new family members that you actually like.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> What are you looking forward to today?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lie Crescini:\u003c/strong> The unity of it, the, like everybody’s happy. It’s like early in the morning and they’re actually awake. I’m looking of course to say thank you to the champions. Say thank you for amazing season. Thank you for feeding into us. Thank you always thanking us for being there. You know, because it takes a lot for us, all us fans, 18,000 plus every game sold out. Like it takes long for us to come out there and get dressed up, put on our uniforms and you know, feather my hat. Like it takes a lot, so I appreciate that they appreciate it. And they always mention Ballhalla and the fans. And I’m hoping that they really see the love that we really have for them, all the way from Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> What’s your name?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> Lily Marx.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> How do you spell that?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> L-I-L-Y-M-A-R-X. This is my Christmas, this is my pride!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Did you say gay Super Bowl?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> Oh god, this is my gay super bowl. 100%.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman:\u003c/strong> Can I get your name as well, please?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Katie Thurman:\u003c/strong> Uh, Katie Thurman, K-A-T-I-E-T H-U-R-M-A-N I think it’s really nice to have a city that like unequivocally supports women’s sports in the way that San Francisco does and it’s nice to be here with all of my friends and see so many like-minded and like-looking people celebrate something so like beautiful and fierce, if you will.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Lily Marx:\u003c/strong> It’s like the Valkyries fans will show up on a Wednesday, Wednesday at 9 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Katie Thurman:\u003c/strong> If you go to a Valkyries’ game, it is like genuinely gay. It’s it’s like walking into Pride. Like it’s the best thing ever. It’s the percentage of the amount of elder gay women there. It’s just like that. That is like my bread and butter.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Valkyries Fan:\u003c/strong> So many lesbians are in Oakland, in the East Bay, in Berkeley, and it’s nice to have something that brings us back here because we’ve never been at the forefront, we’ve never been prioritized, but we’ve always been here and supporting it, and even when we’re getting pushed back, it’s always nice to push us back in. We don’t have that many lesbian-centered spaces, contrary to popular belief, but they’re there, they’re at the arena.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> I’m standing near the end of the parade route here in San Francisco where fans have been lining up for hours. I spoke to one woman who drove four hours with her wife to be here. People are just so excited to cheer for their team. They’ve got food, they’ve got drinks, they’re getting ready for things to kick off momentarily.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> All right, Dominique Osborne.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sierra Osborne:\u003c/strong> Sierra Osborne.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> How are you guys feeling today? It’s parade day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> Good. Excited, ready to see these Valks come down. First in history, let’s do it! Had to bring my niece out so she can experience that history too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Hell yeah. And do you have a favorite player? I see you’ve got the Veronica Burton shirt on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sierra Osborne:\u003c/strong> Yes! I would say Gabby, shout out to Gabby. Gabby!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Dominique Osborne:\u003c/strong> Gabby, hometown girl! Yes! Y’all back! Hey! Yeah! GSV! GSV GSV Hall of Fame!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Juan Carlos Lara:\u003c/strong> La Russell came through and warmed up the crowd first, he was, you know, walking up right alongside the barrier getting into his faces and people were singing along with him and then now the bus is coming by with some players on it and they’re tossing out t-shirts and what looked Like bracelet, maybe little like game towels. People are chanting MVP, Gabby Williams.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Please welcome to the stage, your 2026 WNBA Finals MVP, Gabby Williams! There was a moment in the second half, Gabby. I think at any level, any sport, one of the most clutch championship stretches of performance and play we’ve ever seen from anybody. As you took over this game and scored 28 points in the second half. What was that feeling like as you were going through it?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Gabby Williams:\u003c/strong> I mean, what felt great is if I didn’t, or if I did or if I didn’t do it, these guys would have loved me the same. Honestly, and I think when you feel that, the pressure goes off and the basket is, it’s as big as this logo. But game two we lost at home and I remember I looked at them and I was like dang guys I’m sorry I couldn’t hit it and they were like it’s okay it’s all good you’ll get the next one. But that was that was all see look they’re all laughing because they know exactly what I mean they’re like we everything was so light like and everyone asked me what it’s like to have the ball in my hands it don’t feel any different from the first to the fourth quarter because these guys treat me the same no matter what.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> GSV! GSV!! GSV!!!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> Sue Roycewicz. I was on our first ever USA women’s basketball team in 1976 when we won the silver medal.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Amazing. And so what is this moment right now feel for you? You know, I know that this playoff series has had some of the highest viewership for WNBA games in general. Just what does this moment feel like having come along with it for so long?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> Well knowing how much we as women love the game and to see the development, just how we’ve been embraced by the youth on up, men, women, doesn’t matter, is just incredible. It’s so much fun, you know? I just love it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> And why the Valkyries? How has this become your team? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> I’m from Monterey, right? So it’s my local team, but the way they have played teamwork, embraced defense. I have never felt so welcome as a fan that I think they’ve got the standard for really just having sports explode, you know? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sydney Johnson:\u003c/strong> Where do we go from here? What do you hope will follow all this momentum and, you, know, come from this? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Sue Roycewicz:\u003c/strong> You know, I don’t care where it goes, but I hope they hold that. They love the crowd. It’s all about love and joy and teamwork. So, sky’s the limit, because I think people are craving it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Announcer:\u003c/strong> Back it comes to Howard… and that’s gonna do it. In just their second year of existence, the Golden State Valkyries are champions of the WNBA.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> Thank you so much to KQED reporters Juan Carlos Lara, Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, and Sydney Johnson for all the tape that you heard in this episode. This episode was produced by me and Gabriela Glueck, music courtesy of Audio Network and APM. The Bay is made every week by me and Gabriela Glueck with support from Jen Chien, Katie Springer, Maha Sanad, Ethan Toven-Lindsey.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Ericka Cruz Guevarra:\u003c/strong> The Bay is a production of listener-supported KQED public media. You can help power our show by becoming a KQED member, which you could do at donate.kqed.org/podcasts. Support for The Bay, is provided in part by the Osher Production Fund. Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by the Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco, Northern California Local. And I’m Ericka Cruz Guevarra. Thanks so much for listening to The Bay This Week. Talk to you next time.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>Some members of the KQED podcast team are represented by The Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, San Francisco-Northern California Local.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12108576/this-is-a-historic-moment-sounds-from-the-valkyries-parade",
"authors": [
"8654",
"11946"
],
"categories": [
"news_8",
"news_33520",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_1386",
"news_33130",
"news_34044",
"news_33812",
"news_38",
"news_34078",
"news_22598",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12108466",
"label": "source_news_12108576"
},
"news_12107759": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12107759",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12107759",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1793656800000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "where-is-valkyries-parade-route-san-francisco-sf-2026-wednesday-nov-4-bart-muni",
"title": "Where Is the Valkyries Official Championship Parade on Wednesday — and How Can You Be There?",
"publishDate": 1793656800,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Where Is the Valkyries Official Championship Parade on Wednesday — and How Can You Be There? | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In only their second season of existence — and in the year the Women’s National Basketball Association league turns 30, no less — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">the Golden State Valkyries have already become champions\u003c/a>. And the Bay Area is, naturally, throwing a parade this week to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">nail-biting Game 7\u003c/a> against the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, the Valkyries pulled through with 68-63 — with special honors for forward and MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 28 of those points in the second half. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And while the Bay Area’s passionate fanbase has already begun celebrating, an official parade by the city of San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading to learn about what to expect during the Valkyries championship parade this week. Keep in mind: the ceremony starts at noon — and while we could \u003cem>never\u003c/em> endorse deception, this seems like a good time to mention the previous guidance of Valkyries’ Veronica Burton before Game 6’s infamous 9:30 a.m\u003cem>.\u003c/em> start time: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfAxaq8oAQ9/\">“Call in sick. I recommend it.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">city officials\u003c/a>, the Valkyries parade will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">start at the Ferry Building at 12 p.m. on Wednesday\u003c/a>, Nov. 4.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107791\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route for the Valkyries’ championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4. (Golden State Valkyries on Instagram)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parade will then travel alongside the northbound side of The Embarcadero to Second Street until \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">2 p.m.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans can begin to line up along \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">the parade route at 9 a.m\u003c/a>., \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfNAX5CGMnk/\">“on the bay side of Embarcadero from Mission Street to 2nd Street,”\u003c/a> according to the Valkyries’ Instagram.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the weather be like on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.789&lon=-122.3955\">the National Weather Service,\u003c/a> Wednesday will be a sunny day with a high of 62. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So while you should definitely be sporting the signature Valkyries purple, be sure to have layers (but also sunscreen) on you, since this parade \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be along the water on a November afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I get to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can plan your route accordingly using \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">SFMTA’s Trip Planner.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1663\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107797\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-160x133.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-1536x1277.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SFMTA’s map of the Valkyries championship parade on Wednesday.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BART\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations. Afterward, it will be a 4- or 8-minute walk, respectively, to the Ferry Building. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://twitter.com/SFBART/status/2117291370797043761\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could also take BART to Powell Street Station and then transfer to Muni’s T Third trains at Union Square Station. You would take a Southbound T Line train heading toward Sunnydale to Fourth and King — and then a short 8-minute walk to Second and King.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muni\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">you want to use Muni\u003c/a>, you can take the J Church, N Judah, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View lines to Embarcadero Station.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get to a stop at the beginning half of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>1 California\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>5R Fulton Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>7 Haight/Noriega\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>9R San Bruno Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>12 Folsom/Pacific\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>14 Mission\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>14R Mission Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>38 Geary\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>38R Geary Rapid\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get a stop at the end of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>T Third Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>15 Bayview Hunters Point Express\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>30 Stockton\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>45 Union/Stockton\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SFMTA has warned that there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be transit service changes on the day of the parade — and you can get \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">the most up-to-date information on its website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can take Caltrain to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/sanfrancisco\">San Francisco station\u003c/a> — where you can get to the \u003cem>end\u003c/em> of \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the parade at 2nd and King streets\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the agency, there will be two additional trains running for the day. The northbound train will leave San José Diridon Station at 9:13 a.m. After the parade ends at 2 p.m., the southbound train will depart San Francisco at 2:40 p.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Additionally, express train 514 and limited train 416 will both run as locals to address any capacity issues, the 514 departing San Francisco Station at 3:10 p.m. and the 416 departing at 3:40 p.m.,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the agency’s notice\u003c/a> reads. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">your eye on the Caltrain schedule\u003c/a> before any travel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to SamTrans, the following lines lead to downtown San Francisco:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The walk from Salesforce to the Ferry Building is \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/valkyries\">around ten to fifteen minutes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Fans can also take SamTrans Route 292 or Route ECR, which connects communities along El Camino Real with Millbrae Station, where they can transfer to Caltrain for service to San Francisco,” the agency’s email release reads.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to plan your route on \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesmaps\">SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Self-driving cars like Waymos can get stuck during events that are expected to draw a lot of traffic and people — notably after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">this year’s Fourth of July celebrations\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accordingly, they are subject to some limitations that aren’t usually seen for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The SFMTA has closed off \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">some roads to services like Waymo on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>On The Embarcadero\u003c/strong> south of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the Financial District\u003c/strong>, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the South of Market\u003c/strong>, streets east of First Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In South Beach\u003c/strong>:\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Bryant Street\u003c/strong> between Second Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Brannan \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Townsend \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>King Street\u003c/strong> between Fifth Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Berry \u003cstrong>Stree\u003c/strong>t\u003c/strong> between Fifth and Third streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Second Street \u003c/strong>between Bryant and King streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Third Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Brannan Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Townsend Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off are designated to these areas:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Battery Street \u003c/strong>between the Embarcadero and Market Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>First Street\u003c/strong> between Market and Harrison streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Third Street \u003c/strong>between Folsom and Brannan streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street \u003c/strong>between Harrison and Townsend streets\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the street closures on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to be in the area on Wednesday, expect crowds and heavy traffic. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026#street_closures\">SFMTA’s advisory page\u003c/a>, the following streets will be closed at these times:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In only their second season of existence — and in the year the Women’s National Basketball Association league turns 30, no less — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">the Golden State Valkyries have already become champions\u003c/a>. And the Bay Area is, naturally, throwing a parade this week to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In only their second season of existence — and in the year the Women’s National Basketball Association league turns 30, no less — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">the Golden State Valkyries have already become champions\u003c/a>. And the Bay Area is, naturally, throwing a parade this week to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">nail-biting Game 7\u003c/a> against the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, the Valkyries pulled through with 68-63 — with special honors for forward and MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 28 of those points in the second half. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">nail-biting Game 7\u003c/a> against the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, the Valkyries pulled through with 68-63 — with special honors for forward and MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 28 of those points in the second half. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And while the Bay Area’s passionate fanbase has already begun celebrating, an official parade by the city of San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And while the Bay Area’s passionate fanbase has already begun celebrating, an official parade by the city of San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn about what to expect during the Valkyries championship parade this week. Keep in mind: the ceremony starts at noon — and while we could \u003cem>never\u003c/em> endorse deception, this seems like a good time to mention the previous guidance of Valkyries’ Veronica Burton before Game 6’s infamous 9:30 a.m\u003cem>.\u003c/em> start time: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfAxaq8oAQ9/\">“Call in sick. I recommend it.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Keep reading to learn about what to expect during the Valkyries championship parade this week. Keep in mind: the ceremony starts at noon — and while we could \u003cem>never\u003c/em> endorse deception, this seems like a good time to mention the previous guidance of Valkyries’ Veronica Burton before Game 6’s infamous 9:30 a.m\u003cem>.\u003c/em> start time: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfAxaq8oAQ9/\">“Call in sick. I recommend it.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? ",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? \u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? \u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">city officials\u003c/a>, the Valkyries parade will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">start at the Ferry Building at 12 p.m. on Wednesday\u003c/a>, Nov. 4.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">city officials\u003c/a>, the Valkyries parade will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">start at the Ferry Building at 12 p.m. on Wednesday\u003c/a>, Nov. 4.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107791,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1638x2048.jpg 1638w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107791\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route for the Valkyries’ championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Golden State Valkyries on Instagram)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107791\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route for the Valkyries’ championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Golden State Valkyries on Instagram)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The parade will then travel alongside the northbound side of The Embarcadero to Second Street until \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">2 p.m.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The parade will then travel alongside the northbound side of The Embarcadero to Second Street until \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">2 p.m.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fans can begin to line up along \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">the parade route at 9 a.m\u003c/a>., \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfNAX5CGMnk/\">“on the bay side of Embarcadero from Mission Street to 2nd Street,”\u003c/a> according to the Valkyries’ Instagram.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Fans can begin to line up along \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">the parade route at 9 a.m\u003c/a>., \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfNAX5CGMnk/\">“on the bay side of Embarcadero from Mission Street to 2nd Street,”\u003c/a> according to the Valkyries’ Instagram.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What will the weather be like on Wednesday? ",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the weather be like on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the weather be like on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.789&lon=-122.3955\">the National Weather Service,\u003c/a> Wednesday will be a sunny day with a high of 62. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.789&lon=-122.3955\">the National Weather Service,\u003c/a> Wednesday will be a sunny day with a high of 62. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So while you should definitely be sporting the signature Valkyries purple, be sure to have layers (but also sunscreen) on you, since this parade \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be along the water on a November afternoon.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So while you should definitely be sporting the signature Valkyries purple, be sure to have layers (but also sunscreen) on you, since this parade \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be along the water on a November afternoon.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I get to the Valkyries parade?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I get to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I get to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can plan your route accordingly using \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">SFMTA’s Trip Planner.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can plan your route accordingly using \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">SFMTA’s Trip Planner.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107797,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-160x133.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-1536x1277.png 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107797\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-160x133.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-1536x1277.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SFMTA’s map of the Valkyries championship parade on Wednesday.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107797\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SFMTA’s map of the Valkyries championship parade on Wednesday.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "BART"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BART\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BART\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations. Afterward, it will be a 4- or 8-minute walk, respectively, to the Ferry Building. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations. Afterward, it will be a 4- or 8-minute walk, respectively, to the Ferry Building. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/embed",
"attrs": {
"url": "https://twitter.com/SFBART/status/2117291370797043761",
"type": "rich",
"providerNameSlug": "twitter",
"responsive": true,
"align": "center",
"allowResponsive": true,
"previewable": true
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://twitter.com/SFBART/status/2117291370797043761\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://twitter.com/SFBART/status/2117291370797043761\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You could also take BART to Powell Street Station and then transfer to Muni’s T Third trains at Union Square Station. You would take a Southbound T Line train heading toward Sunnydale to Fourth and King — and then a short 8-minute walk to Second and King.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You could also take BART to Powell Street Station and then transfer to Muni’s T Third trains at Union Square Station. You would take a Southbound T Line train heading toward Sunnydale to Fourth and King — and then a short 8-minute walk to Second and King.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Muni"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muni\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muni\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">you want to use Muni\u003c/a>, you can take the J Church, N Judah, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View lines to Embarcadero Station.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">you want to use Muni\u003c/a>, you can take the J Church, N Judah, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View lines to Embarcadero Station.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To get to a stop at the beginning half of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To get to a stop at the beginning half of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"1 California",
"5R Fulton Rapid",
"7 Haight/Noriega",
"9R San Bruno Rapid",
"12 Folsom/Pacific",
"14 Mission",
"14R Mission Rapid",
"38 Geary",
"38R Geary Rapid"
],
"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\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>1 California\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>1 California\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>5R Fulton Rapid\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>5R Fulton Rapid\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>7 Haight/Noriega\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>7 Haight/Noriega\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>9R San Bruno Rapid\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>9R San Bruno Rapid\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>12 Folsom/Pacific\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>12 Folsom/Pacific\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>14 Mission\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>14 Mission\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>14R Mission Rapid\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>14R Mission Rapid\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>38 Geary\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>38 Geary\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>38R Geary Rapid\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>38R Geary Rapid\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To get a stop at the end of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To get a stop at the end of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"T Third Street",
"8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street",
"15 Bayview Hunters Point Express",
"30 Stockton",
"45 Union/Stockton"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>T Third Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>T Third Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>15 Bayview Hunters Point Express\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>15 Bayview Hunters Point Express\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>30 Stockton\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>30 Stockton\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>45 Union/Stockton\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>45 Union/Stockton\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>SFMTA has warned that there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be transit service changes on the day of the parade — and you can get \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">the most up-to-date information on its website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>SFMTA has warned that there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be transit service changes on the day of the parade — and you can get \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">the most up-to-date information on its website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can take Caltrain to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/sanfrancisco\">San Francisco station\u003c/a> — where you can get to the \u003cem>end\u003c/em> of \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the parade at 2nd and King streets\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can take Caltrain to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/sanfrancisco\">San Francisco station\u003c/a> — where you can get to the \u003cem>end\u003c/em> of \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the parade at 2nd and King streets\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to the agency, there will be two additional trains running for the day. The northbound train will leave San José Diridon Station at 9:13 a.m. After the parade ends at 2 p.m., the southbound train will depart San Francisco at 2:40 p.m. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to the agency, there will be two additional trains running for the day. The northbound train will leave San José Diridon Station at 9:13 a.m. After the parade ends at 2 p.m., the southbound train will depart San Francisco at 2:40 p.m. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Additionally, express train 514 and limited train 416 will both run as locals to address any capacity issues, the 514 departing San Francisco Station at 3:10 p.m. and the 416 departing at 3:40 p.m.,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the agency’s notice\u003c/a> reads. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Additionally, express train 514 and limited train 416 will both run as locals to address any capacity issues, the 514 departing San Francisco Station at 3:10 p.m. and the 416 departing at 3:40 p.m.,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the agency’s notice\u003c/a> reads. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">your eye on the Caltrain schedule\u003c/a> before any travel.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">your eye on the Caltrain schedule\u003c/a> before any travel.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to SamTrans, the following lines lead to downtown San Francisco:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to SamTrans, the following lines lead to downtown San Francisco:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center",
"FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center ",
"EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center \u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center \u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The walk from Salesforce to the Ferry Building is \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/valkyries\">around ten to fifteen minutes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The walk from Salesforce to the Ferry Building is \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/valkyries\">around ten to fifteen minutes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Fans can also take SamTrans Route 292 or Route ECR, which connects communities along El Camino Real with Millbrae Station, where they can transfer to Caltrain for service to San Francisco,” the agency’s email release reads.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Fans can also take SamTrans Route 292 or Route ECR, which connects communities along El Camino Real with Millbrae Station, where they can transfer to Caltrain for service to San Francisco,” the agency’s email release reads.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Be sure to plan your route on \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesmaps\">SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Be sure to plan your route on \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesmaps\">SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Self-driving cars like Waymos can get stuck during events that are expected to draw a lot of traffic and people — notably after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">this year’s Fourth of July celebrations\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Self-driving cars like Waymos can get stuck during events that are expected to draw a lot of traffic and people — notably after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">this year’s Fourth of July celebrations\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Accordingly, they are subject to some limitations that aren’t usually seen for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The SFMTA has closed off \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">some roads to services like Waymo on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Accordingly, they are subject to some limitations that aren’t usually seen for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The SFMTA has closed off \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">some roads to services like Waymo on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"On The Embarcadero south of Battery Street",
"In the Financial District, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street",
"In the South of Market, streets east of First Street",
"In South Beach:"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>On The Embarcadero\u003c/strong> south of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>On The Embarcadero\u003c/strong> south of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the Financial District\u003c/strong>, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the Financial District\u003c/strong>, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the South of Market\u003c/strong>, streets east of First Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the South of Market\u003c/strong>, streets east of First Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Bryant Street\u003c/strong> between Second Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Bryant Street\u003c/strong> between Second Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Brannan \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Brannan \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Townsend \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Townsend \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>King Street\u003c/strong> between Fifth Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>King Street\u003c/strong> between Fifth Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Berry \u003cstrong>Stree\u003c/strong>t\u003c/strong> between Fifth and Third streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Berry \u003cstrong>Stree\u003c/strong>t\u003c/strong> between Fifth and Third streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Second Street \u003c/strong>between Bryant and King streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Second Street \u003c/strong>between Bryant and King streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Third Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Brannan Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Third Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Brannan Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Townsend Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Townsend Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
]
}
],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In South Beach\u003c/strong>:\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In South Beach\u003c/strong>:",
null,
"\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off are designated to these areas:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off are designated to these areas:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Battery Street between the Embarcadero and Market Street",
"First Street between Market and Harrison streets",
"Third Street between Folsom and Brannan streets",
"Fourth Street between Harrison and Townsend streets"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Battery Street \u003c/strong>between the Embarcadero and Market Street\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Battery Street \u003c/strong>between the Embarcadero and Market Street\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>First Street\u003c/strong> between Market and Harrison streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>First Street\u003c/strong> between Market and Harrison streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Third Street \u003c/strong>between Folsom and Brannan streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Third Street \u003c/strong>between Folsom and Brannan streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street \u003c/strong>between Harrison and Townsend streets\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street \u003c/strong>between Harrison and Townsend streets\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What are the street closures on Wednesday? ",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the street closures on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the street closures on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you need to be in the area on Wednesday, expect crowds and heavy traffic. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026#street_closures\">SFMTA’s advisory page\u003c/a>, the following streets will be closed at these times:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you need to be in the area on Wednesday, expect crowds and heavy traffic. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026#street_closures\">SFMTA’s advisory page\u003c/a>, the following streets will be closed at these times:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.",
"Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m."
],
"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\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
}
],
"excerpt": "From the parade route to timing, here's what to know about the city’s Wednesday celebration honoring the Valkyries' WNBA championship win.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793735604,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 0,
"wordCount": 1272
},
"headData": {
"title": "Where Is the Valkyries Official Championship Parade on Wednesday — and How Can You Be There? | KQED",
"description": "From the parade route to timing, here's what to know about the city’s Wednesday celebration honoring the Valkyries' WNBA championship win.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Where Is the Valkyries Official Championship Parade on Wednesday — and How Can You Be There?",
"datePublished": "2026-11-02T14:00:00-08:00",
"dateModified": "2026-11-03T11:53:24-08:00",
"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-12107759",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12107759/where-is-valkyries-parade-route-san-francisco-sf-2026-wednesday-nov-4-bart-muni",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In only their second season of existence — and in the year the Women’s National Basketball Association league turns 30, no less — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">the Golden State Valkyries have already become champions\u003c/a>. And the Bay Area is, naturally, throwing a parade this week to celebrate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7\">nail-biting Game 7\u003c/a> against the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, the Valkyries pulled through with 68-63 — with special honors for forward and MVP Gabby Williams, who scored 28 of those points in the second half. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And while the Bay Area’s passionate fanbase has already begun celebrating, an official parade by the city of San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading to learn about what to expect during the Valkyries championship parade this week. Keep in mind: the ceremony starts at noon — and while we could \u003cem>never\u003c/em> endorse deception, this seems like a good time to mention the previous guidance of Valkyries’ Veronica Burton before Game 6’s infamous 9:30 a.m\u003cem>.\u003c/em> start time: \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfAxaq8oAQ9/\">“Call in sick. I recommend it.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When and where is the Valkyries WNBA parade? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">city officials\u003c/a>, the Valkyries parade will \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">start at the Ferry Building at 12 p.m. on Wednesday\u003c/a>, Nov. 4.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107791\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkryies-Parade-414947dc-1638x2048.jpg 1638w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route for the Valkyries’ championship parade on Wednesday, Nov. 4. (Golden State Valkyries on Instagram)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parade will then travel alongside the northbound side of The Embarcadero to Second Street until \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">2 p.m.\u003c/a> \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans can begin to line up along \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">the parade route at 9 a.m\u003c/a>., \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DfNAX5CGMnk/\">“on the bay side of Embarcadero from Mission Street to 2nd Street,”\u003c/a> according to the Valkyries’ Instagram.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will the weather be like on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.789&lon=-122.3955\">the National Weather Service,\u003c/a> Wednesday will be a sunny day with a high of 62. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So while you should definitely be sporting the signature Valkyries purple, be sure to have layers (but also sunscreen) on you, since this parade \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be along the water on a November afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I get to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can plan your route accordingly using \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">BART\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">SFMTA’s Trip Planner.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1663\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107797\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-160x133.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/Valkyries-Parade-Map-2026-3a692594-1536x1277.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SFMTA’s map of the Valkyries championship parade on Wednesday.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">BART\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations. Afterward, it will be a 4- or 8-minute walk, respectively, to the Ferry Building. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "singleTwitterStatus",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"id": "2117291370797043761"
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could also take BART to Powell Street Station and then transfer to Muni’s T Third trains at Union Square Station. You would take a Southbound T Line train heading toward Sunnydale to Fourth and King — and then a short 8-minute walk to Second and King.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Muni\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">you want to use Muni\u003c/a>, you can take the J Church, N Judah, K Ingleside, L Taraval, M Ocean View lines to Embarcadero Station.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get to a stop at the beginning half of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>1 California\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>5R Fulton Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>7 Haight/Noriega\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>9R San Bruno Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>12 Folsom/Pacific\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>14 Mission\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>14R Mission Rapid\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>38 Geary\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>38R Geary Rapid\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get a stop at the end of the parade, you can head to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>T Third Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>8 Bayshore — by exiting the bus at Third Street and Bryant Street, then walking a few blocks south to King Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>15 Bayview Hunters Point Express\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>30 Stockton\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>45 Union/Stockton\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SFMTA has warned that there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be transit service changes on the day of the parade — and you can get \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026\">the most up-to-date information on its website.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Caltrain\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can take Caltrain to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/station/sanfrancisco\">San Francisco station\u003c/a> — where you can get to the \u003cem>end\u003c/em> of \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the parade at 2nd and King streets\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the agency, there will be two additional trains running for the day. The northbound train will leave San José Diridon Station at 9:13 a.m. After the parade ends at 2 p.m., the southbound train will depart San Francisco at 2:40 p.m. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Additionally, express train 514 and limited train 416 will both run as locals to address any capacity issues, the 514 departing San Francisco Station at 3:10 p.m. and the 416 departing at 3:40 p.m.,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/news/caltrain-connects-fans-valkyries-championship-parade\">the agency’s notice\u003c/a> reads. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to keep \u003ca href=\"https://www.caltrain.com/\">your eye on the Caltrain schedule\u003c/a> before any travel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>SamTrans\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to SamTrans, the following lines lead to downtown San Francisco:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Route 292: Connects Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo County communities and San Francisco, with service to the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>FCX: Connects Foster City with the Salesforce Transit Center \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>EPX: Connects East Palo Alto with the Salesforce Transit Center\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The walk from Salesforce to the Ferry Building is \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/valkyries\">around ten to fifteen minutes\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Fans can also take SamTrans Route 292 or Route ECR, which connects communities along El Camino Real with Millbrae Station, where they can transfer to Caltrain for service to San Francisco,” the agency’s email release reads.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to plan your route on \u003ca href=\"https://www.samtrans.com/schedulesmaps\">SamTrans’ website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I take a Waymo or an autonomous vehicle to the Valkyries parade?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Self-driving cars like Waymos can get stuck during events that are expected to draw a lot of traffic and people — notably after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">this year’s Fourth of July celebrations\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accordingly, they are subject to some limitations that aren’t usually seen for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. The SFMTA has closed off \u003ca href=\"https://www.sf.gov/news-mayor-lurie-unveils-plans-for-victory-parade-for-wnba-champion-golden-state-valkyries\">some roads to services like Waymo on Wednesday from 12:01 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.\u003c/a>, including:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>On The Embarcadero\u003c/strong> south of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the Financial District\u003c/strong>, streets south of Washington Street and east of Battery Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In the South of Market\u003c/strong>, streets east of First Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>In South Beach\u003c/strong>:\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Bryant Street\u003c/strong> between Second Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Brannan \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Townsend \u003cstrong>Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Third Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>King Street\u003c/strong> between Fifth Street and the Embarcadero\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Berry \u003cstrong>Stree\u003c/strong>t\u003c/strong> between Fifth and Third streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Second Street \u003c/strong>between Bryant and King streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Third Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Brannan Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street\u003c/strong>\u003c/strong> between Townsend Street and Mission Creek Channel\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Autonomous vehicle pick-up and drop-off are designated to these areas:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Battery Street \u003c/strong>between the Embarcadero and Market Street\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>First Street\u003c/strong> between Market and Harrison streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Third Street \u003c/strong>between Folsom and Brannan streets\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Fourth Street \u003c/strong>between Harrison and Townsend streets\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the street closures on Wednesday? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need to be in the area on Wednesday, expect crowds and heavy traffic. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/travel-updates/valkyries-wnba-championship-parade-wednesday-november-4-2026#street_closures\">SFMTA’s advisory page\u003c/a>, the following streets will be closed at these times:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Eastbound King Street and Northbound Embarcadero between Third and King streets and Broadway and Embarcadero: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Southbound Embarcadero and Westbound King Street between Broadway and Embarcadero and Third and King: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Washington Street between Drumm Street and the Embarcadero, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Market Street between Drumm and Steuart streets: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Steuart Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Spear Street between Market Street and southerly terminus: 12:01 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Mission, Howard, Folsom, Harrison and Bryant streets between Main Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Brannan Street between Second Street and the Embarcadero (with local access maintained to Delancey Street): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Townsend Street, between Third Street and the Embarcadero: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Second Street between Brannan and King streets: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12107759/where-is-valkyries-parade-route-san-francisco-sf-2026-wednesday-nov-4-bart-muni",
"authors": [
"11867"
],
"categories": [
"news_34168",
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_32707",
"news_18058",
"news_1386",
"news_35888",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_26702",
"news_38",
"news_34078",
"news_33257",
"news_1131",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12107792",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12107530": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12107530",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12107530",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1793492150000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7",
"title": "‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory",
"publishDate": 1793492150,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory | 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 the 2026 WNBA champions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forward Gabby Williams was in her bag in the second half of Game 7 of the Finals at the Chase Center, scoring 15 points in the third quarter to help her team win Golden State’s first-ever championship on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams was overcome with emotion after the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We just built a beautiful culture here,” she told reporters after the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107684\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players lift the WNBA Championship Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107687\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107687\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107685\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107685\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes #15, Cecilia Zandalasini #24, and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate with teammates in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They’re the fastest WNBA expansion franchise to win a title and the fastest expansion team across all professional sports to win a championship since 1967.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> The Valks beat the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA’s first-ever Finals Game 7, 68-63. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team’s fervent violet fanbase — masquerading as “Boohalla” for Halloween — was out in numbers, backing the team at the Chase Center. The star-studded crowd included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, SF Giants legend Barry Bonds, E-40 and Flavor Flav in the house.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams came out aggressive at the lively arena. The Valkyries took an early 8-0 lead, keeping the Dream from scoring for the first more than five minutes of the game. But the Dream went on a 9-0 run at the beginning of the second quarter to give them the lead through halftime. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the half, the Dream led 30-24 with Jordin Canada leading with nearly half of Atlanta’s points. Veronica Burton led the Valkyries in points at the half. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams, however, dug the Valkyries out of the hole in the second half and scored 15 points to give them a small lead. The roars of fans chanting “Gabby, Gabby,” and “MVP” in Ballhalla were deafening. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107703\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams gave credit to Ballhalla and her team after the game, when she was named MVP. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Y’all have been pouring into me,” Williams said about Ballhalla’s energy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Chase Center after the game, fan Taina Kissinger said that the Valkyries set the bar so high that no one will ever beat their record as the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA title. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The Bay Area is magical right now,” Kissinger said. “We all need this right now; it’s so amazing.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carmela Martinez, outside of Chase Center, gave up her ticket to the game so her family could watch, but she still felt great about the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’ve been waiting for this,” Martinez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Rikki’s Bar, fans went crazy over the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colin O’Neill said the excitement from fans showed that the Valkyries are more than a team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a community in the way that the Valkyries bring everybody together,” O’Neill said. “It’s hard not to root for and love this team.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tense Game 6 where the Valks failed to overcome defensive and offensive struggles left fans outside of the Chase Center with mixed emotions about the match-up between the two teams, but were hopeful. Both were “hungry for it,” fan Janet Lau said at Thrive City, outside of the arena. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think Ballhalla is gonna show up and show out just as much as the girls are going to on that court,” fan Dilara Retenu said. Retenu is dedicated to the Valks, traveling back-and-forth from the East Coast to the West Coast for the finals series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the team was announced, Golden State has enthralled thousands in the Bay Area and beyond, becoming the most valuable team in the league, according to Sportico. The Valkyries rise came at the same time as a surge of interest in women’s basketball as a whole — Wednesday’s Game 6 drew in one of the highest viewership counts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/10/31/wnba-finals-game-6-ratings-dream-valkyries/92538985007/\">1.5 million viewers\u003c/a> — in WNBA Finals history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The energy on both sides has been incredible, and the amount of attention it’s brought to both the sport and the teams has been incredible,” Retenue said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hulises Barcelo and his 10-year-old daughter Catalina, season ticket holders, said the Valkyries are an inspiration for the young basketball player.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lisa Levenberg and Mike Lynch watch The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream through the windows outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12107696\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107696\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton with a Valkyries shirt lies on a table next to fans during a watch party for Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12107697\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107697\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream from outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s just her wanting to be an athlete just like the players that we watch,” Hulises Barcelo said ahead of the game.”Her inspiration for coming to games is to tell herself, ‘I want to be just like them.’ And we as a family are definitely pushing and motivating her and telling her to never give up.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guard Tiffany Hayes said after the game that Ballhalla showed up “as usual,” and said, “This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re here and we ain’t going nowhere,” Hayes said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries made history in their inaugural season by being the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, but were swept in the first round. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12107688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Opera soprano Diana Pray sings for others fans at the beginning of The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12107691\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107691\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107692\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alli Tankersley, center, and Annie Hingtgen, right, celebrate while watching The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their dedicated fans, however, already knew that this year was \u003cem>the\u003c/em> year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s something that we’re all desiring,” fan Haley Dove said. “It’s that collective hope that we need right now, and that’s why I think it’s so powerful.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gail Whang from Oakland, who was at Thrive Center ahead of the game and was born on Halloween, she said all she wanted for her birthday is a Valkyries championship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’m here supporting women, supporting the Valks,” Whang said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Details on an official celebration for the Valkyries’ win will be released Sunday, according to the team.\u003c/p>\n",
"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 the 2026 WNBA champions. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/golden-state-valkyries\">Golden State Valkyries\u003c/a> are the 2026 WNBA champions. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Forward Gabby Williams was in her bag in the second half of Game 7 of the Finals at the Chase Center, scoring 15 points in the third quarter to help her team win Golden State’s first-ever championship on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Forward Gabby Williams was in her bag in the second half of Game 7 of the Finals at the Chase Center, scoring 15 points in the third quarter to help her team win Golden State’s first-ever championship on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Williams was overcome with emotion after the game.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Williams was overcome with emotion after the game.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We just built a beautiful culture here,” she told reporters after the game.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We just built a beautiful culture here,” she told reporters after the game.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107684,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"align": "center",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(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/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107684\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players lift the WNBA Championship Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\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/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107684\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players lift the WNBA Championship Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\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": 12107687,
"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/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107687\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\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/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107687\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107685,
"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/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107685\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes #15, Cecilia Zandalasini #24, and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate with teammates in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\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/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107685\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes #15, Cecilia Zandalasini #24, and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate with teammates in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They’re the fastest WNBA expansion franchise to win a title and the fastest expansion team across all professional sports to win a championship since 1967.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>They’re the fastest WNBA expansion franchise to win a title and the fastest expansion team across all professional sports to win a championship since 1967.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp> The Valks beat the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA’s first-ever Finals Game 7, 68-63. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp> The Valks beat the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA’s first-ever Finals Game 7, 68-63. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The team’s fervent violet fanbase — masquerading as “Boohalla” for Halloween — was out in numbers, backing the team at the Chase Center. The star-studded crowd included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, SF Giants legend Barry Bonds, E-40 and Flavor Flav in the house.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The team’s fervent violet fanbase — masquerading as “Boohalla” for Halloween — was out in numbers, backing the team at the Chase Center. The star-studded crowd included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, SF Giants legend Barry Bonds, E-40 and Flavor Flav in the house.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Both teams came out aggressive at the lively arena. The Valkyries took an early 8-0 lead, keeping the Dream from scoring for the first more than five minutes of the game. But the Dream went on a 9-0 run at the beginning of the second quarter to give them the lead through halftime. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Both teams came out aggressive at the lively arena. The Valkyries took an early 8-0 lead, keeping the Dream from scoring for the first more than five minutes of the game. But the Dream went on a 9-0 run at the beginning of the second quarter to give them the lead through halftime. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At the half, the Dream led 30-24 with Jordin Canada leading with nearly half of Atlanta’s points. Veronica Burton led the Valkyries in points at the half. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At the half, the Dream led 30-24 with Jordin Canada leading with nearly half of Atlanta’s points. Veronica Burton led the Valkyries in points at the half. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Williams, however, dug the Valkyries out of the hole in the second half and scored 15 points to give them a small lead. The roars of fans chanting “Gabby, Gabby,” and “MVP” in Ballhalla were deafening. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Williams, however, dug the Valkyries out of the hole in the second half and scored 15 points to give them a small lead. The roars of fans chanting “Gabby, Gabby,” and “MVP” in Ballhalla were deafening. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107703,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(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/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107703\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\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/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107703\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Williams gave credit to Ballhalla and her team after the game, when she was named MVP. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Williams gave credit to Ballhalla and her team after the game, when she was named MVP. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Y’all have been pouring into me,” Williams said about Ballhalla’s energy.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Y’all have been pouring into me,” Williams said about Ballhalla’s energy.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At the Chase Center after the game, fan Taina Kissinger said that the Valkyries set the bar so high that no one will ever beat their record as the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA title. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At the Chase Center after the game, fan Taina Kissinger said that the Valkyries set the bar so high that no one will ever beat their record as the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA title. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The Bay Area is magical right now,” Kissinger said. “We all need this right now; it’s so amazing.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The Bay Area is magical right now,” Kissinger said. “We all need this right now; it’s so amazing.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Carmela Martinez, outside of Chase Center, gave up her ticket to the game so her family could watch, but she still felt great about the win. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Carmela Martinez, outside of Chase Center, gave up her ticket to the game so her family could watch, but she still felt great about the win. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’ve been waiting for this,” Martinez said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I’ve been waiting for this,” Martinez said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At Rikki’s Bar, fans went crazy over the win. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At Rikki’s Bar, fans went crazy over the win. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Colin O’Neill said the excitement from fans showed that the Valkyries are more than a team. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Colin O’Neill said the excitement from fans showed that the Valkyries are more than a team. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s a community in the way that the Valkyries bring everybody together,” O’Neill said. “It’s hard not to root for and love this team.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s a community in the way that the Valkyries bring everybody together,” O’Neill said. “It’s hard not to root for and love this team.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A tense Game 6 where the Valks failed to overcome defensive and offensive struggles left fans outside of the Chase Center with mixed emotions about the match-up between the two teams, but were hopeful. Both were “hungry for it,” fan Janet Lau said at Thrive City, outside of the arena. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>A tense Game 6 where the Valks failed to overcome defensive and offensive struggles left fans outside of the Chase Center with mixed emotions about the match-up between the two teams, but were hopeful. Both were “hungry for it,” fan Janet Lau said at Thrive City, outside of the arena. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think Ballhalla is gonna show up and show out just as much as the girls are going to on that court,” fan Dilara Retenu said. Retenu is dedicated to the Valks, traveling back-and-forth from the East Coast to the West Coast for the finals series. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I think Ballhalla is gonna show up and show out just as much as the girls are going to on that court,” fan Dilara Retenu said. Retenu is dedicated to the Valks, traveling back-and-forth from the East Coast to the West Coast for the finals series. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Since the team was announced, Golden State has enthralled thousands in the Bay Area and beyond, becoming the most valuable team in the league, according to Sportico. The Valkyries rise came at the same time as a surge of interest in women’s basketball as a whole — Wednesday’s Game 6 drew in one of the highest viewership counts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/10/31/wnba-finals-game-6-ratings-dream-valkyries/92538985007/\">1.5 million viewers\u003c/a> — in WNBA Finals history. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Since the team was announced, Golden State has enthralled thousands in the Bay Area and beyond, becoming the most valuable team in the league, according to Sportico. The Valkyries rise came at the same time as a surge of interest in women’s basketball as a whole — Wednesday’s Game 6 drew in one of the highest viewership counts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/10/31/wnba-finals-game-6-ratings-dream-valkyries/92538985007/\">1.5 million viewers\u003c/a> — in WNBA Finals history. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The energy on both sides has been incredible, and the amount of attention it’s brought to both the sport and the teams has been incredible,” Retenue said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The energy on both sides has been incredible, and the amount of attention it’s brought to both the sport and the teams has been incredible,” Retenue said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hulises Barcelo and his 10-year-old daughter Catalina, season ticket holders, said the Valkyries are an inspiration for the young basketball player.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Hulises Barcelo and his 10-year-old daughter Catalina, season ticket holders, said the Valkyries are an inspiration for the young basketball player.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107689,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-1536x1025.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lisa Levenberg and Mike Lynch watch The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream through the windows outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Manuel Orbegozo for 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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107689\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lisa Levenberg and Mike Lynch watch The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream through the windows outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\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": 12107696,
"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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107696\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton with a Valkyries shirt lies on a table next to fans during a watch party for Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107696\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton with a Valkyries shirt lies on a table next to fans during a watch party for Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107697,
"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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107697\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream from outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107697\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream from outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s just her wanting to be an athlete just like the players that we watch,” Hulises Barcelo said ahead of the game.”Her inspiration for coming to games is to tell herself, ‘I want to be just like them.’ And we as a family are definitely pushing and motivating her and telling her to never give up.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s just her wanting to be an athlete just like the players that we watch,” Hulises Barcelo said ahead of the game.”Her inspiration for coming to games is to tell herself, ‘I want to be just like them.’ And we as a family are definitely pushing and motivating her and telling her to never give up.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Guard Tiffany Hayes said after the game that Ballhalla showed up “as usual,” and said, “This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Guard Tiffany Hayes said after the game that Ballhalla showed up “as usual,” and said, “This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re here and we ain’t going nowhere,” Hayes said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’re here and we ain’t going nowhere,” Hayes said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries made history in their inaugural season by being the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, but were swept in the first round. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries made history in their inaugural season by being the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, but were swept in the first round. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"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": 12107688,
"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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107688\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Opera soprano Diana Pray sings for others fans at the beginning of The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107688\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Opera soprano Diana Pray sings for others fans at the beginning of The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107691,
"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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107691\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\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/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107691\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12107692,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-1536x1025.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
"isDecorative": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107692\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alli Tankersley, center, and Annie Hingtgen, right, celebrate while watching The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107692\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alli Tankersley, center, and Annie Hingtgen, right, celebrate while watching The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Their dedicated fans, however, already knew that this year was \u003cem>the\u003c/em> year. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Their dedicated fans, however, already knew that this year was \u003cem>the\u003c/em> year. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s something that we’re all desiring,” fan Haley Dove said. “It’s that collective hope that we need right now, and that’s why I think it’s so powerful.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s something that we’re all desiring,” fan Haley Dove said. “It’s that collective hope that we need right now, and that’s why I think it’s so powerful.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For Gail Whang from Oakland, who was at Thrive Center ahead of the game and was born on Halloween, she said all she wanted for her birthday is a Valkyries championship. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For Gail Whang from Oakland, who was at Thrive Center ahead of the game and was born on Halloween, she said all she wanted for her birthday is a Valkyries championship. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m here supporting women, supporting the Valks,” Whang said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I’m here supporting women, supporting the Valks,” Whang said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Details on an official celebration for the Valkyries’ win will be released Sunday, according to the team.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Details on an official celebration for the Valkyries’ win will be released Sunday, according to the team.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "Gabby Williams led the Valkyries to the WNBA championship in the team's second season, beating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1793812821,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 0,
"wordCount": 1282
},
"headData": {
"title": "‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory | KQED",
"description": "Gabby Williams led the Valkyries to the WNBA championship in the team's second season, beating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "‘The Bay Area Is Magical Right Now’: Valkyries Fans Rejoice After Championship Victory",
"datePublished": "2026-10-31T17:15:50-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-11-04T09:20:21-08:00",
"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-12107530",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7",
"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 the 2026 WNBA champions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forward Gabby Williams was in her bag in the second half of Game 7 of the Finals at the Chase Center, scoring 15 points in the third quarter to help her team win Golden State’s first-ever championship on Saturday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams was overcome with emotion after the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We just built a beautiful culture here,” she told reporters after the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107684\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928200-KQED-cbc847b0-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries players lift the WNBA Championship Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107687\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107687\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928450-KQED-6ff47805-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrates after defeating the Atlanta Dream in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12107685\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107685\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302928272-KQED-5b3c060c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tiffany Hayes #15, Cecilia Zandalasini #24, and Kaila Charles #6 of the Golden State Valkyries celebrate with teammates in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They’re the fastest WNBA expansion franchise to win a title and the fastest expansion team across all professional sports to win a championship since 1967.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> The Valks beat the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA’s first-ever Finals Game 7, 68-63. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team’s fervent violet fanbase — masquerading as “Boohalla” for Halloween — was out in numbers, backing the team at the Chase Center. The star-studded crowd included Rep. Nancy Pelosi, SF Giants legend Barry Bonds, E-40 and Flavor Flav in the house.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams came out aggressive at the lively arena. The Valkyries took an early 8-0 lead, keeping the Dream from scoring for the first more than five minutes of the game. But the Dream went on a 9-0 run at the beginning of the second quarter to give them the lead through halftime. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the half, the Dream led 30-24 with Jordin Canada leading with nearly half of Atlanta’s points. Veronica Burton led the Valkyries in points at the half. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams, however, dug the Valkyries out of the hole in the second half and scored 15 points to give them a small lead. The roars of fans chanting “Gabby, Gabby,” and “MVP” in Ballhalla were deafening. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107703\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/GETTYIMAGES-2302923719-KQED-3dc0bd41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams gave credit to Ballhalla and her team after the game, when she was named MVP. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Y’all have been pouring into me,” Williams said about Ballhalla’s energy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Chase Center after the game, fan Taina Kissinger said that the Valkyries set the bar so high that no one will ever beat their record as the fastest expansion team to win a WNBA title. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The Bay Area is magical right now,” Kissinger said. “We all need this right now; it’s so amazing.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carmela Martinez, outside of Chase Center, gave up her ticket to the game so her family could watch, but she still felt great about the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’ve been waiting for this,” Martinez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Rikki’s Bar, fans went crazy over the win. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colin O’Neill said the excitement from fans showed that the Valkyries are more than a team. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a community in the way that the Valkyries bring everybody together,” O’Neill said. “It’s hard not to root for and love this team.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tense Game 6 where the Valks failed to overcome defensive and offensive struggles left fans outside of the Chase Center with mixed emotions about the match-up between the two teams, but were hopeful. Both were “hungry for it,” fan Janet Lau said at Thrive City, outside of the arena. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think Ballhalla is gonna show up and show out just as much as the girls are going to on that court,” fan Dilara Retenu said. Retenu is dedicated to the Valks, traveling back-and-forth from the East Coast to the West Coast for the finals series. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the team was announced, Golden State has enthralled thousands in the Bay Area and beyond, becoming the most valuable team in the league, according to Sportico. The Valkyries rise came at the same time as a surge of interest in women’s basketball as a whole — Wednesday’s Game 6 drew in one of the highest viewership counts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/10/31/wnba-finals-game-6-ratings-dream-valkyries/92538985007/\">1.5 million viewers\u003c/a> — in WNBA Finals history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The energy on both sides has been incredible, and the amount of attention it’s brought to both the sport and the teams has been incredible,” Retenue said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hulises Barcelo and his 10-year-old daughter Catalina, season ticket holders, said the Valkyries are an inspiration for the young basketball player.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-3-KQED-9af21a34-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lisa Levenberg and Mike Lynch watch The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream through the windows outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12107696\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107696\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-50-KQED-e4937084-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton with a Valkyries shirt lies on a table next to fans during a watch party for Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12107697\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107697\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-53-KQED-a6eec5b5-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch the Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream from outside of Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s just her wanting to be an athlete just like the players that we watch,” Hulises Barcelo said ahead of the game.”Her inspiration for coming to games is to tell herself, ‘I want to be just like them.’ And we as a family are definitely pushing and motivating her and telling her to never give up.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guard Tiffany Hayes said after the game that Ballhalla showed up “as usual,” and said, “This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re here and we ain’t going nowhere,” Hayes said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Valkyries made history in their inaugural season by being the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs, but were swept in the first round. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12107688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-2-KQED-3dcb0d67-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Opera soprano Diana Pray sings for others fans at the beginning of The Valkyries game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12107691\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107691\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-5-KQED-c6d7769f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans watch The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107692\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/VALKYRIESGAME7_KQED_ORBEGOZO_-10-KQED-e97a1053-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alli Tankersley, center, and Annie Hingtgen, right, celebrate while watching The Valkyries Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against Atlanta Dream at a watch party at Rikki’s in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2026. (Manuel Orbegozo for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their dedicated fans, however, already knew that this year was \u003cem>the\u003c/em> year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s something that we’re all desiring,” fan Haley Dove said. “It’s that collective hope that we need right now, and that’s why I think it’s so powerful.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gail Whang from Oakland, who was at Thrive Center ahead of the game and was born on Halloween, she said all she wanted for her birthday is a Valkyries championship. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’m here supporting women, supporting the Valks,” Whang said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Details on an official celebration for the Valkyries’ win will be released Sunday, according to the team.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12107530/ballhalla-is-going-to-show-up-valkyries-fans-rally-for-wnba-finals-game-7",
"authors": [
"11935",
"11834",
"11756"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_18058",
"news_1386",
"news_34081",
"news_27626",
"news_34044",
"news_17996",
"news_2672",
"news_38",
"news_33257",
"news_1131",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12107693",
"label": "news"
},
"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_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_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_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"
},
"news_12098165": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12098165",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12098165",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1788433200000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "the-quick-guide-to-the-bay-areas-professional-womens-sports-teams",
"title": "Where to Support Professional Women’s Hockey, Soccer and Rugby in the Bay Area",
"publishDate": 1788433200,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Where to Support Professional Women’s Hockey, Soccer and Rugby in the Bay Area | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>Growing up in New Jersey, Christina Ellerby was fixated on watching ice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/hockey\">hockey\u003c/a> from a young age. Naturally, she wanted to start playing herself. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She started with roller blades, recalling how her dad would “throw me around on the pavement until I eventually just stood up.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I eventually got to play in a roller hockey league when I was like 11, 12, 13 — but I was the only woman in the entire league,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the ice hockey hopes were dashed. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My mom was basically like, ‘You aren’t playing ice hockey. You’re going to get hurt,’” Ellerby said, explaining that the games in the league would include \u003ca href=\"https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1048048\">competitive contact\u003c/a>, like bodychecking, with boys. “She refused to sign the waiver.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But years later, the chance to get on the ice came back. When Ellerby moved to San Francisco, someone posted a flyer for \u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/give-hockey-a-try-day/\">“Give Hockey a Try Day,”\u003c/a> a biannual event hosted by the Northern California Women’s Hockey League that allows anyone — including first-time skaters — to play low-key, controlled plays on the rink.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I had not skated in 15 years, and I was like, ‘I’m still going to do this,’” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The NCWHL notes that many players go on to become league regulars after starting with the “Give Hockey a Try Day,” a distinction that now belongs to Ellerby, who has returned for three seasons.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Around the same time Ellerby joined the NCWHL, the Professional Women’s Hockey League officially launched in 2023.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jump straight to where in the Bay Area to support:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#hockey\">Women’s hockey\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#soccer\">Women’s soccer\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#rugby\">Women’s rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ellerby was enthralled. “I had pretty much just incessantly started watching it,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And this season, the pro league will be heading to the Bay Area, with a new team establishing itself at San José’s SAP Center.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The PWHL expansion is coming at a time when the Bay Area is \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815888/2025/11/19/top-womens-sports-cities-list-bay-area/\">getting national recognition\u003c/a> for being a hot spot for women’s sports teams. Along with ice hockey, the Bay Area this year also became home to a professional baseball and volleyball team. \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/HockeyGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098190\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Young ice hockey fans display a sign that says, “Bring PWHL to the West,” as the Canadian national anthem is sung before the Toronto Sceptres face Ottawa in the PWHL Takeover Tour at Rogers Place Arena in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Feb. 16, 2025. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re witnessing the crazy history right now,” said San Francisco’s Ozzy Palacio, sports reporter and managing editor of the San Francisco State student paper \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatexpress.org/\">\u003cem>Golden Gate Xpress\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. “It’s super awesome to be at the epicenter of it here in the Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a companion 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\">our previous guide to supporting women’s basketball and baseball in the Bay Area\u003c/a>, we’ve now got a rundown of the region’s noncollege women’s teams in hockey, soccer and rugby — and how you can get involved with their enthusiastic fandoms locally, by supporting the teams \u003cem>and \u003c/em>even trying the sports yourself. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hockey\">Supporting women’s hockey in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Professional Women’s Hockey League has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhe29mjpUj/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">announced that it will be expanding\u003c/a> to San José in May — and the team’s name has not been revealed yet. (The jury’s out whether it’ll be an equivalent of the San José Sharks, the men’s ice hockey team.) \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But excitement has been mounting for the roster, which includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/san-jose/news/2026/june/17/pwhl-san-jose-selects-laila-edwards-in-the-first-round-of-the-2026-pwhl-draft\">Olympians like Laila Edwards\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://medium.com/@talkinwithtrudeau/interviewing-uconn-huksies-team-china-netminder-tia-chan-8f9102850937\">Tia Chan\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2026olympics-roryguilday\">Rory Guilday\u003c/a>. The new San José team will debut in late November during the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/stats/schedule/all-teams/8/all-months\">2026 PWHL season\u003c/a>, playing at SAP Center.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All PWHL games have historically also been streamed on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@thepwhlofficial\">league’s YouTube channel\u003c/a>. The PWHL has \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/where-to-watch\">a guide on its website\u003c/a> on how to catch games for specific teams.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tip for newcomers attending any games: Bring a jacket, because ice skating rinks are genuinely cold.\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/HockeyGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098173\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dominique Petrie of the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League is on the ice for the ceremonial first puck before a NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the San José Sharks on Oct. 28, 2025, at SAP Center in San José, California. (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The place for hockey fans to really meet: rec leagues. The \u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/\">Northern California Women’s Hockey League\u003c/a> has four divisions for different skill levels. The league also holds a “\u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/give-hockey-a-try-feb-7-2026/\">Give Hockey a Try\u003c/a>” day twice a year, which Ellerby says is an affordable and accessible entry point for newbies. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The day costs $25, includes rented gear and requires no previous experience. Plus, if you decide to stick with it, used gear is then offered by the NCWHL at a deep discount.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There is also a beginner’s course for adults on ice hockey at \u003ca href=\"https://www.trivalleyminorhockey.com/lady\">a rink in Walnut Creek\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/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098200\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans of the Professional Women’s Hockey League sing along during the third period of the Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on March 16, 2024. (Dave Reginek/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There is a very supportive community,” Ellerby said. “It’s very much a community that realizes that the opportunities might not have been there for everybody. There’s people who start the season who can’t skate, and they do everything to train you so that you can.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(One more incentive to get in with the NCWHL: Sometimes the PWHL will reach out to host events where you can skate with key players.) \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Sharks franchise manages the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sharksiceatsanjose.com/adult-hockey/siahl-womens-league\">San José Adult Women’s League\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition, there’s the \u003ca href=\"https://sfquakes.org/\">San Francisco Earthquakes\u003c/a>, an LGBTQ ice hockey team founded in 1998 that plays at Yerba Buena Ice in San Francisco. For those who prefer asphalt to ice, there’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareastreethockey.com/about\">Bay Area Street Hockey\u003c/a>, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s hockey?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thegistsports.com/\">The Gist\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://snatchmagazine.com/\">Snatch Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/365_hockeygirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">365 Hockey Girl\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sportsgirlsclub?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">Sports Girls Club\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://toomanymenpod.com/\">Too Many Men\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/media/jocks-in-jills-podcast\">Jocks in Jills\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pwhltosanjose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">PWHL to San José\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/womenofhockeysj/\">Women of Hockey San José\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"soccer\">Supporting women’s soccer in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s professional women’s soccer team is Bay FC, playing at PayPal Park in San José. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bay FC’s \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/schedule/\">regular season\u003c/a> runs until Nov. 1. The team’s official website lists the ways you can stream \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/schedule/\">each game\u003c/a>, which include platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/\">CBS Sports Network\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/watch/\">ESPN 2\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also good to keep in mind: Next year will bring the Women’s FIFA World Cup, hosted by Brazil. The U.S. team includes Claire Hutton, a player from Bay FC.\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/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12032644\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">More than 26,000 fans packed the Oakland Roots home opener at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California, on March 22, 2025. This was the first Roots game played in the storied stadium. (David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076503/mens-world-cup-soccer-san-francisco-bay-area-tickets-matches-santa-clara-levis-stadium\">a guide to soccer teams in the Bay Area\u003c/a> — women’s, men’s and co-ed — which includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandsoulsc.com/\">Oakland Soul\u003c/a>, the preprofessional team (aka the future of soccer). \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bay Area Futbol News also has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbD57e0yxyq/\">an incredibly handy, pretty extensive chart\u003c/a> on the tiers of soccer teams in the region, which includes many other women’s teams such as:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfnighthawks.com/\">SF Nighthawks\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mbfcsirens.com/\">Monterey Bay Sirens FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.calstormsoccer.com/\">California Storm\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.wpslsoccer.com/teams/the-town-fc\">The Town FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sanramonfc.com/wpsl\">San Ramon FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are several official Bay FC fan clubs, such as the \u003ca href=\"https://bfcs.club/\">Bridge Brigade\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/press-releases/bay-fc-announces-two-new-official-supporter-groups-01212026/\">The Big Poppies, Bay Imperio and Pier 75\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rec leagues are also a major way for soccer fans to connect (which, fun fact, is how \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">the founders of Rikki’s — the Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar — met each other\u003c/a>). Some of those leagues include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfspikes.com/\">SF Spikes\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/flintasoccer/\">Flinta\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ggwsl/?hl=en\">Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://outloudsports.com/sanfrancisco\">OutLoud Sports rec soccer leagues\u003c/a> \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.volosports.com/san-francisco\">Volo’s rec leagues\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dykesoccereastbay/\">Dyke Soccer East Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Solomon Wolday, the head coach for Maleda youth soccer, checks in with his players after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s soccer?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://fulltimepod.com/\">Full Time\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.diasporaunitedpod.com/\">Diaspora United\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB\">The Women’s Game\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/attacking-third-a-cbs-sports-womens-soccer-podcast/id1573642138\">Attacking Third\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOop6BuvZugOGcnwnESX2lCB0J7OEvS5fQC11oeYkTGa18sCKKybL\">The Re-Cap Show\u003c/a>, hosted by former U.S. Women’s National Team stars (and married couple!) Christen Press and Tobin Heath.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rugby\">Supporting women’s rugby in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Founded last year, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.baybreakers.us/\">Bay Breakers\u003c/a> are the local semi-professional women’s rugby team, though the team plays in Lodi, about two hours from the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They compete in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenseliterugby.us/\">Women’s Elite Rugby League\u003c/a> and made it to the 2026 Legacy Cup final on Aug. 8 — but lost 24-17 to the Denver Onyx.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When games pick up again next year, you can stream the games through the \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenseliterugby.us/how-to-watch\">Women’s Sports Network\u003c/a> on platforms like Roku, Tubi and Fubo.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area hosts many women’s and inclusive LGBTQ rugby clubs. The best-known is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.allbluesrugby.com/\">Berkeley All Blues\u003c/a>, which has fostered several Olympians and more than 50 national team players, according to its website.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Others include \u003ca href=\"https://www.siliconvalleyrugby.org/\">Silicon Valley Women’s Rugby Club\u003c/a>, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoserugby.com/\">San José Seahawks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.fogrugby.com/\">SF Fog Rugby FC\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Many of rugby’s nonprofessional clubs in the Bay Area are open to beginners. For example, the All Blues field four teams that cater to all levels of experience, including one for high school students. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also an LGBTQ club, The Fog’s highest-skill team plays with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncrfu.org/\">Northern California Rugby Union\u003c/a>, a men’s league. Women are welcome to play, however, on nonleague teams that arrange games independently with other local teams. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Fog runs \u003ca href=\"https://www.fogrugby.com/p2r\">a free Pathway to Rugby program\u003c/a> designed for beginners to learn fundamental skills: a multiweek crash course consisting of guided practices twice a week. The next program begins Oct. 5, 2026.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s rugby? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.women.rugby/en\">Women’s Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@LoveOfRugby/videos\">For The Love Of Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqdf25RCMlf-cHf5iloggfg#\">Women’s Rugby Pod\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtLqkC7VnfzbORQbjHMdYDiLGWgX_hxB9\">The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Growing up in New Jersey, Christina Ellerby was fixated on watching ice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/hockey\">hockey\u003c/a> from a young age. Naturally, she wanted to start playing herself. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Growing up in New Jersey, Christina Ellerby was fixated on watching ice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/hockey\">hockey\u003c/a> from a young age. Naturally, she wanted to start playing herself. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She started with roller blades, recalling how her dad would “throw me around on the pavement until I eventually just stood up.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>She started with roller blades, recalling how her dad would “throw me around on the pavement until I eventually just stood up.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I eventually got to play in a roller hockey league when I was like 11, 12, 13 — but I was the only woman in the entire league,” she said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I eventually got to play in a roller hockey league when I was like 11, 12, 13 — but I was the only woman in the entire league,” she said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12096884"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Valkyries-and-Firebells.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 the ice hockey hopes were dashed. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But the ice hockey hopes were dashed. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“My mom was basically like, ‘You aren’t playing ice hockey. You’re going to get hurt,’” Ellerby said, explaining that the games in the league would include \u003ca href=\"https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1048048\">competitive contact\u003c/a>, like bodychecking, with boys. “She refused to sign the waiver.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“My mom was basically like, ‘You aren’t playing ice hockey. You’re going to get hurt,’” Ellerby said, explaining that the games in the league would include \u003ca href=\"https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1048048\">competitive contact\u003c/a>, like bodychecking, with boys. “She refused to sign the waiver.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But years later, the chance to get on the ice came back. When Ellerby moved to San Francisco, someone posted a flyer for \u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/give-hockey-a-try-day/\">“Give Hockey a Try Day,”\u003c/a> a biannual event hosted by the Northern California Women’s Hockey League that allows anyone — including first-time skaters — to play low-key, controlled plays on the rink.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But years later, the chance to get on the ice came back. When Ellerby moved to San Francisco, someone posted a flyer for \u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/give-hockey-a-try-day/\">“Give Hockey a Try Day,”\u003c/a> a biannual event hosted by the Northern California Women’s Hockey League that allows anyone — including first-time skaters — to play low-key, controlled plays on the rink.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I had not skated in 15 years, and I was like, ‘I’m still going to do this,’” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I had not skated in 15 years, and I was like, ‘I’m still going to do this,’” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The NCWHL notes that many players go on to become league regulars after starting with the “Give Hockey a Try Day,” a distinction that now belongs to Ellerby, who has returned for three seasons.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The NCWHL notes that many players go on to become league regulars after starting with the “Give Hockey a Try Day,” a distinction that now belongs to Ellerby, who has returned for three seasons.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Around the same time Ellerby joined the NCWHL, the Professional Women’s Hockey League officially launched in 2023.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Around the same time Ellerby joined the NCWHL, the Professional Women’s Hockey League officially launched in 2023.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Jump straight to where in the Bay Area to support:"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jump straight to where in the Bay Area to support:\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jump straight to where in the Bay Area to support:\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Women’s hockey",
"Women’s soccer",
"Women’s rugby"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#hockey\">Women’s hockey\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#hockey\">Women’s hockey\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#soccer\">Women’s soccer\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#soccer\">Women’s soccer\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#rugby\">Women’s rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#rugby\">Women’s rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ellerby was enthralled. “I had pretty much just incessantly started watching it,” she said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Ellerby was enthralled. “I had pretty much just incessantly started watching it,” she said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And this season, the pro league will be heading to the Bay Area, with a new team establishing itself at San José’s SAP Center.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And this season, the pro league will be heading to the Bay Area, with a new team establishing itself at San José’s SAP Center.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The PWHL expansion is coming at a time when the Bay Area is \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815888/2025/11/19/top-womens-sports-cities-list-bay-area/\">getting national recognition\u003c/a> for being a hot spot for women’s sports teams. Along with ice hockey, the Bay Area this year also became home to a professional baseball and volleyball team. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The PWHL expansion is coming at a time when the Bay Area is \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815888/2025/11/19/top-womens-sports-cities-list-bay-area/\">getting national recognition\u003c/a> for being a hot spot for women’s sports teams. Along with ice hockey, the Bay Area this year also became home to a professional baseball and volleyball team. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12098190,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3-1536x1024.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/HockeyGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098190\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Young ice hockey fans display a sign that says, “Bring PWHL to the West,” as the Canadian national anthem is sung before the Toronto Sceptres face Ottawa in the PWHL Takeover Tour at Rogers Place Arena in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Feb. 16, 2025. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\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/HockeyGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098190\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Young ice hockey fans display a sign that says, “Bring PWHL to the West,” as the Canadian national anthem is sung before the Toronto Sceptres face Ottawa in the PWHL Takeover Tour at Rogers Place Arena in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Feb. 16, 2025. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re witnessing the crazy history right now,” said San Francisco’s Ozzy Palacio, sports reporter and managing editor of the San Francisco State student paper \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatexpress.org/\">\u003cem>Golden Gate Xpress\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. “It’s super awesome to be at the epicenter of it here in the Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’re witnessing the crazy history right now,” said San Francisco’s Ozzy Palacio, sports reporter and managing editor of the San Francisco State student paper \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatexpress.org/\">\u003cem>Golden Gate Xpress\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. “It’s super awesome to be at the epicenter of it here in the Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As a companion 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\">our previous guide to supporting women’s basketball and baseball in the Bay Area\u003c/a>, we’ve now got a rundown of the region’s noncollege women’s teams in hockey, soccer and rugby — and how you can get involved with their enthusiastic fandoms locally, by supporting the teams \u003cem>and \u003c/em>even trying the sports yourself. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As a companion 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\">our previous guide to supporting women’s basketball and baseball in the Bay Area\u003c/a>, we’ve now got a rundown of the region’s noncollege women’s teams in hockey, soccer and rugby — and how you can get involved with their enthusiastic fandoms locally, by supporting the teams \u003cem>and \u003c/em>even trying the sports yourself. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Supporting women’s hockey in the Bay Area",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hockey\">Supporting women’s hockey in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hockey\">Supporting women’s hockey in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What should I know about the professional sports team? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Professional Women’s Hockey League has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhe29mjpUj/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">announced that it will be expanding\u003c/a> to San José in May — and the team’s name has not been revealed yet. (The jury’s out whether it’ll be an equivalent of the San José Sharks, the men’s ice hockey team.) \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Professional Women’s Hockey League has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhe29mjpUj/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">announced that it will be expanding\u003c/a> to San José in May — and the team’s name has not been revealed yet. (The jury’s out whether it’ll be an equivalent of the San José Sharks, the men’s ice hockey team.) \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But excitement has been mounting for the roster, which includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/san-jose/news/2026/june/17/pwhl-san-jose-selects-laila-edwards-in-the-first-round-of-the-2026-pwhl-draft\">Olympians like Laila Edwards\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://medium.com/@talkinwithtrudeau/interviewing-uconn-huksies-team-china-netminder-tia-chan-8f9102850937\">Tia Chan\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2026olympics-roryguilday\">Rory Guilday\u003c/a>. The new San José team will debut in late November during the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/stats/schedule/all-teams/8/all-months\">2026 PWHL season\u003c/a>, playing at SAP Center.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But excitement has been mounting for the roster, which includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/san-jose/news/2026/june/17/pwhl-san-jose-selects-laila-edwards-in-the-first-round-of-the-2026-pwhl-draft\">Olympians like Laila Edwards\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://medium.com/@talkinwithtrudeau/interviewing-uconn-huksies-team-china-netminder-tia-chan-8f9102850937\">Tia Chan\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2026olympics-roryguilday\">Rory Guilday\u003c/a>. The new San José team will debut in late November during the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/stats/schedule/all-teams/8/all-months\">2026 PWHL season\u003c/a>, playing at SAP Center.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All PWHL games have historically also been streamed on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@thepwhlofficial\">league’s YouTube channel\u003c/a>. The PWHL has \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/where-to-watch\">a guide on its website\u003c/a> on how to catch games for specific teams.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>All PWHL games have historically also been streamed on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@thepwhlofficial\">league’s YouTube channel\u003c/a>. The PWHL has \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/where-to-watch\">a guide on its website\u003c/a> on how to catch games for specific teams.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tip for newcomers attending any games: Bring a jacket, because ice skating rinks are genuinely cold.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Tip for newcomers attending any games: Bring a jacket, because ice skating rinks are genuinely cold.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12098173,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2-1536x1024.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/HockeyGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098173\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dominique Petrie of the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League is on the ice for the ceremonial first puck before a NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the San José Sharks on Oct. 28, 2025, at SAP Center in San José, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)\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/HockeyGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098173\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dominique Petrie of the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League is on the ice for the ceremonial first puck before a NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the San José Sharks on Oct. 28, 2025, at SAP Center in San José, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Where does the community hang out? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The place for hockey fans to really meet: rec leagues. The \u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/\">Northern California Women’s Hockey League\u003c/a> has four divisions for different skill levels. The league also holds a “\u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/give-hockey-a-try-feb-7-2026/\">Give Hockey a Try\u003c/a>” day twice a year, which Ellerby says is an affordable and accessible entry point for newbies. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The place for hockey fans to really meet: rec leagues. The \u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/\">Northern California Women’s Hockey League\u003c/a> has four divisions for different skill levels. The league also holds a “\u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/give-hockey-a-try-feb-7-2026/\">Give Hockey a Try\u003c/a>” day twice a year, which Ellerby says is an affordable and accessible entry point for newbies. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The day costs $25, includes rented gear and requires no previous experience. Plus, if you decide to stick with it, used gear is then offered by the NCWHL at a deep discount.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The day costs $25, includes rented gear and requires no previous experience. Plus, if you decide to stick with it, used gear is then offered by the NCWHL at a deep discount.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There is also a beginner’s course for adults on ice hockey at \u003ca href=\"https://www.trivalleyminorhockey.com/lady\">a rink in Walnut Creek\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There is also a beginner’s course for adults on ice hockey at \u003ca href=\"https://www.trivalleyminorhockey.com/lady\">a rink in Walnut Creek\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12098200,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4-1536x1024.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/HockeyGetty4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098200\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans of the Professional Women’s Hockey League sing along during the third period of the Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on March 16, 2024. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Dave Reginek/Getty Images)\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/HockeyGetty4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098200\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans of the Professional Women’s Hockey League sing along during the third period of the Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on March 16, 2024. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Dave Reginek/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There is a very supportive community,” Ellerby said. “It’s very much a community that realizes that the opportunities might not have been there for everybody. There’s people who start the season who can’t skate, and they do everything to train you so that you can.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“There is a very supportive community,” Ellerby said. “It’s very much a community that realizes that the opportunities might not have been there for everybody. There’s people who start the season who can’t skate, and they do everything to train you so that you can.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(One more incentive to get in with the NCWHL: Sometimes the PWHL will reach out to host events where you can skate with key players.) \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>(One more incentive to get in with the NCWHL: Sometimes the PWHL will reach out to host events where you can skate with key players.) \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Sharks franchise manages the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sharksiceatsanjose.com/adult-hockey/siahl-womens-league\">San José Adult Women’s League\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Sharks franchise manages the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sharksiceatsanjose.com/adult-hockey/siahl-womens-league\">San José Adult Women’s League\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In addition, there’s the \u003ca href=\"https://sfquakes.org/\">San Francisco Earthquakes\u003c/a>, an LGBTQ ice hockey team founded in 1998 that plays at Yerba Buena Ice in San Francisco. For those who prefer asphalt to ice, there’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareastreethockey.com/about\">Bay Area Street Hockey\u003c/a>, too.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In addition, there’s the \u003ca href=\"https://sfquakes.org/\">San Francisco Earthquakes\u003c/a>, an LGBTQ ice hockey team founded in 1998 that plays at Yerba Buena Ice in San Francisco. For those who prefer asphalt to ice, there’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareastreethockey.com/about\">Bay Area Street Hockey\u003c/a>, too.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s hockey? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s hockey?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s hockey?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"The Gist",
"Snatch Magazine",
"365 Hockey Girl",
"Sports Girls Club",
"Too Many Men",
"Jocks in Jills",
"PWHL to San José",
"Women of Hockey 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\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thegistsports.com/\">The Gist\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thegistsports.com/\">The Gist\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://snatchmagazine.com/\">Snatch Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://snatchmagazine.com/\">Snatch Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/365_hockeygirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">365 Hockey Girl\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/365_hockeygirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">365 Hockey Girl\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sportsgirlsclub?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">Sports Girls Club\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sportsgirlsclub?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">Sports Girls Club\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://toomanymenpod.com/\">Too Many Men\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://toomanymenpod.com/\">Too Many Men\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/media/jocks-in-jills-podcast\">Jocks in Jills\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/media/jocks-in-jills-podcast\">Jocks in Jills\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pwhltosanjose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">PWHL to San José\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pwhltosanjose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">PWHL to San José\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/womenofhockeysj/\">Women of Hockey San José\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/womenofhockeysj/\">Women of Hockey San José\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Supporting women’s soccer in the Bay Area",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"soccer\">Supporting women’s soccer in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"soccer\">Supporting women’s soccer in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What should I know about the professional sports team? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s professional women’s soccer team is Bay FC, playing at PayPal Park in San José. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s professional women’s soccer team is Bay FC, playing at PayPal Park in San José. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bay FC’s \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/schedule/\">regular season\u003c/a> runs until Nov. 1. The team’s official website lists the ways you can stream \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/schedule/\">each game\u003c/a>, which include platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/\">CBS Sports Network\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/watch/\">ESPN 2\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Bay FC’s \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/schedule/\">regular season\u003c/a> runs until Nov. 1. The team’s official website lists the ways you can stream \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/schedule/\">each game\u003c/a>, which include platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/\">CBS Sports Network\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/watch/\">ESPN 2\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Also good to keep in mind: Next year will bring the Women’s FIFA World Cup, hosted by Brazil. The U.S. team includes Claire Hutton, a player from Bay FC.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Also good to keep in mind: Next year will bring the Women’s FIFA World Cup, hosted by Brazil. The U.S. team includes Claire Hutton, a player from Bay FC.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12032644,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1920x1280.jpg 1920w",
"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/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12032644\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">More than 26,000 fans packed the Oakland Roots home opener at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California, on March 22, 2025. This was the first Roots game played in the storied stadium.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (David M. Barreda/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/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12032644\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">More than 26,000 fans packed the Oakland Roots home opener at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California, on March 22, 2025. This was the first Roots game played in the storied stadium.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076503/mens-world-cup-soccer-san-francisco-bay-area-tickets-matches-santa-clara-levis-stadium\">a guide to soccer teams in the Bay Area\u003c/a> — women’s, men’s and co-ed — which includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandsoulsc.com/\">Oakland Soul\u003c/a>, the preprofessional team (aka the future of soccer). \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076503/mens-world-cup-soccer-san-francisco-bay-area-tickets-matches-santa-clara-levis-stadium\">a guide to soccer teams in the Bay Area\u003c/a> — women’s, men’s and co-ed — which includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandsoulsc.com/\">Oakland Soul\u003c/a>, the preprofessional team (aka the future of soccer). \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bay Area Futbol News also has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbD57e0yxyq/\">an incredibly handy, pretty extensive chart\u003c/a> on the tiers of soccer teams in the region, which includes many other women’s teams such as:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Bay Area Futbol News also has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbD57e0yxyq/\">an incredibly handy, pretty extensive chart\u003c/a> on the tiers of soccer teams in the region, which includes many other women’s teams such as:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"SF Nighthawks",
"Monterey Bay Sirens FC",
"California Storm",
"The Town FC",
"San Ramon FC"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfnighthawks.com/\">SF Nighthawks\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfnighthawks.com/\">SF Nighthawks\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mbfcsirens.com/\">Monterey Bay Sirens FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mbfcsirens.com/\">Monterey Bay Sirens FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.calstormsoccer.com/\">California Storm\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.calstormsoccer.com/\">California Storm\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.wpslsoccer.com/teams/the-town-fc\">The Town FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.wpslsoccer.com/teams/the-town-fc\">The Town FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sanramonfc.com/wpsl\">San Ramon FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sanramonfc.com/wpsl\">San Ramon FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Where does the community hang out? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are several official Bay FC fan clubs, such as the \u003ca href=\"https://bfcs.club/\">Bridge Brigade\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/press-releases/bay-fc-announces-two-new-official-supporter-groups-01212026/\">The Big Poppies, Bay Imperio and Pier 75\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There are several official Bay FC fan clubs, such as the \u003ca href=\"https://bfcs.club/\">Bridge Brigade\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/press-releases/bay-fc-announces-two-new-official-supporter-groups-01212026/\">The Big Poppies, Bay Imperio and Pier 75\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rec leagues are also a major way for soccer fans to connect (which, fun fact, is how \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">the founders of Rikki’s — the Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar — met each other\u003c/a>). Some of those leagues include:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Rec leagues are also a major way for soccer fans to connect (which, fun fact, is how \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">the founders of Rikki’s — the Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar — met each other\u003c/a>). Some of those leagues include:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"SF Spikes",
"Flinta",
"Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League",
"OutLoud Sports rec soccer leagues ",
"Volo’s rec leagues",
"Dyke Soccer East Bay"
],
"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>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfspikes.com/\">SF Spikes\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfspikes.com/\">SF Spikes\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/flintasoccer/\">Flinta\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/flintasoccer/\">Flinta\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ggwsl/?hl=en\">Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ggwsl/?hl=en\">Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://outloudsports.com/sanfrancisco\">OutLoud Sports rec soccer leagues\u003c/a> \u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://outloudsports.com/sanfrancisco\">OutLoud Sports rec soccer leagues\u003c/a> \u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.volosports.com/san-francisco\">Volo’s rec leagues\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.volosports.com/san-francisco\">Volo’s rec leagues\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dykesoccereastbay/\">Dyke Soccer East Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dykesoccereastbay/\">Dyke Soccer East Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12092224,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-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\">Solomon Wolday, the head coach for Maleda youth soccer, checks in with his players after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092224\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Solomon Wolday, the head coach for Maleda youth soccer, checks in with his players after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s soccer? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s soccer?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s soccer?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Full Time",
"Diaspora United",
"The Women’s Game",
"Attacking Third",
"The Re-Cap Show, hosted by former U.S. Women’s National Team stars (and married couple!) Christen Press and Tobin Heath."
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://fulltimepod.com/\">Full Time\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://fulltimepod.com/\">Full Time\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.diasporaunitedpod.com/\">Diaspora United\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.diasporaunitedpod.com/\">Diaspora United\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB\">The Women’s Game\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB\">The Women’s Game\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/attacking-third-a-cbs-sports-womens-soccer-podcast/id1573642138\">Attacking Third\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/attacking-third-a-cbs-sports-womens-soccer-podcast/id1573642138\">Attacking Third\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOop6BuvZugOGcnwnESX2lCB0J7OEvS5fQC11oeYkTGa18sCKKybL\">The Re-Cap Show\u003c/a>, hosted by former U.S. Women’s National Team stars (and married couple!) Christen Press and Tobin Heath.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOop6BuvZugOGcnwnESX2lCB0J7OEvS5fQC11oeYkTGa18sCKKybL\">The Re-Cap Show\u003c/a>, hosted by former U.S. Women’s National Team stars (and married couple!) Christen Press and Tobin Heath.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Supporting women’s rugby in the Bay Area",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rugby\">Supporting women’s rugby in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rugby\">Supporting women’s rugby in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What should I know about the professional sports team? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Founded last year, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.baybreakers.us/\">Bay Breakers\u003c/a> are the local semi-professional women’s rugby team, though the team plays in Lodi, about two hours from the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Founded last year, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.baybreakers.us/\">Bay Breakers\u003c/a> are the local semi-professional women’s rugby team, though the team plays in Lodi, about two hours from the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They compete in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenseliterugby.us/\">Women’s Elite Rugby League\u003c/a> and made it to the 2026 Legacy Cup final on Aug. 8 — but lost 24-17 to the Denver Onyx.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>They compete in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenseliterugby.us/\">Women’s Elite Rugby League\u003c/a> and made it to the 2026 Legacy Cup final on Aug. 8 — but lost 24-17 to the Denver Onyx.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When games pick up again next year, you can stream the games through the \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenseliterugby.us/how-to-watch\">Women’s Sports Network\u003c/a> on platforms like Roku, Tubi and Fubo.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>When games pick up again next year, you can stream the games through the \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenseliterugby.us/how-to-watch\">Women’s Sports Network\u003c/a> on platforms like Roku, Tubi and Fubo.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Bay Area hosts many women’s and inclusive LGBTQ rugby clubs. The best-known is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.allbluesrugby.com/\">Berkeley All Blues\u003c/a>, which has fostered several Olympians and more than 50 national team players, according to its website.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Bay Area hosts many women’s and inclusive LGBTQ rugby clubs. The best-known is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.allbluesrugby.com/\">Berkeley All Blues\u003c/a>, which has fostered several Olympians and more than 50 national team players, according to its website.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Others include \u003ca href=\"https://www.siliconvalleyrugby.org/\">Silicon Valley Women’s Rugby Club\u003c/a>, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoserugby.com/\">San José Seahawks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.fogrugby.com/\">SF Fog Rugby FC\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Others include \u003ca href=\"https://www.siliconvalleyrugby.org/\">Silicon Valley Women’s Rugby Club\u003c/a>, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoserugby.com/\">San José Seahawks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.fogrugby.com/\">SF Fog Rugby FC\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Where does the community hang out?"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out?\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out?\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Many of rugby’s nonprofessional clubs in the Bay Area are open to beginners. For example, the All Blues field four teams that cater to all levels of experience, including one for high school students. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Many of rugby’s nonprofessional clubs in the Bay Area are open to beginners. For example, the All Blues field four teams that cater to all levels of experience, including one for high school students. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Also an LGBTQ club, The Fog’s highest-skill team plays with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncrfu.org/\">Northern California Rugby Union\u003c/a>, a men’s league. Women are welcome to play, however, on nonleague teams that arrange games independently with other local teams. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Also an LGBTQ club, The Fog’s highest-skill team plays with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncrfu.org/\">Northern California Rugby Union\u003c/a>, a men’s league. Women are welcome to play, however, on nonleague teams that arrange games independently with other local teams. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Fog runs \u003ca href=\"https://www.fogrugby.com/p2r\">a free Pathway to Rugby program\u003c/a> designed for beginners to learn fundamental skills: a multiweek crash course consisting of guided practices twice a week. The next program begins Oct. 5, 2026.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Fog runs \u003ca href=\"https://www.fogrugby.com/p2r\">a free Pathway to Rugby program\u003c/a> designed for beginners to learn fundamental skills: a multiweek crash course consisting of guided practices twice a week. The next program begins Oct. 5, 2026.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s rugby? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s rugby? \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s rugby? \u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Women’s Rugby",
"For The Love Of Rugby",
"Women’s Rugby Pod",
"The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.women.rugby/en\">Women’s Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.women.rugby/en\">Women’s Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@LoveOfRugby/videos\">For The Love Of Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@LoveOfRugby/videos\">For The Love Of Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqdf25RCMlf-cHf5iloggfg#\">Women’s Rugby Pod\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqdf25RCMlf-cHf5iloggfg#\">Women’s Rugby Pod\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtLqkC7VnfzbORQbjHMdYDiLGWgX_hxB9\">The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtLqkC7VnfzbORQbjHMdYDiLGWgX_hxB9\">The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
}
],
"excerpt": "How to get involved with professional women’s hockey, soccer and rugby fandoms around the Bay Area.\n",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1788555378,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 40,
"wordCount": 1756
},
"headData": {
"title": "Where to Support Professional Women’s Hockey, Soccer and Rugby in the Bay Area | KQED",
"description": "How to get involved with professional women’s hockey, soccer and rugby fandoms around the Bay Area.\n",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Where to Support Professional Women’s Hockey, Soccer and Rugby in the Bay Area",
"datePublished": "2026-09-03T04:00:00-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-09-04T13:56:18-07:00",
"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-12098165",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12098165/the-quick-guide-to-the-bay-areas-professional-womens-sports-teams",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Growing up in New Jersey, Christina Ellerby was fixated on watching ice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/hockey\">hockey\u003c/a> from a young age. Naturally, she wanted to start playing herself. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She started with roller blades, recalling how her dad would “throw me around on the pavement until I eventually just stood up.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I eventually got to play in a roller hockey league when I was like 11, 12, 13 — but I was the only woman in the entire league,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the ice hockey hopes were dashed. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“My mom was basically like, ‘You aren’t playing ice hockey. You’re going to get hurt,’” Ellerby said, explaining that the games in the league would include \u003ca href=\"https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1048048\">competitive contact\u003c/a>, like bodychecking, with boys. “She refused to sign the waiver.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But years later, the chance to get on the ice came back. When Ellerby moved to San Francisco, someone posted a flyer for \u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/give-hockey-a-try-day/\">“Give Hockey a Try Day,”\u003c/a> a biannual event hosted by the Northern California Women’s Hockey League that allows anyone — including first-time skaters — to play low-key, controlled plays on the rink.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I had not skated in 15 years, and I was like, ‘I’m still going to do this,’” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The NCWHL notes that many players go on to become league regulars after starting with the “Give Hockey a Try Day,” a distinction that now belongs to Ellerby, who has returned for three seasons.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Around the same time Ellerby joined the NCWHL, the Professional Women’s Hockey League officially launched in 2023.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jump straight to where in the Bay Area to support:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#hockey\">Women’s hockey\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#soccer\">Women’s soccer\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#rugby\">Women’s rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ellerby was enthralled. “I had pretty much just incessantly started watching it,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And this season, the pro league will be heading to the Bay Area, with a new team establishing itself at San José’s SAP Center.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The PWHL expansion is coming at a time when the Bay Area is \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815888/2025/11/19/top-womens-sports-cities-list-bay-area/\">getting national recognition\u003c/a> for being a hot spot for women’s sports teams. Along with ice hockey, the Bay Area this year also became home to a professional baseball and volleyball team. \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/HockeyGetty3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098190\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Young ice hockey fans display a sign that says, “Bring PWHL to the West,” as the Canadian national anthem is sung before the Toronto Sceptres face Ottawa in the PWHL Takeover Tour at Rogers Place Arena in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Feb. 16, 2025. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re witnessing the crazy history right now,” said San Francisco’s Ozzy Palacio, sports reporter and managing editor of the San Francisco State student paper \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatexpress.org/\">\u003cem>Golden Gate Xpress\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. “It’s super awesome to be at the epicenter of it here in the Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a companion 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\">our previous guide to supporting women’s basketball and baseball in the Bay Area\u003c/a>, we’ve now got a rundown of the region’s noncollege women’s teams in hockey, soccer and rugby — and how you can get involved with their enthusiastic fandoms locally, by supporting the teams \u003cem>and \u003c/em>even trying the sports yourself. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hockey\">Supporting women’s hockey in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Professional Women’s Hockey League has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhe29mjpUj/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">announced that it will be expanding\u003c/a> to San José in May — and the team’s name has not been revealed yet. (The jury’s out whether it’ll be an equivalent of the San José Sharks, the men’s ice hockey team.) \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But excitement has been mounting for the roster, which includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/san-jose/news/2026/june/17/pwhl-san-jose-selects-laila-edwards-in-the-first-round-of-the-2026-pwhl-draft\">Olympians like Laila Edwards\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://medium.com/@talkinwithtrudeau/interviewing-uconn-huksies-team-china-netminder-tia-chan-8f9102850937\">Tia Chan\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2026olympics-roryguilday\">Rory Guilday\u003c/a>. The new San José team will debut in late November during the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/stats/schedule/all-teams/8/all-months\">2026 PWHL season\u003c/a>, playing at SAP Center.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All PWHL games have historically also been streamed on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@thepwhlofficial\">league’s YouTube channel\u003c/a>. The PWHL has \u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/where-to-watch\">a guide on its website\u003c/a> on how to catch games for specific teams.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tip for newcomers attending any games: Bring a jacket, because ice skating rinks are genuinely cold.\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/HockeyGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098173\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dominique Petrie of the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League is on the ice for the ceremonial first puck before a NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the San José Sharks on Oct. 28, 2025, at SAP Center in San José, California. (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The place for hockey fans to really meet: rec leagues. The \u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/\">Northern California Women’s Hockey League\u003c/a> has four divisions for different skill levels. The league also holds a “\u003ca href=\"https://ncwhl.com/give-hockey-a-try-feb-7-2026/\">Give Hockey a Try\u003c/a>” day twice a year, which Ellerby says is an affordable and accessible entry point for newbies. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The day costs $25, includes rented gear and requires no previous experience. Plus, if you decide to stick with it, used gear is then offered by the NCWHL at a deep discount.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There is also a beginner’s course for adults on ice hockey at \u003ca href=\"https://www.trivalleyminorhockey.com/lady\">a rink in Walnut Creek\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/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098200\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/HockeyGetty4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans of the Professional Women’s Hockey League sing along during the third period of the Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on March 16, 2024. (Dave Reginek/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There is a very supportive community,” Ellerby said. “It’s very much a community that realizes that the opportunities might not have been there for everybody. There’s people who start the season who can’t skate, and they do everything to train you so that you can.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(One more incentive to get in with the NCWHL: Sometimes the PWHL will reach out to host events where you can skate with key players.) \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Sharks franchise manages the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sharksiceatsanjose.com/adult-hockey/siahl-womens-league\">San José Adult Women’s League\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition, there’s the \u003ca href=\"https://sfquakes.org/\">San Francisco Earthquakes\u003c/a>, an LGBTQ ice hockey team founded in 1998 that plays at Yerba Buena Ice in San Francisco. For those who prefer asphalt to ice, there’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.bayareastreethockey.com/about\">Bay Area Street Hockey\u003c/a>, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s hockey?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thegistsports.com/\">The Gist\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://snatchmagazine.com/\">Snatch Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/365_hockeygirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">365 Hockey Girl\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sportsgirlsclub?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">Sports Girls Club\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://toomanymenpod.com/\">Too Many Men\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.thepwhl.com/en/media/jocks-in-jills-podcast\">Jocks in Jills\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pwhltosanjose?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">PWHL to San José\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/womenofhockeysj/\">Women of Hockey San José\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"soccer\">Supporting women’s soccer in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area’s professional women’s soccer team is Bay FC, playing at PayPal Park in San José. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bay FC’s \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/schedule/\">regular season\u003c/a> runs until Nov. 1. The team’s official website lists the ways you can stream \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/schedule/\">each game\u003c/a>, which include platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/\">CBS Sports Network\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/watch/\">ESPN 2\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also good to keep in mind: Next year will bring the Women’s FIFA World Cup, hosted by Brazil. The U.S. team includes Claire Hutton, a player from Bay FC.\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/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12032644\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/20250322_Roots_8209-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">More than 26,000 fans packed the Oakland Roots home opener at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California, on March 22, 2025. This was the first Roots game played in the storied stadium. (David M. Barreda/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076503/mens-world-cup-soccer-san-francisco-bay-area-tickets-matches-santa-clara-levis-stadium\">a guide to soccer teams in the Bay Area\u003c/a> — women’s, men’s and co-ed — which includes \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandsoulsc.com/\">Oakland Soul\u003c/a>, the preprofessional team (aka the future of soccer). \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bay Area Futbol News also has \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DbD57e0yxyq/\">an incredibly handy, pretty extensive chart\u003c/a> on the tiers of soccer teams in the region, which includes many other women’s teams such as:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfnighthawks.com/\">SF Nighthawks\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mbfcsirens.com/\">Monterey Bay Sirens FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.calstormsoccer.com/\">California Storm\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.wpslsoccer.com/teams/the-town-fc\">The Town FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sanramonfc.com/wpsl\">San Ramon FC\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are several official Bay FC fan clubs, such as the \u003ca href=\"https://bfcs.club/\">Bridge Brigade\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://bayfc.com/press-releases/bay-fc-announces-two-new-official-supporter-groups-01212026/\">The Big Poppies, Bay Imperio and Pier 75\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rec leagues are also a major way for soccer fans to connect (which, fun fact, is how \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">the founders of Rikki’s — the Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar — met each other\u003c/a>). Some of those leagues include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfspikes.com/\">SF Spikes\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/flintasoccer/\">Flinta\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ggwsl/?hl=en\">Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://outloudsports.com/sanfrancisco\">OutLoud Sports rec soccer leagues\u003c/a> \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.volosports.com/san-francisco\">Volo’s rec leagues\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dykesoccereastbay/\">Dyke Soccer East Bay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Solomon Wolday, the head coach for Maleda youth soccer, checks in with his players after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s soccer?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://fulltimepod.com/\">Full Time\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.diasporaunitedpod.com/\">Diaspora United\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB\">The Women’s Game\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/attacking-third-a-cbs-sports-womens-soccer-podcast/id1573642138\">Attacking Third\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOop6BuvZugOGcnwnESX2lCB0J7OEvS5fQC11oeYkTGa18sCKKybL\">The Re-Cap Show\u003c/a>, hosted by former U.S. Women’s National Team stars (and married couple!) Christen Press and Tobin Heath.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rugby\">Supporting women’s rugby in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Founded last year, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.baybreakers.us/\">Bay Breakers\u003c/a> are the local semi-professional women’s rugby team, though the team plays in Lodi, about two hours from the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They compete in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenseliterugby.us/\">Women’s Elite Rugby League\u003c/a> and made it to the 2026 Legacy Cup final on Aug. 8 — but lost 24-17 to the Denver Onyx.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When games pick up again next year, you can stream the games through the \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenseliterugby.us/how-to-watch\">Women’s Sports Network\u003c/a> on platforms like Roku, Tubi and Fubo.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area hosts many women’s and inclusive LGBTQ rugby clubs. The best-known is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.allbluesrugby.com/\">Berkeley All Blues\u003c/a>, which has fostered several Olympians and more than 50 national team players, according to its website.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Others include \u003ca href=\"https://www.siliconvalleyrugby.org/\">Silicon Valley Women’s Rugby Club\u003c/a>, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoserugby.com/\">San José Seahawks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.fogrugby.com/\">SF Fog Rugby FC\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the community hang out?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Many of rugby’s nonprofessional clubs in the Bay Area are open to beginners. For example, the All Blues field four teams that cater to all levels of experience, including one for high school students. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also an LGBTQ club, The Fog’s highest-skill team plays with the \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncrfu.org/\">Northern California Rugby Union\u003c/a>, a men’s league. Women are welcome to play, however, on nonleague teams that arrange games independently with other local teams. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Fog runs \u003ca href=\"https://www.fogrugby.com/p2r\">a free Pathway to Rugby program\u003c/a> designed for beginners to learn fundamental skills: a multiweek crash course consisting of guided practices twice a week. The next program begins Oct. 5, 2026.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s rugby? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.women.rugby/en\">Women’s Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@LoveOfRugby/videos\">For The Love Of Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqdf25RCMlf-cHf5iloggfg#\">Women’s Rugby Pod\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtLqkC7VnfzbORQbjHMdYDiLGWgX_hxB9\">The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12098165/the-quick-guide-to-the-bay-areas-professional-womens-sports-teams",
"authors": [
"11867",
"11756"
],
"categories": [
"news_34168",
"news_28250",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_32707",
"news_1386",
"news_32793",
"news_34081",
"news_35888",
"news_27626",
"news_4445",
"news_18541",
"news_1489",
"news_34078",
"news_28623",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12098188",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12096884": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12096884",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12096884",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1788282572000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area",
"title": "In the Midst of Basketball and Baseball Season, How to Join Women’s Sports Fandom in the Bay Area",
"publishDate": 1788282572,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "In the Midst of Basketball and Baseball Season, How to Join Women’s Sports Fandom in the Bay Area | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>When she moved to the Bay Area a few years ago, Rindala Alajaji swiftly became a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/giants\">San Francisco Giants\u003c/a> fan. She loved going to Oracle Park to see the team — and was especially appreciative of how inclusive and queer-friendly the games felt to her. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But that changed for Alajaji this year when, at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089008/as-sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-continues-fans-recall-historic-1994-aids-benefit\">a June Pride Night celebration\u003c/a>, three Giants players protested the theme by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914206/sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-amplifies\">decorating their hats with Bible verses\u003c/a> often cited by anti-gay conservative Christians. One player refused to wear the rainbow-branded hat altogether. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I didn’t really think it would impact me as much as it did because it was kind of silly,” she said. “I’ve lived in Florida, where there’s a lot of bigots and homophobes that like to throw Bible verses at you, but I think, it being in San Francisco … It just felt like a slap in the face.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jump straight to what to know about:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#basketball\">Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#baseball\">Getting into women’s baseball in the region\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Alajaji added that she also felt let down by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914206/sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-amplifies\">the lukewarm reaction\u003c/a> to the controversy from the team’s management. She hadn’t watched a baseball game since. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Then came \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2026/07/30/womens-pro-baseball-league-announces-star-studded-team-manager-lineup-for-historic-inaugural-season-set-to-start-august-1st/\">the Aug. 1 debut\u003c/a> of the Women’s Pro Baseball League — \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923371/womens-professional-baseball-league-debut\">the first such league in 70 years\u003c/a> — with the San Francisco Firebells as one of their founding teams. And then Alajaji fell in love with baseball again. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The captain is a queer woman, and there’s a lot of queer players and fans. And it’s a beautiful contrast,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For people like Alajaji, it’s a great time to be a women’s sports fan in the Bay Area. Women’s professional teams have been dominating the local scene in the past few years — the Bay Area was even \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815888/2025/11/19/top-womens-sports-cities-list-bay-area/\">deemed\u003c/a> the “No. 1 women’s sports city in the U.S.” by \u003cem>The New York Times —\u003c/em> and even more leagues are \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/05/20/bay-areas-womens-sports-boom-continues-with-pwhl-expansion/\">establishing franchises\u003c/a> in the region. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re witnessing the crazy history right now,” said San Francisco’s Ozzy Palacio, sports reporter and managing editor of the San Francisco State University student paper \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatexpress.org/\">\u003cem>Golden Gate Xpress\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And as a longtime women’s soccer fan, “it’s super awesome to be at the epicenter of it here in the Bay Area,” Palacio said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘That passion for community’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wpbl_firebells/\">Firebells\u003c/a>, the Professional Women’s Hockey League \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhe29mjpUj/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">announced\u003c/a> in May that it will be expanding to San José’s SAP Center. In July, a new pro volleyball team \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DaibHt7nHiG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">unveiled\u003c/a> its name — the San Francisco Signal — and logo.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And for many people in the Bay Area, the Golden State \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984639/valkyries-wnba-2025-in-review\">Valkyries’ inaugural season\u003c/a> last year has been their gateway to sports in general. The Valkyries boasted consistent sold-out home games with an electric crowd, fan favorites and \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/nakase-named-2025-coach-of-the-year-20250917\">a Coach of the Year win for Natalie Nakase\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s drawing this interest from thousands and thousands — dare I say, hundreds of thousands of people — that never felt like they were able to be interested or involved in the sports world before,” said Palacio. “And that’s because they never had a way to see themselves through it.” \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/WomensSportsGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097805\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelsie Whitmore #3 and Joely Leguizamon #13 of the San Francisco Firebells celebrate during the third inning against the Boston Hunters at Robin Roberts Stadium on Aug. 2, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois. (Zoe Davis/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Like, the Valkyries games are queer as fuck,” Palacio continued. “It’s awesome.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And it’s not just basketball. Soccer secured new fans thanks to the hype from local games of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fifa\">the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup\u003c/a> this summer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People are, like, ‘Guys, can we keep hanging out on weekdays once the World Cup is over?’” recalled Palacio, who is primarily an \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfnighthawks.com/\">SF Nighthawks supporter\u003c/a>. “There’s that passion for community through sports.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding connection — and a voice\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Local businesses are also betting big on the women’s sports community. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">The Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar\u003c/a>, Rikki’s, opened in the Castro District last year and already has a reputation for being a major place for fans to gather. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Two other women’s sports bars are also slated to open in the future — \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thetwelfthmarin/\">one in Marin\u003c/a> later this year and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hysteriasportsbar.com/\">another in Oakland\u003c/a> in 2027.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The fact that several of these women’s teams \u003cem>are \u003c/em>in their exciting early stages also gives them more of a voice, Palacio argued. They said that many major women’s sports teams are run by people who ultimately “want to make money off of you.” But because these newer teams are so “fresh,” they continued, “they still need to listen to their fans.” \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/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12047881\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Valkyries at a watch party at White Horse Bar in Oakland, California, on July 12, 2025. The fan group ValQueeries hosted the watch party. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t think a lot of people coming to sports through these major women’s sports teams are realizing that they have a lot of agency and a lot of choice in what the team does,” as opposed to men’s sports teams, Palacio said. “Their input is still very important at this stage.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That kind of voice has been apparent among Valkyries fans, who have \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/valkyries-lynx-showdown-wnba-s-real-story-22395694.php\">rallied\u003c/a> at a basketball game to show appreciation for coach Nakase and player Gabby Williams’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bay-area-news/2026-08-13/every-kind-of-person-is-here-fans-celebrate-the-valkyries-stance-on-inclusion\">expression\u003c/a> of support for transgender women in the Women’s National Basketball Association, as the league has become a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096193/the-wnba-has-a-politics-problem\">target\u003c/a> of conservatives. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In the world and sports right now, there is just too much hate, too much hate speech. I would highly suggest that people continue to lead with love,” Nakase said, as \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebar.com/story/169495\">quoted\u003c/a> by \u003cem>The Bay Area Reporter\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to get involved in basketball and baseball fandom in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the spirit of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992300/finding-your-people-meetups-hobbies-making-friends-bay-area\">finding community\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914897/where-do-you-go-to-find-your-people\">connection in real life\u003c/a>, keep reading for a primer on how to support women’s basketball and baseball teams in the Bay Area — and where you can gather with other fans locally. Or you can also view our other\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098165/the-quick-guide-to-the-bay-areas-professional-womens-sports-teams\"> guide to women’s hockey, soccer and rugby team fandoms \u003c/a>in the region. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Can’t find a space for your favorite team? Palacio recommended you \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074872/tips-for-hosting-parties-san-francisco-bay-area-making-friends-party-food-decorations-music\">organize one\u003c/a> yourself — and try to connect even beyond the season.\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/WomensSportsGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097787\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelsie Whitmore #3 of the San Francisco Firebells, Ashton Lansdell #1 of the Los Angeles Queens, Alli Schroder #16 of the Boston Hunters, and Denae Benites #2 of the New York Heights pose for a photo before the Women’s Pro Baseball League Opening Day game between New York Heights and the Los Angeles Queens at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, on Aug. 1, 2026. (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you asked \u003ca href=\"https://www.elriosf.com/\">El Rio\u003c/a>, ‘Hey, can we do a fucking women’s basketball comedy night?’ I’m sure they would say yes,” they said, referring to the legendary venue in the Mission District.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember: In addition to the booming professional sports scene, the Bay Area is home to several top-notch college sports programs. Those games are an excellent place to show ride-or-die support of women’s sports and watch young players as they become future stars.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basketball\">Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries are a WNBA team that debuted just last year. They usually play at Chase Center — aka Ballhalla — in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do buy tickets to a game, be sure to get there a bit early to secure any freebies the venue hands out. For more tips, KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080384/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-2026-ballhalla-chase-center-san-francisco-tickets-parking-bag-policy-merch\">a thorough guide on navigating the Chase Center\u003c/a> during basketball games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries’ schedule lists different ways to \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">stream each game\u003c/a>, but you can usually watch live on KPIX 5 or on platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba\">Peacock\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.primevideo.com/tournament/amzn1.dv.icid.9128d05b-2c57-491d-89da-c49d779c5db4\">Amazon Prime Video\u003c/a> or \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/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12083065\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ashley Richardson cheers during the Golden State Valkyries’ home opener against the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 10, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA regular season runs from the end of April to the end of September. The Valkyries \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/golden-state-valkyries-beat-dallas-clinch-wnba-22392328.php\">recently secured a spot\u003c/a> in the playoffs that follow. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you need yet another reason to get into the league? September will bring the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, with \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/natalie-nakase-fiba-womens-world-cup-assistant-coach-20260806\">Nakase serving\u003c/a> as the U.S. team’s assistant coach. And next summer, San Francisco will \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095766/san-francisco-to-host-2027-wnba-all-star-game-at-chase-center\">host the WNBA All-Star Game\u003c/a> at Chase Center, featuring top players in the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other major highlights: Violet, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13980000/violet-valkyries-wnba-cute-mascot-purple-raven-glasses-reaction\">the Valkyries’ mascot\u003c/a> with adorable glasses and an amazingly snatched waist. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What other Bay Area women’s basketball teams can I support?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Women’s Premier Basketball Association has a host of \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenspba.com/stats#/2693/teams?division_id=49639\">Bay Area-based teams\u003c/a> so localized that you have a good chance of finding a team from your actual place of residence. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The teams include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/San-Francisco-Riptide/61932?Women=1\">San Francisco Riptide\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Oakland-Swish/61934/Roster/2025?Women=1\">Oakland Swish\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Hayward-Reign/61931?Women=1\">Hayward Reign\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Bay-City-Blaze/62028?Women=1\">Bay City Blaze\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Berkeley-Royals/61933?Women=1\">Berkeley Royals\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Bay-Area-Phoenix/68881?Women=1\">Bay Area Phoenix\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Alameda-Wolves/61930?Women=1\">Alameda Wolves\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Tech-City-Titans/68882?Women=1\">Tech City Titans\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the women’s basketball community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA already has a pretty passionate base, and it’s only gotten bigger since the Valkyries’ inaugural year. KQED has published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">a comprehensive guide on navigating WNBA fandom\u003c/a> for super-new basketball fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And more good news: The fandom is pretty easy to participate in IRL. Sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir, who writes about \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/\">the WNBA in Rough Notes\u003c/a>, published a very thorough map of \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ll=38.06201922218028%2C-121.05610149375002&z=8\">Valkyries fandom spots\u003c/a> throughout the Bay Area, including reliable bars that air women’s sports, parties, women’s/queer pickup basketball, and local groups like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr />\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s basketball?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bounce-the-valkyries-first-season-in-the-bay\">Bounce from KALW\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.flagrantmag.com/\">Flagrant Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/stud.budz\">StudBudz\u003c/a>, which features two Minnesota Lynx players\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/287-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/\">No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wnba_gay\">WNBA Gay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wnbadata\">WNBA Data\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@SueBird\">Bird’s Eye View\u003c/a>, hosted by WNBA legend Sue Bird\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://defector.com/category/sports/womens-basketball/wnba\">Defector\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>If you really want to get into WNBA fandom: \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/p/rough-notes-lesbians-volume-3-overdue\">the Lesbians Google Doc\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"baseball\">Supporting women’s baseball in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First off, it’s a great time to get into women’s baseball: The first women’s professional baseball league in 70 years \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923371/womens-professional-baseball-league-debut\">debuted\u003c/a> in August.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Firebells are one of the first four teams making up the Women’s Pro Baseball League, along with Los Angeles, Boston and New York. The team is named after Lillie “Firebelle Lil” Hitchcock Coit, who, according to the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2026/07/08/introducing-the-first-four-inspired-by-legends/\">self-description\u003c/a>, “famously leapt into action to help San Francisco volunteer firefighters battle a blaze on Telegraph Hill.” (And yes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12092325/time-travel-to-san-franciscos-past-at-these-local-haunts\">Coit Tower\u003c/a> was \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Coit-Tower-290\">named\u003c/a> after her.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It has been so, so cool to be able to watch women play a sport that I love so much,” said Firebells fan Gil Lait of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The six-week season will \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/schedule/\">run until early September\u003c/a>. But here’s the major catch for WPBL fans: All of the teams will be playing their games in Springfield, Illinois. You can watch these games live on ESPN or streamed on \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/ea16443a-7b7e-3dad-8485-0cce2974e8ec/women-s-pro-baseball-league\">ESPN+\u003c/a>, but there are plans to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/07/the-economics-of-relaunching-womens-pro-baseball\">play in home cities\u003c/a> next year, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It feels like a small group, but it’s definitely a mighty group,” Lait said of the crowd watching WPBL games at Rikki’s and at \u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother,\u003c/a> a Mission District lesbian bar. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That’s what I love so much about the baseball community and women’s sports, in general,” they said. “There is really a space for people to learn. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re not gatekeeping who can be the best baseball fan.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area women’s baseball teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re looking to support the future of baseball, there’s the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/baysoxgirlsbaseball/\">SF Bay Sox Girls Baseball\u003c/a> for players ages 6 to 18. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/1715/San-Francisco-Bay-Sox\">calls it\u003c/a> “the largest girls baseball program currently operating in the U.S.” One of the program’s alumni, Sebastopol’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/players/kaija-bazzano/\">Kaija Bazzano\u003c/a>, made it onto the \u003ca href=\"https://thefrisc.com/more-sf-girls-than-ever-are-playing-boys-high-school-baseball/\">roster\u003c/a> for the Firebells. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the women’s baseball community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There aren’t any dedicated women’s baseball rec leagues, but the \u003ca href=\"https://sfgsl.leagueapps.com/\">San Francisco Gay Softball League\u003c/a> has multiple divisions, both co-ed and women/nonbinary. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For beginners, Lait recommends \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfll.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2185154\">Fall Ball\u003c/a>, where teams are mixed-gender and have a more social feel. Those seeking a more competitive environment may want to play during the spring.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rikki’s Bar is also airing the WPBL games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s baseball? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sportsgirlsclub\">Sports Girls Club\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://snatchmagazine.com/\">Snatch Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://thisiswomensbaseball.com/\">This Is Women’s Baseball\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://defector.com/the-new-womens-pro-baseball-league-offers-hope-and-frustrations\">Defector\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When she moved to the Bay Area a few years ago, Rindala Alajaji swiftly became a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/giants\">San Francisco Giants\u003c/a> fan. She loved going to Oracle Park to see the team — and was especially appreciative of how inclusive and queer-friendly the games felt to her. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>When she moved to the Bay Area a few years ago, Rindala Alajaji swiftly became a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/giants\">San Francisco Giants\u003c/a> fan. She loved going to Oracle Park to see the team — and was especially appreciative of how inclusive and queer-friendly the games felt to her. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But that changed for Alajaji this year when, at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089008/as-sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-continues-fans-recall-historic-1994-aids-benefit\">a June Pride Night celebration\u003c/a>, three Giants players protested the theme by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914206/sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-amplifies\">decorating their hats with Bible verses\u003c/a> often cited by anti-gay conservative Christians. One player refused to wear the rainbow-branded hat altogether. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But that changed for Alajaji this year when, at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089008/as-sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-continues-fans-recall-historic-1994-aids-benefit\">a June Pride Night celebration\u003c/a>, three Giants players protested the theme by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914206/sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-amplifies\">decorating their hats with Bible verses\u003c/a> often cited by anti-gay conservative Christians. One player refused to wear the rainbow-branded hat altogether. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I didn’t really think it would impact me as much as it did because it was kind of silly,” she said. “I’ve lived in Florida, where there’s a lot of bigots and homophobes that like to throw Bible verses at you, but I think, it being in San Francisco … It just felt like a slap in the face.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I didn’t really think it would impact me as much as it did because it was kind of silly,” she said. “I’ve lived in Florida, where there’s a lot of bigots and homophobes that like to throw Bible verses at you, but I think, it being in San Francisco … It just felt like a slap in the face.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Jump straight to what to know about:"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jump straight to what to know about:\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jump straight to what to know about:\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area",
"Getting into women’s baseball in the region"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#basketball\">Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#basketball\">Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#baseball\">Getting into women’s baseball in the region\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#baseball\">Getting into women’s baseball in the region\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Alajaji added that she also felt let down by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914206/sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-amplifies\">the lukewarm reaction\u003c/a> to the controversy from the team’s management. She hadn’t watched a baseball game since. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Alajaji added that she also felt let down by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914206/sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-amplifies\">the lukewarm reaction\u003c/a> to the controversy from the team’s management. She hadn’t watched a baseball game since. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Then came \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2026/07/30/womens-pro-baseball-league-announces-star-studded-team-manager-lineup-for-historic-inaugural-season-set-to-start-august-1st/\">the Aug. 1 debut\u003c/a> of the Women’s Pro Baseball League — \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923371/womens-professional-baseball-league-debut\">the first such league in 70 years\u003c/a> — with the San Francisco Firebells as one of their founding teams. And then Alajaji fell in love with baseball again. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Then came \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2026/07/30/womens-pro-baseball-league-announces-star-studded-team-manager-lineup-for-historic-inaugural-season-set-to-start-august-1st/\">the Aug. 1 debut\u003c/a> of the Women’s Pro Baseball League — \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923371/womens-professional-baseball-league-debut\">the first such league in 70 years\u003c/a> — with the San Francisco Firebells as one of their founding teams. And then Alajaji fell in love with baseball again. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12098165"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/Womens-Sports-guide-1536x992.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 captain is a queer woman, and there’s a lot of queer players and fans. And it’s a beautiful contrast,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The captain is a queer woman, and there’s a lot of queer players and fans. And it’s a beautiful contrast,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For people like Alajaji, it’s a great time to be a women’s sports fan in the Bay Area. Women’s professional teams have been dominating the local scene in the past few years — the Bay Area was even \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815888/2025/11/19/top-womens-sports-cities-list-bay-area/\">deemed\u003c/a> the “No. 1 women’s sports city in the U.S.” by \u003cem>The New York Times —\u003c/em> and even more leagues are \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/05/20/bay-areas-womens-sports-boom-continues-with-pwhl-expansion/\">establishing franchises\u003c/a> in the region. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For people like Alajaji, it’s a great time to be a women’s sports fan in the Bay Area. Women’s professional teams have been dominating the local scene in the past few years — the Bay Area was even \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815888/2025/11/19/top-womens-sports-cities-list-bay-area/\">deemed\u003c/a> the “No. 1 women’s sports city in the U.S.” by \u003cem>The New York Times —\u003c/em> and even more leagues are \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/05/20/bay-areas-womens-sports-boom-continues-with-pwhl-expansion/\">establishing franchises\u003c/a> in the region. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re witnessing the crazy history right now,” said San Francisco’s Ozzy Palacio, sports reporter and managing editor of the San Francisco State University student paper \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatexpress.org/\">\u003cem>Golden Gate Xpress\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’re witnessing the crazy history right now,” said San Francisco’s Ozzy Palacio, sports reporter and managing editor of the San Francisco State University student paper \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatexpress.org/\">\u003cem>Golden Gate Xpress\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And as a longtime women’s soccer fan, “it’s super awesome to be at the epicenter of it here in the Bay Area,” Palacio said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And as a longtime women’s soccer fan, “it’s super awesome to be at the epicenter of it here in the Bay Area,” Palacio said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "‘That passion for community’",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘That passion for community’\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘That passion for community’\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In addition to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wpbl_firebells/\">Firebells\u003c/a>, the Professional Women’s Hockey League \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhe29mjpUj/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">announced\u003c/a> in May that it will be expanding to San José’s SAP Center. In July, a new pro volleyball team \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DaibHt7nHiG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">unveiled\u003c/a> its name — the San Francisco Signal — and logo.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In addition to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wpbl_firebells/\">Firebells\u003c/a>, the Professional Women’s Hockey League \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhe29mjpUj/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">announced\u003c/a> in May that it will be expanding to San José’s SAP Center. In July, a new pro volleyball team \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DaibHt7nHiG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">unveiled\u003c/a> its name — the San Francisco Signal — and logo.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And for many people in the Bay Area, the Golden State \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984639/valkyries-wnba-2025-in-review\">Valkyries’ inaugural season\u003c/a> last year has been their gateway to sports in general. The Valkyries boasted consistent sold-out home games with an electric crowd, fan favorites and \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/nakase-named-2025-coach-of-the-year-20250917\">a Coach of the Year win for Natalie Nakase\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And for many people in the Bay Area, the Golden State \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984639/valkyries-wnba-2025-in-review\">Valkyries’ inaugural season\u003c/a> last year has been their gateway to sports in general. The Valkyries boasted consistent sold-out home games with an electric crowd, fan favorites and \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/nakase-named-2025-coach-of-the-year-20250917\">a Coach of the Year win for Natalie Nakase\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s drawing this interest from thousands and thousands — dare I say, hundreds of thousands of people — that never felt like they were able to be interested or involved in the sports world before,” said Palacio. “And that’s because they never had a way to see themselves through it.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s drawing this interest from thousands and thousands — dare I say, hundreds of thousands of people — that never felt like they were able to be interested or involved in the sports world before,” said Palacio. “And that’s because they never had a way to see themselves through it.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12097805,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2-1536x1024.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/WomensSportsGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097805\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelsie Whitmore #3 and Joely Leguizamon #13 of the San Francisco Firebells celebrate during the third inning against the Boston Hunters at Robin Roberts Stadium on Aug. 2, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Zoe Davis/Getty Images)\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/WomensSportsGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097805\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelsie Whitmore #3 and Joely Leguizamon #13 of the San Francisco Firebells celebrate during the third inning against the Boston Hunters at Robin Roberts Stadium on Aug. 2, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Zoe Davis/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Like, the Valkyries games are queer as fuck,” Palacio continued. “It’s awesome.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Like, the Valkyries games are queer as fuck,” Palacio continued. “It’s awesome.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And it’s not just basketball. Soccer secured new fans thanks to the hype from local games of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fifa\">the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup\u003c/a> this summer. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And it’s not just basketball. Soccer secured new fans thanks to the hype from local games of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fifa\">the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup\u003c/a> this summer. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“People are, like, ‘Guys, can we keep hanging out on weekdays once the World Cup is over?’” recalled Palacio, who is primarily an \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfnighthawks.com/\">SF Nighthawks supporter\u003c/a>. “There’s that passion for community through sports.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“People are, like, ‘Guys, can we keep hanging out on weekdays once the World Cup is over?’” recalled Palacio, who is primarily an \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfnighthawks.com/\">SF Nighthawks supporter\u003c/a>. “There’s that passion for community through sports.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Finding connection — and a voice",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding connection — and a voice\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding connection — and a voice\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Local businesses are also betting big on the women’s sports community. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">The Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar\u003c/a>, Rikki’s, opened in the Castro District last year and already has a reputation for being a major place for fans to gather. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Local businesses are also betting big on the women’s sports community. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">The Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar\u003c/a>, Rikki’s, opened in the Castro District last year and already has a reputation for being a major place for fans to gather. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Two other women’s sports bars are also slated to open in the future — \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thetwelfthmarin/\">one in Marin\u003c/a> later this year and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hysteriasportsbar.com/\">another in Oakland\u003c/a> in 2027.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Two other women’s sports bars are also slated to open in the future — \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thetwelfthmarin/\">one in Marin\u003c/a> later this year and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hysteriasportsbar.com/\">another in Oakland\u003c/a> in 2027.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The fact that several of these women’s teams \u003cem>are \u003c/em>in their exciting early stages also gives them more of a voice, Palacio argued. They said that many major women’s sports teams are run by people who ultimately “want to make money off of you.” But because these newer teams are so “fresh,” they continued, “they still need to listen to their fans.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The fact that several of these women’s teams \u003cem>are \u003c/em>in their exciting early stages also gives them more of a voice, Palacio argued. They said that many major women’s sports teams are run by people who ultimately “want to make money off of you.” But because these newer teams are so “fresh,” they continued, “they still need to listen to their fans.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12047881,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed-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/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12047881\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed-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 Valkyries at a watch party at White Horse Bar in Oakland, California, on July 12, 2025. The fan group ValQueeries hosted the 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/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12047881\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Valkyries at a watch party at White Horse Bar in Oakland, California, on July 12, 2025. The fan group ValQueeries hosted the 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>“I don’t think a lot of people coming to sports through these major women’s sports teams are realizing that they have a lot of agency and a lot of choice in what the team does,” as opposed to men’s sports teams, Palacio said. “Their input is still very important at this stage.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I don’t think a lot of people coming to sports through these major women’s sports teams are realizing that they have a lot of agency and a lot of choice in what the team does,” as opposed to men’s sports teams, Palacio said. “Their input is still very important at this stage.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That kind of voice has been apparent among Valkyries fans, who have \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/valkyries-lynx-showdown-wnba-s-real-story-22395694.php\">rallied\u003c/a> at a basketball game to show appreciation for coach Nakase and player Gabby Williams’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bay-area-news/2026-08-13/every-kind-of-person-is-here-fans-celebrate-the-valkyries-stance-on-inclusion\">expression\u003c/a> of support for transgender women in the Women’s National Basketball Association, as the league has become a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096193/the-wnba-has-a-politics-problem\">target\u003c/a> of conservatives. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That kind of voice has been apparent among Valkyries fans, who have \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/valkyries-lynx-showdown-wnba-s-real-story-22395694.php\">rallied\u003c/a> at a basketball game to show appreciation for coach Nakase and player Gabby Williams’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bay-area-news/2026-08-13/every-kind-of-person-is-here-fans-celebrate-the-valkyries-stance-on-inclusion\">expression\u003c/a> of support for transgender women in the Women’s National Basketball Association, as the league has become a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096193/the-wnba-has-a-politics-problem\">target\u003c/a> of conservatives. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In the world and sports right now, there is just too much hate, too much hate speech. I would highly suggest that people continue to lead with love,” Nakase said, as \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebar.com/story/169495\">quoted\u003c/a> by \u003cem>The Bay Area Reporter\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“In the world and sports right now, there is just too much hate, too much hate speech. I would highly suggest that people continue to lead with love,” Nakase said, as \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebar.com/story/169495\">quoted\u003c/a> by \u003cem>The Bay Area Reporter\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Want to get involved in basketball and baseball fandom in the Bay Area?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to get involved in basketball and baseball fandom in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to get involved in basketball and baseball fandom in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the spirit of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992300/finding-your-people-meetups-hobbies-making-friends-bay-area\">finding community\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914897/where-do-you-go-to-find-your-people\">connection in real life\u003c/a>, keep reading for a primer on how to support women’s basketball and baseball teams in the Bay Area — and where you can gather with other fans locally. Or you can also view our other\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098165/the-quick-guide-to-the-bay-areas-professional-womens-sports-teams\"> guide to women’s hockey, soccer and rugby team fandoms \u003c/a>in the region. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In the spirit of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992300/finding-your-people-meetups-hobbies-making-friends-bay-area\">finding community\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914897/where-do-you-go-to-find-your-people\">connection in real life\u003c/a>, keep reading for a primer on how to support women’s basketball and baseball teams in the Bay Area — and where you can gather with other fans locally. Or you can also view our other\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098165/the-quick-guide-to-the-bay-areas-professional-womens-sports-teams\"> guide to women’s hockey, soccer and rugby team fandoms \u003c/a>in the region. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Can’t find a space for your favorite team? Palacio recommended you \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074872/tips-for-hosting-parties-san-francisco-bay-area-making-friends-party-food-decorations-music\">organize one\u003c/a> yourself — and try to connect even beyond the season.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Can’t find a space for your favorite team? Palacio recommended you \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074872/tips-for-hosting-parties-san-francisco-bay-area-making-friends-party-food-decorations-music\">organize one\u003c/a> yourself — and try to connect even beyond the season.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12097787,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty-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/WomensSportsGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097787\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelsie Whitmore #3 of the San Francisco Firebells, Ashton Lansdell #1 of the Los Angeles Queens, Alli Schroder #16 of the Boston Hunters, and Denae Benites #2 of the New York Heights pose for a photo before the Women’s Pro Baseball League Opening Day game between New York Heights and the Los Angeles Queens at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, on Aug. 1, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)\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/WomensSportsGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097787\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelsie Whitmore #3 of the San Francisco Firebells, Ashton Lansdell #1 of the Los Angeles Queens, Alli Schroder #16 of the Boston Hunters, and Denae Benites #2 of the New York Heights pose for a photo before the Women’s Pro Baseball League Opening Day game between New York Heights and the Los Angeles Queens at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, on Aug. 1, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If you asked \u003ca href=\"https://www.elriosf.com/\">El Rio\u003c/a>, ‘Hey, can we do a fucking women’s basketball comedy night?’ I’m sure they would say yes,” they said, referring to the legendary venue in the Mission District.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“If you asked \u003ca href=\"https://www.elriosf.com/\">El Rio\u003c/a>, ‘Hey, can we do a fucking women’s basketball comedy night?’ I’m sure they would say yes,” they said, referring to the legendary venue in the Mission District.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember: In addition to the booming professional sports scene, the Bay Area is home to several top-notch college sports programs. Those games are an excellent place to show ride-or-die support of women’s sports and watch young players as they become future stars.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Remember: In addition to the booming professional sports scene, the Bay Area is home to several top-notch college sports programs. Those games are an excellent place to show ride-or-die support of women’s sports and watch young players as they become future stars.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area ",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basketball\">Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basketball\">Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries are a WNBA team that debuted just last year. They usually play at Chase Center — aka Ballhalla — in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries are a WNBA team that debuted just last year. They usually play at Chase Center — aka Ballhalla — in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you do buy tickets to a game, be sure to get there a bit early to secure any freebies the venue hands out. For more tips, KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080384/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-2026-ballhalla-chase-center-san-francisco-tickets-parking-bag-policy-merch\">a thorough guide on navigating the Chase Center\u003c/a> during basketball games.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you do buy tickets to a game, be sure to get there a bit early to secure any freebies the venue hands out. For more tips, KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080384/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-2026-ballhalla-chase-center-san-francisco-tickets-parking-bag-policy-merch\">a thorough guide on navigating the Chase Center\u003c/a> during basketball games.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries’ schedule lists different ways to \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">stream each game\u003c/a>, but you can usually watch live on KPIX 5 or on platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba\">Peacock\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.primevideo.com/tournament/amzn1.dv.icid.9128d05b-2c57-491d-89da-c49d779c5db4\">Amazon Prime Video\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries’ schedule lists different ways to \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">stream each game\u003c/a>, but you can usually watch live on KPIX 5 or on platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba\">Peacock\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.primevideo.com/tournament/amzn1.dv.icid.9128d05b-2c57-491d-89da-c49d779c5db4\">Amazon Prime Video\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12083065,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-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/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12083065\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-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\">Ashley Richardson cheers during the Golden State Valkyries’ home opener against the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 10, 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/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12083065\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ashley Richardson cheers during the Golden State Valkyries’ home opener against the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 10, 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 WNBA regular season runs from the end of April to the end of September. The Valkyries \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/golden-state-valkyries-beat-dallas-clinch-wnba-22392328.php\">recently secured a spot\u003c/a> in the playoffs that follow. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The WNBA regular season runs from the end of April to the end of September. The Valkyries \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/golden-state-valkyries-beat-dallas-clinch-wnba-22392328.php\">recently secured a spot\u003c/a> in the playoffs that follow. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you need yet another reason to get into the league? September will bring the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, with \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/natalie-nakase-fiba-womens-world-cup-assistant-coach-20260806\">Nakase serving\u003c/a> as the U.S. team’s assistant coach. And next summer, San Francisco will \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095766/san-francisco-to-host-2027-wnba-all-star-game-at-chase-center\">host the WNBA All-Star Game\u003c/a> at Chase Center, featuring top players in the game.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you need yet another reason to get into the league? September will bring the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, with \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/natalie-nakase-fiba-womens-world-cup-assistant-coach-20260806\">Nakase serving\u003c/a> as the U.S. team’s assistant coach. And next summer, San Francisco will \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095766/san-francisco-to-host-2027-wnba-all-star-game-at-chase-center\">host the WNBA All-Star Game\u003c/a> at Chase Center, featuring top players in the game.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Other major highlights: Violet, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13980000/violet-valkyries-wnba-cute-mascot-purple-raven-glasses-reaction\">the Valkyries’ mascot\u003c/a> with adorable glasses and an amazingly snatched waist. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Other major highlights: Violet, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13980000/violet-valkyries-wnba-cute-mascot-purple-raven-glasses-reaction\">the Valkyries’ mascot\u003c/a> with adorable glasses and an amazingly snatched waist. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What other Bay Area women’s basketball teams can I support?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What other Bay Area women’s basketball teams can I support?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Women’s Premier Basketball Association has a host of \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenspba.com/stats#/2693/teams?division_id=49639\">Bay Area-based teams\u003c/a> so localized that you have a good chance of finding a team from your actual place of residence. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Women’s Premier Basketball Association has a host of \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenspba.com/stats#/2693/teams?division_id=49639\">Bay Area-based teams\u003c/a> so localized that you have a good chance of finding a team from your actual place of residence. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The teams include:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The teams include:\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"San Francisco Riptide",
"Oakland Swish",
"Hayward Reign",
"Bay City Blaze",
"Berkeley Royals",
"Bay Area Phoenix",
"Alameda Wolves",
"Tech City Titans"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/San-Francisco-Riptide/61932?Women=1\">San Francisco Riptide\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/San-Francisco-Riptide/61932?Women=1\">San Francisco Riptide\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Oakland-Swish/61934/Roster/2025?Women=1\">Oakland Swish\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Oakland-Swish/61934/Roster/2025?Women=1\">Oakland Swish\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Hayward-Reign/61931?Women=1\">Hayward Reign\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Hayward-Reign/61931?Women=1\">Hayward Reign\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Bay-City-Blaze/62028?Women=1\">Bay City Blaze\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Bay-City-Blaze/62028?Women=1\">Bay City Blaze\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Berkeley-Royals/61933?Women=1\">Berkeley Royals\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Berkeley-Royals/61933?Women=1\">Berkeley Royals\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Bay-Area-Phoenix/68881?Women=1\">Bay Area Phoenix\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Bay-Area-Phoenix/68881?Women=1\">Bay Area Phoenix\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Alameda-Wolves/61930?Women=1\">Alameda Wolves\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Alameda-Wolves/61930?Women=1\">Alameda Wolves\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Tech-City-Titans/68882?Women=1\">Tech City Titans\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Tech-City-Titans/68882?Women=1\">Tech City Titans\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Where does the women’s basketball community hang out? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the women’s basketball community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the women’s basketball community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The WNBA already has a pretty passionate base, and it’s only gotten bigger since the Valkyries’ inaugural year. KQED has published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">a comprehensive guide on navigating WNBA fandom\u003c/a> for super-new basketball fans.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The WNBA already has a pretty passionate base, and it’s only gotten bigger since the Valkyries’ inaugural year. KQED has published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">a comprehensive guide on navigating WNBA fandom\u003c/a> for super-new basketball fans.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And more good news: The fandom is pretty easy to participate in IRL. Sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir, who writes about \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/\">the WNBA in Rough Notes\u003c/a>, published a very thorough map of \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ll=38.06201922218028%2C-121.05610149375002&z=8\">Valkyries fandom spots\u003c/a> throughout the Bay Area, including reliable bars that air women’s sports, parties, women’s/queer pickup basketball, and local groups like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And more good news: The fandom is pretty easy to participate in IRL. Sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir, who writes about \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/\">the WNBA in Rough Notes\u003c/a>, published a very thorough map of \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ll=38.06201922218028%2C-121.05610149375002&z=8\">Valkyries fandom spots\u003c/a> throughout the Bay Area, including reliable bars that air women’s sports, parties, women’s/queer pickup basketball, and local groups like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/shortcode",
"attrs": {
"shortcode_type": "self_closing",
"shortcode_name": "iframe",
"src": "https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ehbc=2E312F",
"width": "640",
"height": "480"
},
"innerHTML": "\n[iframe src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"]\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n[iframe src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"]\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s basketball? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s basketball?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s basketball?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Bounce from KALW",
"Flagrant Magazine",
"StudBudz, which features two Minnesota Lynx players",
"No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show",
"WNBA Gay",
"WNBA Data",
"Bird’s Eye View, hosted by WNBA legend Sue Bird",
"Defector",
"If you really want to get into WNBA fandom: the Lesbians Google Doc"
],
"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\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bounce-the-valkyries-first-season-in-the-bay\">Bounce from KALW\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bounce-the-valkyries-first-season-in-the-bay\">Bounce from KALW\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.flagrantmag.com/\">Flagrant Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.flagrantmag.com/\">Flagrant Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/stud.budz\">StudBudz\u003c/a>, which features two Minnesota Lynx players\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/stud.budz\">StudBudz\u003c/a>, which features two Minnesota Lynx players\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/287-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/\">No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/287-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/\">No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wnba_gay\">WNBA Gay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wnba_gay\">WNBA Gay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wnbadata\">WNBA Data\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wnbadata\">WNBA Data\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@SueBird\">Bird’s Eye View\u003c/a>, hosted by WNBA legend Sue Bird\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@SueBird\">Bird’s Eye View\u003c/a>, hosted by WNBA legend Sue Bird\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://defector.com/category/sports/womens-basketball/wnba\">Defector\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://defector.com/category/sports/womens-basketball/wnba\">Defector\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>If you really want to get into WNBA fandom: \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/p/rough-notes-lesbians-volume-3-overdue\">the Lesbians Google Doc\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>If you really want to get into WNBA fandom: \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/p/rough-notes-lesbians-volume-3-overdue\">the Lesbians Google Doc\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Supporting women’s baseball in the Bay Area",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"baseball\">Supporting women’s baseball in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"baseball\">Supporting women’s baseball in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What should I know about the professional sports team? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First off, it’s a great time to get into women’s baseball: The first women’s professional baseball league in 70 years \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923371/womens-professional-baseball-league-debut\">debuted\u003c/a> in August.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First off, it’s a great time to get into women’s baseball: The first women’s professional baseball league in 70 years \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923371/womens-professional-baseball-league-debut\">debuted\u003c/a> in August.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Firebells are one of the first four teams making up the Women’s Pro Baseball League, along with Los Angeles, Boston and New York. The team is named after Lillie “Firebelle Lil” Hitchcock Coit, who, according to the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2026/07/08/introducing-the-first-four-inspired-by-legends/\">self-description\u003c/a>, “famously leapt into action to help San Francisco volunteer firefighters battle a blaze on Telegraph Hill.” (And yes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12092325/time-travel-to-san-franciscos-past-at-these-local-haunts\">Coit Tower\u003c/a> was \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Coit-Tower-290\">named\u003c/a> after her.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Firebells are one of the first four teams making up the Women’s Pro Baseball League, along with Los Angeles, Boston and New York. The team is named after Lillie “Firebelle Lil” Hitchcock Coit, who, according to the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2026/07/08/introducing-the-first-four-inspired-by-legends/\">self-description\u003c/a>, “famously leapt into action to help San Francisco volunteer firefighters battle a blaze on Telegraph Hill.” (And yes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12092325/time-travel-to-san-franciscos-past-at-these-local-haunts\">Coit Tower\u003c/a> was \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Coit-Tower-290\">named\u003c/a> after her.)\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"arts_13992300"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/FindingYourPeople_Intro.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 has been so, so cool to be able to watch women play a sport that I love so much,” said Firebells fan Gil Lait of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It has been so, so cool to be able to watch women play a sport that I love so much,” said Firebells fan Gil Lait of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The six-week season will \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/schedule/\">run until early September\u003c/a>. But here’s the major catch for WPBL fans: All of the teams will be playing their games in Springfield, Illinois. You can watch these games live on ESPN or streamed on \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/ea16443a-7b7e-3dad-8485-0cce2974e8ec/women-s-pro-baseball-league\">ESPN+\u003c/a>, but there are plans to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/07/the-economics-of-relaunching-womens-pro-baseball\">play in home cities\u003c/a> next year, too.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The six-week season will \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/schedule/\">run until early September\u003c/a>. But here’s the major catch for WPBL fans: All of the teams will be playing their games in Springfield, Illinois. You can watch these games live on ESPN or streamed on \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/ea16443a-7b7e-3dad-8485-0cce2974e8ec/women-s-pro-baseball-league\">ESPN+\u003c/a>, but there are plans to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/07/the-economics-of-relaunching-womens-pro-baseball\">play in home cities\u003c/a> next year, too.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It feels like a small group, but it’s definitely a mighty group,” Lait said of the crowd watching WPBL games at Rikki’s and at \u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother,\u003c/a> a Mission District lesbian bar. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It feels like a small group, but it’s definitely a mighty group,” Lait said of the crowd watching WPBL games at Rikki’s and at \u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother,\u003c/a> a Mission District lesbian bar. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“That’s what I love so much about the baseball community and women’s sports, in general,” they said. “There is really a space for people to learn. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“That’s what I love so much about the baseball community and women’s sports, in general,” they said. “There is really a space for people to learn. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re not gatekeeping who can be the best baseball fan.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We’re not gatekeeping who can be the best baseball fan.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Are there other Bay Area women’s baseball teams I can support?"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area women’s baseball teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area women’s baseball teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re looking to support the future of baseball, there’s the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/baysoxgirlsbaseball/\">SF Bay Sox Girls Baseball\u003c/a> for players ages 6 to 18. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/1715/San-Francisco-Bay-Sox\">calls it\u003c/a> “the largest girls baseball program currently operating in the U.S.” One of the program’s alumni, Sebastopol’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/players/kaija-bazzano/\">Kaija Bazzano\u003c/a>, made it onto the \u003ca href=\"https://thefrisc.com/more-sf-girls-than-ever-are-playing-boys-high-school-baseball/\">roster\u003c/a> for the Firebells. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re looking to support the future of baseball, there’s the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/baysoxgirlsbaseball/\">SF Bay Sox Girls Baseball\u003c/a> for players ages 6 to 18. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/1715/San-Francisco-Bay-Sox\">calls it\u003c/a> “the largest girls baseball program currently operating in the U.S.” One of the program’s alumni, Sebastopol’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/players/kaija-bazzano/\">Kaija Bazzano\u003c/a>, made it onto the \u003ca href=\"https://thefrisc.com/more-sf-girls-than-ever-are-playing-boys-high-school-baseball/\">roster\u003c/a> for the Firebells. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Where does the women’s baseball community hang out? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the women’s baseball community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the women’s baseball community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There aren’t any dedicated women’s baseball rec leagues, but the \u003ca href=\"https://sfgsl.leagueapps.com/\">San Francisco Gay Softball League\u003c/a> has multiple divisions, both co-ed and women/nonbinary. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There aren’t any dedicated women’s baseball rec leagues, but the \u003ca href=\"https://sfgsl.leagueapps.com/\">San Francisco Gay Softball League\u003c/a> has multiple divisions, both co-ed and women/nonbinary. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For beginners, Lait recommends \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfll.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2185154\">Fall Ball\u003c/a>, where teams are mixed-gender and have a more social feel. Those seeking a more competitive environment may want to play during the spring.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For beginners, Lait recommends \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfll.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2185154\">Fall Ball\u003c/a>, where teams are mixed-gender and have a more social feel. Those seeking a more competitive environment may want to play during the spring.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rikki’s Bar is also airing the WPBL games.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Rikki’s Bar is also airing the WPBL games.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s baseball? "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s baseball? \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s baseball? \u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Sports Girls Club",
"Snatch Magazine",
"This Is Women’s Baseball",
"Defector"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\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,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sportsgirlsclub\">Sports Girls Club\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sportsgirlsclub\">Sports Girls Club\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://snatchmagazine.com/\">Snatch Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://snatchmagazine.com/\">Snatch Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://thisiswomensbaseball.com/\">This Is Women’s Baseball\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://thisiswomensbaseball.com/\">This Is Women’s Baseball\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://defector.com/the-new-womens-pro-baseball-league-offers-hope-and-frustrations\">Defector\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://defector.com/the-new-womens-pro-baseball-league-offers-hope-and-frustrations\">Defector\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "It’s a great time to be a women’s sports fan in the Bay Area. Here’s how you can get involved.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1788555227,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": true,
"iframeSrcs": [
"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed"
],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 50,
"wordCount": 2171
},
"headData": {
"title": "In the Midst of Basketball and Baseball Season, How to Join Women’s Sports Fandom in the Bay Area | KQED",
"description": "It’s a great time to be a women’s sports fan in the Bay Area. Here’s how you can get involved.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "In the Midst of Basketball and Baseball Season, How to Join Women’s Sports Fandom in the Bay Area",
"datePublished": "2026-09-01T10:09:32-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-09-04T13:53:47-07:00",
"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-12096884",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>When she moved to the Bay Area a few years ago, Rindala Alajaji swiftly became a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/giants\">San Francisco Giants\u003c/a> fan. She loved going to Oracle Park to see the team — and was especially appreciative of how inclusive and queer-friendly the games felt to her. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But that changed for Alajaji this year when, at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089008/as-sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-continues-fans-recall-historic-1994-aids-benefit\">a June Pride Night celebration\u003c/a>, three Giants players protested the theme by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914206/sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-amplifies\">decorating their hats with Bible verses\u003c/a> often cited by anti-gay conservative Christians. One player refused to wear the rainbow-branded hat altogether. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I didn’t really think it would impact me as much as it did because it was kind of silly,” she said. “I’ve lived in Florida, where there’s a lot of bigots and homophobes that like to throw Bible verses at you, but I think, it being in San Francisco … It just felt like a slap in the face.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jump straight to what to know about:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#basketball\">Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#baseball\">Getting into women’s baseball in the region\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Alajaji added that she also felt let down by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914206/sf-giants-pride-night-fallout-amplifies\">the lukewarm reaction\u003c/a> to the controversy from the team’s management. She hadn’t watched a baseball game since. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Then came \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2026/07/30/womens-pro-baseball-league-announces-star-studded-team-manager-lineup-for-historic-inaugural-season-set-to-start-august-1st/\">the Aug. 1 debut\u003c/a> of the Women’s Pro Baseball League — \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923371/womens-professional-baseball-league-debut\">the first such league in 70 years\u003c/a> — with the San Francisco Firebells as one of their founding teams. And then Alajaji fell in love with baseball again. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The captain is a queer woman, and there’s a lot of queer players and fans. And it’s a beautiful contrast,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For people like Alajaji, it’s a great time to be a women’s sports fan in the Bay Area. Women’s professional teams have been dominating the local scene in the past few years — the Bay Area was even \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6815888/2025/11/19/top-womens-sports-cities-list-bay-area/\">deemed\u003c/a> the “No. 1 women’s sports city in the U.S.” by \u003cem>The New York Times —\u003c/em> and even more leagues are \u003ca href=\"https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/05/20/bay-areas-womens-sports-boom-continues-with-pwhl-expansion/\">establishing franchises\u003c/a> in the region. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re witnessing the crazy history right now,” said San Francisco’s Ozzy Palacio, sports reporter and managing editor of the San Francisco State University student paper \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatexpress.org/\">\u003cem>Golden Gate Xpress\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And as a longtime women’s soccer fan, “it’s super awesome to be at the epicenter of it here in the Bay Area,” Palacio said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘That passion for community’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wpbl_firebells/\">Firebells\u003c/a>, the Professional Women’s Hockey League \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhe29mjpUj/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">announced\u003c/a> in May that it will be expanding to San José’s SAP Center. In July, a new pro volleyball team \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DaibHt7nHiG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D\">unveiled\u003c/a> its name — the San Francisco Signal — and logo.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And for many people in the Bay Area, the Golden State \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13984639/valkyries-wnba-2025-in-review\">Valkyries’ inaugural season\u003c/a> last year has been their gateway to sports in general. The Valkyries boasted consistent sold-out home games with an electric crowd, fan favorites and \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/nakase-named-2025-coach-of-the-year-20250917\">a Coach of the Year win for Natalie Nakase\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s drawing this interest from thousands and thousands — dare I say, hundreds of thousands of people — that never felt like they were able to be interested or involved in the sports world before,” said Palacio. “And that’s because they never had a way to see themselves through it.” \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/WomensSportsGetty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097805\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelsie Whitmore #3 and Joely Leguizamon #13 of the San Francisco Firebells celebrate during the third inning against the Boston Hunters at Robin Roberts Stadium on Aug. 2, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois. (Zoe Davis/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Like, the Valkyries games are queer as fuck,” Palacio continued. “It’s awesome.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And it’s not just basketball. Soccer secured new fans thanks to the hype from local games of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fifa\">the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup\u003c/a> this summer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People are, like, ‘Guys, can we keep hanging out on weekdays once the World Cup is over?’” recalled Palacio, who is primarily an \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfnighthawks.com/\">SF Nighthawks supporter\u003c/a>. “There’s that passion for community through sports.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding connection — and a voice\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Local businesses are also betting big on the women’s sports community. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">The Bay Area’s first women’s sports bar\u003c/a>, Rikki’s, opened in the Castro District last year and already has a reputation for being a major place for fans to gather. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Two other women’s sports bars are also slated to open in the future — \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thetwelfthmarin/\">one in Marin\u003c/a> later this year and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hysteriasportsbar.com/\">another in Oakland\u003c/a> in 2027.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The fact that several of these women’s teams \u003cem>are \u003c/em>in their exciting early stages also gives them more of a voice, Palacio argued. They said that many major women’s sports teams are run by people who ultimately “want to make money off of you.” But because these newer teams are so “fresh,” they continued, “they still need to listen to their fans.” \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/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12047881\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250712-valkyries101_00420_TV_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fans cheer for the Valkyries at a watch party at White Horse Bar in Oakland, California, on July 12, 2025. The fan group ValQueeries hosted the watch party. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I don’t think a lot of people coming to sports through these major women’s sports teams are realizing that they have a lot of agency and a lot of choice in what the team does,” as opposed to men’s sports teams, Palacio said. “Their input is still very important at this stage.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That kind of voice has been apparent among Valkyries fans, who have \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/valkyries-lynx-showdown-wnba-s-real-story-22395694.php\">rallied\u003c/a> at a basketball game to show appreciation for coach Nakase and player Gabby Williams’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bay-area-news/2026-08-13/every-kind-of-person-is-here-fans-celebrate-the-valkyries-stance-on-inclusion\">expression\u003c/a> of support for transgender women in the Women’s National Basketball Association, as the league has become a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096193/the-wnba-has-a-politics-problem\">target\u003c/a> of conservatives. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In the world and sports right now, there is just too much hate, too much hate speech. I would highly suggest that people continue to lead with love,” Nakase said, as \u003ca href=\"https://www.ebar.com/story/169495\">quoted\u003c/a> by \u003cem>The Bay Area Reporter\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to get involved in basketball and baseball fandom in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the spirit of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992300/finding-your-people-meetups-hobbies-making-friends-bay-area\">finding community\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101914897/where-do-you-go-to-find-your-people\">connection in real life\u003c/a>, keep reading for a primer on how to support women’s basketball and baseball teams in the Bay Area — and where you can gather with other fans locally. Or you can also view our other\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098165/the-quick-guide-to-the-bay-areas-professional-womens-sports-teams\"> guide to women’s hockey, soccer and rugby team fandoms \u003c/a>in the region. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Can’t find a space for your favorite team? Palacio recommended you \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074872/tips-for-hosting-parties-san-francisco-bay-area-making-friends-party-food-decorations-music\">organize one\u003c/a> yourself — and try to connect even beyond the season.\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/WomensSportsGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097787\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/WomensSportsGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kelsie Whitmore #3 of the San Francisco Firebells, Ashton Lansdell #1 of the Los Angeles Queens, Alli Schroder #16 of the Boston Hunters, and Denae Benites #2 of the New York Heights pose for a photo before the Women’s Pro Baseball League Opening Day game between New York Heights and the Los Angeles Queens at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, on Aug. 1, 2026. (Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If you asked \u003ca href=\"https://www.elriosf.com/\">El Rio\u003c/a>, ‘Hey, can we do a fucking women’s basketball comedy night?’ I’m sure they would say yes,” they said, referring to the legendary venue in the Mission District.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Remember: In addition to the booming professional sports scene, the Bay Area is home to several top-notch college sports programs. Those games are an excellent place to show ride-or-die support of women’s sports and watch young players as they become future stars.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basketball\">Supporting women’s basketball in the Bay Area\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries are a WNBA team that debuted just last year. They usually play at Chase Center — aka Ballhalla — in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do buy tickets to a game, be sure to get there a bit early to secure any freebies the venue hands out. For more tips, KQED has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080384/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-2026-ballhalla-chase-center-san-francisco-tickets-parking-bag-policy-merch\">a thorough guide on navigating the Chase Center\u003c/a> during basketball games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries’ schedule lists different ways to \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">stream each game\u003c/a>, but you can usually watch live on KPIX 5 or on platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba\">Peacock\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.primevideo.com/tournament/amzn1.dv.icid.9128d05b-2c57-491d-89da-c49d779c5db4\">Amazon Prime Video\u003c/a> or \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/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12083065\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/260510-VALKYRIESHOMEOPENER-29-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ashley Richardson cheers during the Golden State Valkyries’ home opener against the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 10, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA regular season runs from the end of April to the end of September. The Valkyries \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/golden-state-valkyries-beat-dallas-clinch-wnba-22392328.php\">recently secured a spot\u003c/a> in the playoffs that follow. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you need yet another reason to get into the league? September will bring the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, with \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/natalie-nakase-fiba-womens-world-cup-assistant-coach-20260806\">Nakase serving\u003c/a> as the U.S. team’s assistant coach. And next summer, San Francisco will \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095766/san-francisco-to-host-2027-wnba-all-star-game-at-chase-center\">host the WNBA All-Star Game\u003c/a> at Chase Center, featuring top players in the game.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other major highlights: Violet, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13980000/violet-valkyries-wnba-cute-mascot-purple-raven-glasses-reaction\">the Valkyries’ mascot\u003c/a> with adorable glasses and an amazingly snatched waist. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What other Bay Area women’s basketball teams can I support?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Women’s Premier Basketball Association has a host of \u003ca href=\"https://www.womenspba.com/stats#/2693/teams?division_id=49639\">Bay Area-based teams\u003c/a> so localized that you have a good chance of finding a team from your actual place of residence. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The teams include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/San-Francisco-Riptide/61932?Women=1\">San Francisco Riptide\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Oakland-Swish/61934/Roster/2025?Women=1\">Oakland Swish\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Hayward-Reign/61931?Women=1\">Hayward Reign\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Bay-City-Blaze/62028?Women=1\">Bay City Blaze\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Berkeley-Royals/61933?Women=1\">Berkeley Royals\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Bay-Area-Phoenix/68881?Women=1\">Bay Area Phoenix\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Alameda-Wolves/61930?Women=1\">Alameda Wolves\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://basketball.usbasket.com/team/Tech-City-Titans/68882?Women=1\">Tech City Titans\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the women’s basketball community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA already has a pretty passionate base, and it’s only gotten bigger since the Valkyries’ inaugural year. KQED has published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">a comprehensive guide on navigating WNBA fandom\u003c/a> for super-new basketball fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And more good news: The fandom is pretty easy to participate in IRL. Sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir, who writes about \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/\">the WNBA in Rough Notes\u003c/a>, published a very thorough map of \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ll=38.06201922218028%2C-121.05610149375002&z=8\">Valkyries fandom spots\u003c/a> throughout the Bay Area, including reliable bars that air women’s sports, parties, women’s/queer pickup basketball, and local groups like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr />\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s basketball?\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kalw.org/bounce-the-valkyries-first-season-in-the-bay\">Bounce from KALW\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.flagrantmag.com/\">Flagrant Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/stud.budz\">StudBudz\u003c/a>, which features two Minnesota Lynx players\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/287-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/\">No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wnba_gay\">WNBA Gay\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/wnbadata\">WNBA Data\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@SueBird\">Bird’s Eye View\u003c/a>, hosted by WNBA legend Sue Bird\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://defector.com/category/sports/womens-basketball/wnba\">Defector\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>If you really want to get into WNBA fandom: \u003ca href=\"https://wnbaroughnotes.substack.com/p/rough-notes-lesbians-volume-3-overdue\">the Lesbians Google Doc\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"baseball\">Supporting women’s baseball in the Bay Area\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I know about the professional sports team? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>First off, it’s a great time to get into women’s baseball: The first women’s professional baseball league in 70 years \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/the-picture-show/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923371/womens-professional-baseball-league-debut\">debuted\u003c/a> in August.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Firebells are one of the first four teams making up the Women’s Pro Baseball League, along with Los Angeles, Boston and New York. The team is named after Lillie “Firebelle Lil” Hitchcock Coit, who, according to the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2026/07/08/introducing-the-first-four-inspired-by-legends/\">self-description\u003c/a>, “famously leapt into action to help San Francisco volunteer firefighters battle a blaze on Telegraph Hill.” (And yes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12092325/time-travel-to-san-franciscos-past-at-these-local-haunts\">Coit Tower\u003c/a> was \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Coit-Tower-290\">named\u003c/a> after her.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It has been so, so cool to be able to watch women play a sport that I love so much,” said Firebells fan Gil Lait of San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The six-week season will \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/schedule/\">run until early September\u003c/a>. But here’s the major catch for WPBL fans: All of the teams will be playing their games in Springfield, Illinois. You can watch these games live on ESPN or streamed on \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/ea16443a-7b7e-3dad-8485-0cce2974e8ec/women-s-pro-baseball-league\">ESPN+\u003c/a>, but there are plans to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/08/07/the-economics-of-relaunching-womens-pro-baseball\">play in home cities\u003c/a> next year, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It feels like a small group, but it’s definitely a mighty group,” Lait said of the crowd watching WPBL games at Rikki’s and at \u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother,\u003c/a> a Mission District lesbian bar. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That’s what I love so much about the baseball community and women’s sports, in general,” they said. “There is really a space for people to learn. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re not gatekeeping who can be the best baseball fan.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there other Bay Area women’s baseball teams I can support?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re looking to support the future of baseball, there’s the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/baysoxgirlsbaseball/\">SF Bay Sox Girls Baseball\u003c/a> for players ages 6 to 18. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department \u003ca href=\"https://sfrecpark.org/1715/San-Francisco-Bay-Sox\">calls it\u003c/a> “the largest girls baseball program currently operating in the U.S.” One of the program’s alumni, Sebastopol’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/players/kaija-bazzano/\">Kaija Bazzano\u003c/a>, made it onto the \u003ca href=\"https://thefrisc.com/more-sf-girls-than-ever-are-playing-boys-high-school-baseball/\">roster\u003c/a> for the Firebells. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where does the women’s baseball community hang out? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There aren’t any dedicated women’s baseball rec leagues, but the \u003ca href=\"https://sfgsl.leagueapps.com/\">San Francisco Gay Softball League\u003c/a> has multiple divisions, both co-ed and women/nonbinary. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For beginners, Lait recommends \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfll.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2185154\">Fall Ball\u003c/a>, where teams are mixed-gender and have a more social feel. Those seeking a more competitive environment may want to play during the spring.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rikki’s Bar is also airing the WPBL games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some publications or podcasts I can follow to learn more about women’s baseball? \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/sportsgirlsclub\">Sports Girls Club\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://snatchmagazine.com/\">Snatch Magazine\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://thisiswomensbaseball.com/\">This Is Women’s Baseball\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://defector.com/the-new-womens-pro-baseball-league-offers-hope-and-frustrations\">Defector\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area",
"authors": [
"11867",
"11756"
],
"categories": [
"news_34168",
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_32707",
"news_1386",
"news_34081",
"news_35888",
"news_34078",
"news_1131",
"news_18077",
"news_28623",
"news_25293"
],
"featImg": "news_12097813",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12091408": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12091408",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12091408",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1784815200000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "maleda-where-san-joses-brightest-soccer-stars-get-started",
"title": "Maleda — Where San José’s Brightest Soccer Stars Get Started",
"publishDate": 1784815200,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Maleda — Where San José’s Brightest Soccer Stars Get Started | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>Cristiano Ronaldo takes the ball and pushes toward the opponent’s goal. He keeps it close and weaves past Lionel Messi. A few steps later, Messi again — in fact, there are quite a few Messis on this field. And even \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091779/bay-area-soccer-fans-celebrate-spains-world-cup-win\">a couple of Lamine Yamals\u003c/a> running around, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s Saturday morning at Del Monte Park in San José, and hundreds of kids have come out for practice with Maleda Youth Soccer Club. Inspired by this summer’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup\u003c/a>, many wear the jerseys of their favorite players.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Siuuu!” Christian Brook, 10, shouted after practice, emulating Ronaldo’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4677663/explained-cristiano-ronaldos-siuuu-celebration\">iconic celebration\u003c/a>. His team may have lost its scrimmage, but that doesn’t dim his smile.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Brook usually plays right wing and said that’s one of the reasons he likes Ronaldo, who excels in attacking positions. But when he plays defense, Brook thinks of another player — Naomi Girma, currently center back for England’s Women’s Super League club Chelsea FC and one of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40751304/uswnt-hayes-girma-best-defender-ever-seen\">most talented defenders\u003c/a> for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"933\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2000x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2000x933.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-160x75.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-1536x716.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2048x955.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L-R) Naomi Girma, #4 for the United States, celebrates after her team’s 1-0 victory against Colombia during a SheBelieves Cup match at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 7, 2026, in Harrison, New Jersey. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images) A young Naomi Girma, who has played soccer competitively since she was a child growing up in San José. (U.S. Soccer via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“She played here, just like us,” he said, adding that her family is Ethiopian, just like his. Dozens of other kids at practice immediately recognized Girma’s name and shouted with pride that the soccer superstar also hails from San José.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I started playing with Maleda,” Girma — who was unavailable for an interview for this story — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988410/naomi-girma-us-womens-soccer-star-returns-san-jose\">told KQED\u003c/a> a few months ago. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Girma’s father was one of the handful of South Bay immigrant parents who came together in 2004 to help start the club. “It was just for Ethiopian families to come together,” Girma said. “But I also had a lot of fun.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the 2026 Men’s World Cup takes its place in history, soccer fans now prepare for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The U.S. has won the tournament four times — the most of any nation — and Girma is a strong contender for the squad after a stellar performance in the last World Cup. In Maleda, families that saw her score her first goals are excited to cheer her on. And for some, Girma’s journey affirms one of the missions of the club: to help kids build a stronger sense of self through playing soccer and at the same time, learn more about their Ethiopian heritage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When our kids go to school, they are surrounded by many different cultures,” said Selome Alemayehu, the mother of two boys playing in Maleda. “But when they come here, they get the taste of Ethiopia. It’s important for them to also know where they came from, what their culture is, because they don’t see all these people Monday through Friday.”\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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092222\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Goalkeeper Andreas Demke, 12, catches a ball as Imani Moten, 10, watches nearby during Maleda Youth Soccer practice together at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Powered by the volunteer efforts of dozens of parents like Alemayehu, Maleda — which translates to “early morning” in Amharic — also provides an affordable entry to soccer, something experts say is necessary to help both women’s and men’s soccer in the U.S. grow stronger and develop the next generation of the sport’s superstars.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to research from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, soccer is more popular than ever, with more than 25 million Americans playing the sport this year. But data from the U.S. Soccer Federation shows that among kids, participation drops dramatically by the time they become teenagers. Around 70% of children quit by age 14. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Even though it’s hard for my kids to wake up for school, they’re the first ones waking up on Saturday morning,” Alemayehu said. “They rush me, instead of me rushing them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Especially my little one. He’s only 7, but he’s always saying he will be the next Maleda soccer player that’s going to be just like Naomi.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Being one’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been more than 20 years since Maleda head coach Solomon Wolday came to California from Ethiopia, where he first fell in love with soccer as a boy, playing with other kids on his street.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t take too much to get kids to get out and play,” he said. Like many of the other coaches on the field Saturday, Wolday is a volunteer and also a parent. All three of his daughters honed their soccer skills at Maleda.\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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer Head Coach Solomon Wolday checks in with his players after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Children can join the club as soon as they turn 5 and learn the basics — dribbling, passes, different formations. “It’s not very competitive at that level,” Wolday said, adding that the main objective is to help kids learn about the values that come with soccer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They learn the value of hard work and teamwork,” he said. “It also shows them how to cope with losing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Maleda only practices on Saturdays from March to August and charges families a $200 registration fee per season, regardless of how many kids a family has playing in the club. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Travel and academy clubs in the Bay Area, which usually have a more rigorous practice schedule and travel across the state to play in different tournaments, often charge thousands of dollars per player each season.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 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=\"12092225\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092225\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer players put their hands together after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 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=\"12092223\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092223\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer players sit in a circle after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Maleda Youth Soccer Club is primarily comprised of Ethiopian families. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The club’s accessibility helps families get and stay involved, said Meseret Gualle, who forms part of Maleda’s leadership team and first joined when her daughter started playing four years ago. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Anyone can join the team, but most families trace their roots to Ethiopia. “We Ethiopians have a lot of different ethnicities, languages, tribes,” she said. “This program brings all of that together.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area has been home to a thriving Ethiopian community for more than 40 years. Many families who first moved to the region in the ’80s and ’90s were fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905230/zeni-ethiopian-restaurant-san-jose\">found economic opportunities\u003c/a> in Silicon Valley building the electronic components for personal computers during the first dot-com boom. Thousands of Ethiopian families now help shape the identity of cities like San José and Oakland. And Meseret pointed out that it’s here in the Bay Area where Ethiopia’s vast cultural diversity meets in one place.\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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092221\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Abigail Kume, 10, puts her arm around Imani Moten, 10, during Maleda Youth Soccer practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Outside of what region you’re from, your religion or what language you speak, Maleda focuses on our kids,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are coaches who can talk to families in the language they’re most comfortable in, including Amharic, Oromo and Tigrinya. “We’re here for our heritage, culture, history and just being one,” Meseret said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What began as a community effort to provide a safe space for kids to play soccer and learn more about Ethiopian culture has become part of a bigger, cross-cultural push in the Bay Area to make soccer more accessible. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The region’s first National Women’s Soccer League team was founded in 2023 by four legends of the sport — Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton and Aly Wagner — who were either born in San José or played in the South Bay.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And as the U.S. prepares to both host and compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/16/united-states-womens-world-cup-2031-01002399\">2031 Women’s World Cup\u003c/a>, the country is looking for new ways to boost talent that’s historically been forced out of the sport because it’s too expensive. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting everybody on the field\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the U.S. men’s national team was eliminated from the World Cup with a 4-1 loss against Belgium, fans began debating what’s holding American soccer back from its full potential. Some \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7435754/2026/07/10/pay-to-play-us-youth-soccer-usmnt-world-cup/\">pointed\u003c/a> to the very high cost of joining youth teams — called “pay-to-play.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Young talented players whose families cannot pay thousands of dollars a year are left out of competitive clubs. The price of developing young soccer talent in many Latin American and European countries is a fraction of what it costs in the U.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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092220\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">6- and 7-year-old Maleda Youth Soccer players practice together at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pay-to-play is part of the problem — but not the full picture, said Simon Tobin, head coach of men’s soccer at San José State University. “How can we make a sport that doesn’t cost a lot to play more cost-effective?” he said. “You shouldn’t have under 10s and under 11s traveling a couple hundred miles to go play a game.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But spaces to play soccer at a competitive level in the Bay Area are limited.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, when officials announced that the city’s historic Kezar Stadium will be the home field next season for the new Major League Soccer Next Pro team Golden City FC, that got \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084932/as-the-bay-area-prepares-for-world-cup-a-san-francisco-team-looks-for-a-way-forward\">pushback from San Francisco City FC\u003c/a> — the oldest supporter-owned soccer club in the country. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>San Francisco City FC fans argued their team was being pushed out from where they’ve hosted games for the past decade. Tensions over who gets access to soccer fields \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/12/27/373284989/icymi-2014-soccer-field-standoff-highlights-gentrification-tension\">come up\u003c/a> decade after decade and are likely to become even more fraught as interest in the sport grows.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ahead of the Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year, the U.S. can maintain its historic dominance of the sport by ensuring female players from low-income backgrounds have access to the sport, Tobis said, adding that if more facilities become available, there will be more opportunities for women and co-ed teams to develop across all competition levels.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The U.S. Soccer Federation has also unveiled its own plan to prevent young players from leaving the sport, which includes millions of dollars \u003ca href=\"https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/02/us-soccer-awards-3-million-to-benefit-member-organizations-through-2024-innovate-to-grow-initiative\">in grants\u003c/a> to youth leagues nationwide, training more referees and promoting the game beyond the competitive club environment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The next stage for soccer is to embrace everybody that can play. Get to those that have been put off in the past by the sheer cost of it,” Tobis said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Del Monte Park in San José, Maleda only has two hours available on Saturdays for youth practice. Coach Semert Haile knows time is limited and keeps her players, kids ages 7 and 8, moving. She said she started playing at the same age when she was living in Ethiopia. \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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092219\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer Club Coach Semert Haile throws a soccer ball into the air for her 6- and 7-year-old players during weekly practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Maleda Youth Soccer Club is primarily comprised of Ethiopian families. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And now as an adult living in San José, she’s always bringing new families into Maleda, so their kids can play soccer without blowing the budget.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s fun to play and learn with them. They have a pure heart,” she said between drills. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The blazing San José sun doesn’t slow her down. She’s been coaching for more than a decade with Maleda and remembers when Girma and her family would come to practice. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Look where Naomi is now,” she said. “I have a vision that many of these girls and boys will be even better than Naomi. That’s my hope. That’s my dream.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ogpenn\">Pendarvis Harshaw\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Cristiano Ronaldo takes the ball and pushes toward the opponent’s goal. He keeps it close and weaves past Lionel Messi. A few steps later, Messi again — in fact, there are quite a few Messis on this field. And even \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091779/bay-area-soccer-fans-celebrate-spains-world-cup-win\">a couple of Lamine Yamals\u003c/a> running around, too.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Cristiano Ronaldo takes the ball and pushes toward the opponent’s goal. He keeps it close and weaves past Lionel Messi. A few steps later, Messi again — in fact, there are quite a few Messis on this field. And even \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091779/bay-area-soccer-fans-celebrate-spains-world-cup-win\">a couple of Lamine Yamals\u003c/a> running around, too.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s Saturday morning at Del Monte Park in San José, and hundreds of kids have come out for practice with Maleda Youth Soccer Club. Inspired by this summer’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup\u003c/a>, many wear the jerseys of their favorite players.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s Saturday morning at Del Monte Park in San José, and hundreds of kids have come out for practice with Maleda Youth Soccer Club. Inspired by this summer’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup\u003c/a>, many wear the jerseys of their favorite players.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Siuuu!” Christian Brook, 10, shouted after practice, emulating Ronaldo’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4677663/explained-cristiano-ronaldos-siuuu-celebration\">iconic celebration\u003c/a>. His team may have lost its scrimmage, but that doesn’t dim his smile.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Siuuu!” Christian Brook, 10, shouted after practice, emulating Ronaldo’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4677663/explained-cristiano-ronaldos-siuuu-celebration\">iconic celebration\u003c/a>. His team may have lost its scrimmage, but that doesn’t dim his smile.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Brook usually plays right wing and said that’s one of the reasons he likes Ronaldo, who excels in attacking positions. But when he plays defense, Brook thinks of another player — Naomi Girma, currently center back for England’s Women’s Super League club Chelsea FC and one of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40751304/uswnt-hayes-girma-best-defender-ever-seen\">most talented defenders\u003c/a> for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Brook usually plays right wing and said that’s one of the reasons he likes Ronaldo, who excels in attacking positions. But when he plays defense, Brook thinks of another player — Naomi Girma, currently center back for England’s Women’s Super League club Chelsea FC and one of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40751304/uswnt-hayes-girma-best-defender-ever-seen\">most talented defenders\u003c/a> for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12092276,
"sizeSlug": "large",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2000x933.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-160x75.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-1536x716.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2048x955.jpg 2048w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2000x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2000x933.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-160x75.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-1536x716.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2048x955.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L-R) Naomi Girma, #4 for the United States, celebrates after her team’s 1-0 victory against Colombia during a SheBelieves Cup match at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 7, 2026, in Harrison, New Jersey. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images) A young Naomi Girma, who has played soccer competitively since she was a child growing up in San José. (U.S. Soccer via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2000x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092276\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L-R) Naomi Girma, #4 for the United States, celebrates after her team’s 1-0 victory against Colombia during a SheBelieves Cup match at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 7, 2026, in Harrison, New Jersey. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images) A young Naomi Girma, who has played soccer competitively since she was a child growing up in San José. (U.S. Soccer via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“She played here, just like us,” he said, adding that her family is Ethiopian, just like his. Dozens of other kids at practice immediately recognized Girma’s name and shouted with pride that the soccer superstar also hails from San José.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“She played here, just like us,” he said, adding that her family is Ethiopian, just like his. Dozens of other kids at practice immediately recognized Girma’s name and shouted with pride that the soccer superstar also hails from San José.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I started playing with Maleda,” Girma — who was unavailable for an interview for this story — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988410/naomi-girma-us-womens-soccer-star-returns-san-jose\">told KQED\u003c/a> a few months ago. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I started playing with Maleda,” Girma — who was unavailable for an interview for this story — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988410/naomi-girma-us-womens-soccer-star-returns-san-jose\">told KQED\u003c/a> a few months ago. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Girma’s father was one of the handful of South Bay immigrant parents who came together in 2004 to help start the club. “It was just for Ethiopian families to come together,” Girma said. “But I also had a lot of fun.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Girma’s father was one of the handful of South Bay immigrant parents who came together in 2004 to help start the club. “It was just for Ethiopian families to come together,” Girma said. “But I also had a lot of fun.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As the 2026 Men’s World Cup takes its place in history, soccer fans now prepare for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The U.S. has won the tournament four times — the most of any nation — and Girma is a strong contender for the squad after a stellar performance in the last World Cup. In Maleda, families that saw her score her first goals are excited to cheer her on. And for some, Girma’s journey affirms one of the missions of the club: to help kids build a stronger sense of self through playing soccer and at the same time, learn more about their Ethiopian heritage.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As the 2026 Men’s World Cup takes its place in history, soccer fans now prepare for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The U.S. has won the tournament four times — the most of any nation — and Girma is a strong contender for the squad after a stellar performance in the last World Cup. In Maleda, families that saw her score her first goals are excited to cheer her on. And for some, Girma’s journey affirms one of the missions of the club: to help kids build a stronger sense of self through playing soccer and at the same time, learn more about their Ethiopian heritage.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When our kids go to school, they are surrounded by many different cultures,” said Selome Alemayehu, the mother of two boys playing in Maleda. “But when they come here, they get the taste of Ethiopia. It’s important for them to also know where they came from, what their culture is, because they don’t see all these people Monday through Friday.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“When our kids go to school, they are surrounded by many different cultures,” said Selome Alemayehu, the mother of two boys playing in Maleda. “But when they come here, they get the taste of Ethiopia. It’s important for them to also know where they came from, what their culture is, because they don’t see all these people Monday through Friday.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12092222,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092222\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-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\">Goalkeeper Andreas Demke, 12, catches a ball as Imani Moten, 10, watches nearby during Maleda Youth Soccer practice together at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092222\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Goalkeeper Andreas Demke, 12, catches a ball as Imani Moten, 10, watches nearby during Maleda Youth Soccer practice together at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Powered by the volunteer efforts of dozens of parents like Alemayehu, Maleda — which translates to “early morning” in Amharic — also provides an affordable entry to soccer, something experts say is necessary to help both women’s and men’s soccer in the U.S. grow stronger and develop the next generation of the sport’s superstars.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Powered by the volunteer efforts of dozens of parents like Alemayehu, Maleda — which translates to “early morning” in Amharic — also provides an affordable entry to soccer, something experts say is necessary to help both women’s and men’s soccer in the U.S. grow stronger and develop the next generation of the sport’s superstars.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to research from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, soccer is more popular than ever, with more than 25 million Americans playing the sport this year. But data from the U.S. Soccer Federation shows that among kids, participation drops dramatically by the time they become teenagers. Around 70% of children quit by age 14. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to research from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, soccer is more popular than ever, with more than 25 million Americans playing the sport this year. But data from the U.S. Soccer Federation shows that among kids, participation drops dramatically by the time they become teenagers. Around 70% of children quit by age 14. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Even though it’s hard for my kids to wake up for school, they’re the first ones waking up on Saturday morning,” Alemayehu said. “They rush me, instead of me rushing them.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Even though it’s hard for my kids to wake up for school, they’re the first ones waking up on Saturday morning,” Alemayehu said. “They rush me, instead of me rushing them.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Especially my little one. He’s only 7, but he’s always saying he will be the next Maleda soccer player that’s going to be just like Naomi.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Especially my little one. He’s only 7, but he’s always saying he will be the next Maleda soccer player that’s going to be just like Naomi.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "‘Being one’",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Being one’\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Being one’\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s been more than 20 years since Maleda head coach Solomon Wolday came to California from Ethiopia, where he first fell in love with soccer as a boy, playing with other kids on his street.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s been more than 20 years since Maleda head coach Solomon Wolday came to California from Ethiopia, where he first fell in love with soccer as a boy, playing with other kids on his street.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t take too much to get kids to get out and play,” he said. Like many of the other coaches on the field Saturday, Wolday is a volunteer and also a parent. All three of his daughters honed their soccer skills at Maleda.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t take too much to get kids to get out and play,” he said. Like many of the other coaches on the field Saturday, Wolday is a volunteer and also a parent. All three of his daughters honed their soccer skills at Maleda.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12092224,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-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\">Maleda Youth Soccer Head Coach Solomon Wolday checks in with his players after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092224\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer Head Coach Solomon Wolday checks in with his players after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Children can join the club as soon as they turn 5 and learn the basics — dribbling, passes, different formations. “It’s not very competitive at that level,” Wolday said, adding that the main objective is to help kids learn about the values that come with soccer. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Children can join the club as soon as they turn 5 and learn the basics — dribbling, passes, different formations. “It’s not very competitive at that level,” Wolday said, adding that the main objective is to help kids learn about the values that come with soccer. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They learn the value of hard work and teamwork,” he said. “It also shows them how to cope with losing.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“They learn the value of hard work and teamwork,” he said. “It also shows them how to cope with losing.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Maleda only practices on Saturdays from March to August and charges families a $200 registration fee per season, regardless of how many kids a family has playing in the club. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Maleda only practices on Saturdays from March to August and charges families a $200 registration fee per season, regardless of how many kids a family has playing in the club. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Travel and academy clubs in the Bay Area, which usually have a more rigorous practice schedule and travel across the state to play in different tournaments, often charge thousands of dollars per player each season.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Travel and academy clubs in the Bay Area, which usually have a more rigorous practice schedule and travel across the state to play in different tournaments, often charge thousands of dollars per player each season.\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": 12092225,
"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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092225\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer players put their hands together after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092225\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer players put their hands together after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12092223,
"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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092223\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer players sit in a circle after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Maleda Youth Soccer Club is primarily comprised of Ethiopian families.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092223\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer players sit in a circle after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Maleda Youth Soccer Club is primarily comprised of Ethiopian families.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The club’s accessibility helps families get and stay involved, said Meseret Gualle, who forms part of Maleda’s leadership team and first joined when her daughter started playing four years ago. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The club’s accessibility helps families get and stay involved, said Meseret Gualle, who forms part of Maleda’s leadership team and first joined when her daughter started playing four years ago. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Anyone can join the team, but most families trace their roots to Ethiopia. “We Ethiopians have a lot of different ethnicities, languages, tribes,” she said. “This program brings all of that together.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Anyone can join the team, but most families trace their roots to Ethiopia. “We Ethiopians have a lot of different ethnicities, languages, tribes,” she said. “This program brings all of that together.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Bay Area has been home to a thriving Ethiopian community for more than 40 years. Many families who first moved to the region in the ’80s and ’90s were fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905230/zeni-ethiopian-restaurant-san-jose\">found economic opportunities\u003c/a> in Silicon Valley building the electronic components for personal computers during the first dot-com boom. Thousands of Ethiopian families now help shape the identity of cities like San José and Oakland. And Meseret pointed out that it’s here in the Bay Area where Ethiopia’s vast cultural diversity meets in one place.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Bay Area has been home to a thriving Ethiopian community for more than 40 years. Many families who first moved to the region in the ’80s and ’90s were fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905230/zeni-ethiopian-restaurant-san-jose\">found economic opportunities\u003c/a> in Silicon Valley building the electronic components for personal computers during the first dot-com boom. Thousands of Ethiopian families now help shape the identity of cities like San José and Oakland. And Meseret pointed out that it’s here in the Bay Area where Ethiopia’s vast cultural diversity meets in one place.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12092221,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092221\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-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\">Abigail Kume, 10, puts her arm around Imani Moten, 10, during Maleda Youth Soccer practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092221\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Abigail Kume, 10, puts her arm around Imani Moten, 10, during Maleda Youth Soccer practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Outside of what region you’re from, your religion or what language you speak, Maleda focuses on our kids,” she said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Outside of what region you’re from, your religion or what language you speak, Maleda focuses on our kids,” she said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are coaches who can talk to families in the language they’re most comfortable in, including Amharic, Oromo and Tigrinya. “We’re here for our heritage, culture, history and just being one,” Meseret said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There are coaches who can talk to families in the language they’re most comfortable in, including Amharic, Oromo and Tigrinya. “We’re here for our heritage, culture, history and just being one,” Meseret said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What began as a community effort to provide a safe space for kids to play soccer and learn more about Ethiopian culture has become part of a bigger, cross-cultural push in the Bay Area to make soccer more accessible. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>What began as a community effort to provide a safe space for kids to play soccer and learn more about Ethiopian culture has become part of a bigger, cross-cultural push in the Bay Area to make soccer more accessible. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The region’s first National Women’s Soccer League team was founded in 2023 by four legends of the sport — Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton and Aly Wagner — who were either born in San José or played in the South Bay.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The region’s first National Women’s Soccer League team was founded in 2023 by four legends of the sport — Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton and Aly Wagner — who were either born in San José or played in the South Bay.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And as the U.S. prepares to both host and compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/16/united-states-womens-world-cup-2031-01002399\">2031 Women’s World Cup\u003c/a>, the country is looking for new ways to boost talent that’s historically been forced out of the sport because it’s too expensive. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And as the U.S. prepares to both host and compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/16/united-states-womens-world-cup-2031-01002399\">2031 Women’s World Cup\u003c/a>, the country is looking for new ways to boost talent that’s historically been forced out of the sport because it’s too expensive. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Getting everybody on the field",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting everybody on the field\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting everybody on the field\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After the U.S. men’s national team was eliminated from the World Cup with a 4-1 loss against Belgium, fans began debating what’s holding American soccer back from its full potential. Some \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7435754/2026/07/10/pay-to-play-us-youth-soccer-usmnt-world-cup/\">pointed\u003c/a> to the very high cost of joining youth teams — called “pay-to-play.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After the U.S. men’s national team was eliminated from the World Cup with a 4-1 loss against Belgium, fans began debating what’s holding American soccer back from its full potential. Some \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7435754/2026/07/10/pay-to-play-us-youth-soccer-usmnt-world-cup/\">pointed\u003c/a> to the very high cost of joining youth teams — called “pay-to-play.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Young talented players whose families cannot pay thousands of dollars a year are left out of competitive clubs. The price of developing young soccer talent in many Latin American and European countries is a fraction of what it costs in the U.S.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Young talented players whose families cannot pay thousands of dollars a year are left out of competitive clubs. The price of developing young soccer talent in many Latin American and European countries is a fraction of what it costs in the U.S.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12092220,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092220\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-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\">6- and 7-year-old Maleda Youth Soccer players practice together at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092220\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">6- and 7-year-old Maleda Youth Soccer players practice together at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Pay-to-play is part of the problem — but not the full picture, said Simon Tobin, head coach of men’s soccer at San José State University. “How can we make a sport that doesn’t cost a lot to play more cost-effective?” he said. “You shouldn’t have under 10s and under 11s traveling a couple hundred miles to go play a game.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Pay-to-play is part of the problem — but not the full picture, said Simon Tobin, head coach of men’s soccer at San José State University. “How can we make a sport that doesn’t cost a lot to play more cost-effective?” he said. “You shouldn’t have under 10s and under 11s traveling a couple hundred miles to go play a game.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But spaces to play soccer at a competitive level in the Bay Area are limited.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But spaces to play soccer at a competitive level in the Bay Area are limited.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, when officials announced that the city’s historic Kezar Stadium will be the home field next season for the new Major League Soccer Next Pro team Golden City FC, that got \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084932/as-the-bay-area-prepares-for-world-cup-a-san-francisco-team-looks-for-a-way-forward\">pushback from San Francisco City FC\u003c/a> — the oldest supporter-owned soccer club in the country. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, when officials announced that the city’s historic Kezar Stadium will be the home field next season for the new Major League Soccer Next Pro team Golden City FC, that got \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084932/as-the-bay-area-prepares-for-world-cup-a-san-francisco-team-looks-for-a-way-forward\">pushback from San Francisco City FC\u003c/a> — the oldest supporter-owned soccer club in the country. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco City FC fans argued their team was being pushed out from where they’ve hosted games for the past decade. Tensions over who gets access to soccer fields \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/12/27/373284989/icymi-2014-soccer-field-standoff-highlights-gentrification-tension\">come up\u003c/a> decade after decade and are likely to become even more fraught as interest in the sport grows.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>San Francisco City FC fans argued their team was being pushed out from where they’ve hosted games for the past decade. Tensions over who gets access to soccer fields \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/12/27/373284989/icymi-2014-soccer-field-standoff-highlights-gentrification-tension\">come up\u003c/a> decade after decade and are likely to become even more fraught as interest in the sport grows.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12091748"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260701-WORLDCUPUSALEVIS-45-BL-KQED.jpg",
"heroImageLink": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/0-1.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ahead of the Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year, the U.S. can maintain its historic dominance of the sport by ensuring female players from low-income backgrounds have access to the sport, Tobis said, adding that if more facilities become available, there will be more opportunities for women and co-ed teams to develop across all competition levels.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Ahead of the Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year, the U.S. can maintain its historic dominance of the sport by ensuring female players from low-income backgrounds have access to the sport, Tobis said, adding that if more facilities become available, there will be more opportunities for women and co-ed teams to develop across all competition levels.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The U.S. Soccer Federation has also unveiled its own plan to prevent young players from leaving the sport, which includes millions of dollars \u003ca href=\"https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/02/us-soccer-awards-3-million-to-benefit-member-organizations-through-2024-innovate-to-grow-initiative\">in grants\u003c/a> to youth leagues nationwide, training more referees and promoting the game beyond the competitive club environment.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The U.S. Soccer Federation has also unveiled its own plan to prevent young players from leaving the sport, which includes millions of dollars \u003ca href=\"https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/02/us-soccer-awards-3-million-to-benefit-member-organizations-through-2024-innovate-to-grow-initiative\">in grants\u003c/a> to youth leagues nationwide, training more referees and promoting the game beyond the competitive club environment.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The next stage for soccer is to embrace everybody that can play. Get to those that have been put off in the past by the sheer cost of it,” Tobis said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The next stage for soccer is to embrace everybody that can play. Get to those that have been put off in the past by the sheer cost of it,” Tobis said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At Del Monte Park in San José, Maleda only has two hours available on Saturdays for youth practice. Coach Semert Haile knows time is limited and keeps her players, kids ages 7 and 8, moving. She said she started playing at the same age when she was living in Ethiopia. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At Del Monte Park in San José, Maleda only has two hours available on Saturdays for youth practice. Coach Semert Haile knows time is limited and keeps her players, kids ages 7 and 8, moving. She said she started playing at the same age when she was living in Ethiopia. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12092219,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092219\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-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\">Maleda Youth Soccer Club Coach Semert Haile throws a soccer ball into the air for her 6- and 7-year-old players during weekly practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Maleda Youth Soccer Club is primarily comprised of Ethiopian families.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092219\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer Club Coach Semert Haile throws a soccer ball into the air for her 6- and 7-year-old players during weekly practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Maleda Youth Soccer Club is primarily comprised of Ethiopian families.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And now as an adult living in San José, she’s always bringing new families into Maleda, so their kids can play soccer without blowing the budget.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And now as an adult living in San José, she’s always bringing new families into Maleda, so their kids can play soccer without blowing the budget.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s fun to play and learn with them. They have a pure heart,” she said between drills. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s fun to play and learn with them. They have a pure heart,” she said between drills. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The blazing San José sun doesn’t slow her down. She’s been coaching for more than a decade with Maleda and remembers when Girma and her family would come to practice. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The blazing San José sun doesn’t slow her down. She’s been coaching for more than a decade with Maleda and remembers when Girma and her family would come to practice. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Look where Naomi is now,” she said. “I have a vision that many of these girls and boys will be even better than Naomi. That’s my hope. That’s my dream.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Look where Naomi is now,” she said. “I have a vision that many of these girls and boys will be even better than Naomi. That’s my hope. That’s my dream.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ogpenn\">Pendarvis Harshaw\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ogpenn\">Pendarvis Harshaw\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "San José’s Ethiopian community prepares to root for local hero Naomi Girma ahead of the Women’s World Cup next year. The same club that saw her start continues making soccer affordable to families who also want a place to bring their kids closer to their heritage.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1791241883,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 42,
"wordCount": 2069
},
"headData": {
"title": "Maleda — Where San José’s Brightest Soccer Stars Get Started | KQED",
"description": "San José’s Ethiopian community prepares to root for local hero Naomi Girma ahead of the Women’s World Cup next year. The same club that saw her start continues making soccer affordable to families who also want a place to bring their kids closer to their heritage.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Maleda — Where San José’s Brightest Soccer Stars Get Started",
"datePublished": "2026-07-23T07:00:00-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-10-05T16:11:23-07:00",
"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-12091408",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12091408/maleda-where-san-joses-brightest-soccer-stars-get-started",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Cristiano Ronaldo takes the ball and pushes toward the opponent’s goal. He keeps it close and weaves past Lionel Messi. A few steps later, Messi again — in fact, there are quite a few Messis on this field. And even \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091779/bay-area-soccer-fans-celebrate-spains-world-cup-win\">a couple of Lamine Yamals\u003c/a> running around, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s Saturday morning at Del Monte Park in San José, and hundreds of kids have come out for practice with Maleda Youth Soccer Club. Inspired by this summer’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/world-cup\">World Cup\u003c/a>, many wear the jerseys of their favorite players.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Siuuu!” Christian Brook, 10, shouted after practice, emulating Ronaldo’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4677663/explained-cristiano-ronaldos-siuuu-celebration\">iconic celebration\u003c/a>. His team may have lost its scrimmage, but that doesn’t dim his smile.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Brook usually plays right wing and said that’s one of the reasons he likes Ronaldo, who excels in attacking positions. But when he plays defense, Brook thinks of another player — Naomi Girma, currently center back for England’s Women’s Super League club Chelsea FC and one of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40751304/uswnt-hayes-girma-best-defender-ever-seen\">most talented defenders\u003c/a> for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"933\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2000x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2000x933.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-160x75.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-1536x716.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/NaomiGirma-diptych-2048x955.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(L-R) Naomi Girma, #4 for the United States, celebrates after her team’s 1-0 victory against Colombia during a SheBelieves Cup match at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 7, 2026, in Harrison, New Jersey. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images) A young Naomi Girma, who has played soccer competitively since she was a child growing up in San José. (U.S. Soccer via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“She played here, just like us,” he said, adding that her family is Ethiopian, just like his. Dozens of other kids at practice immediately recognized Girma’s name and shouted with pride that the soccer superstar also hails from San José.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I started playing with Maleda,” Girma — who was unavailable for an interview for this story — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988410/naomi-girma-us-womens-soccer-star-returns-san-jose\">told KQED\u003c/a> a few months ago. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Girma’s father was one of the handful of South Bay immigrant parents who came together in 2004 to help start the club. “It was just for Ethiopian families to come together,” Girma said. “But I also had a lot of fun.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the 2026 Men’s World Cup takes its place in history, soccer fans now prepare for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The U.S. has won the tournament four times — the most of any nation — and Girma is a strong contender for the squad after a stellar performance in the last World Cup. In Maleda, families that saw her score her first goals are excited to cheer her on. And for some, Girma’s journey affirms one of the missions of the club: to help kids build a stronger sense of self through playing soccer and at the same time, learn more about their Ethiopian heritage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When our kids go to school, they are surrounded by many different cultures,” said Selome Alemayehu, the mother of two boys playing in Maleda. “But when they come here, they get the taste of Ethiopia. It’s important for them to also know where they came from, what their culture is, because they don’t see all these people Monday through Friday.”\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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092222\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-09-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Goalkeeper Andreas Demke, 12, catches a ball as Imani Moten, 10, watches nearby during Maleda Youth Soccer practice together at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Powered by the volunteer efforts of dozens of parents like Alemayehu, Maleda — which translates to “early morning” in Amharic — also provides an affordable entry to soccer, something experts say is necessary to help both women’s and men’s soccer in the U.S. grow stronger and develop the next generation of the sport’s superstars.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to research from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, soccer is more popular than ever, with more than 25 million Americans playing the sport this year. But data from the U.S. Soccer Federation shows that among kids, participation drops dramatically by the time they become teenagers. Around 70% of children quit by age 14. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Even though it’s hard for my kids to wake up for school, they’re the first ones waking up on Saturday morning,” Alemayehu said. “They rush me, instead of me rushing them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Especially my little one. He’s only 7, but he’s always saying he will be the next Maleda soccer player that’s going to be just like Naomi.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Being one’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been more than 20 years since Maleda head coach Solomon Wolday came to California from Ethiopia, where he first fell in love with soccer as a boy, playing with other kids on his street.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t take too much to get kids to get out and play,” he said. Like many of the other coaches on the field Saturday, Wolday is a volunteer and also a parent. All three of his daughters honed their soccer skills at Maleda.\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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer Head Coach Solomon Wolday checks in with his players after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Children can join the club as soon as they turn 5 and learn the basics — dribbling, passes, different formations. “It’s not very competitive at that level,” Wolday said, adding that the main objective is to help kids learn about the values that come with soccer. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They learn the value of hard work and teamwork,” he said. “It also shows them how to cope with losing.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Maleda only practices on Saturdays from March to August and charges families a $200 registration fee per season, regardless of how many kids a family has playing in the club. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Travel and academy clubs in the Bay Area, which usually have a more rigorous practice schedule and travel across the state to play in different tournaments, often charge thousands of dollars per player each season.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 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=\"12092225\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092225\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-15-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer players put their hands together after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 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=\"12092223\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092223\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-12-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer players sit in a circle after practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Maleda Youth Soccer Club is primarily comprised of Ethiopian families. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The club’s accessibility helps families get and stay involved, said Meseret Gualle, who forms part of Maleda’s leadership team and first joined when her daughter started playing four years ago. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Anyone can join the team, but most families trace their roots to Ethiopia. “We Ethiopians have a lot of different ethnicities, languages, tribes,” she said. “This program brings all of that together.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Bay Area has been home to a thriving Ethiopian community for more than 40 years. Many families who first moved to the region in the ’80s and ’90s were fleeing Ethiopia’s civil war and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905230/zeni-ethiopian-restaurant-san-jose\">found economic opportunities\u003c/a> in Silicon Valley building the electronic components for personal computers during the first dot-com boom. Thousands of Ethiopian families now help shape the identity of cities like San José and Oakland. And Meseret pointed out that it’s here in the Bay Area where Ethiopia’s vast cultural diversity meets in one place.\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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092221\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Abigail Kume, 10, puts her arm around Imani Moten, 10, during Maleda Youth Soccer practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Outside of what region you’re from, your religion or what language you speak, Maleda focuses on our kids,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are coaches who can talk to families in the language they’re most comfortable in, including Amharic, Oromo and Tigrinya. “We’re here for our heritage, culture, history and just being one,” Meseret said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What began as a community effort to provide a safe space for kids to play soccer and learn more about Ethiopian culture has become part of a bigger, cross-cultural push in the Bay Area to make soccer more accessible. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The region’s first National Women’s Soccer League team was founded in 2023 by four legends of the sport — Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton and Aly Wagner — who were either born in San José or played in the South Bay.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And as the U.S. prepares to both host and compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/16/united-states-womens-world-cup-2031-01002399\">2031 Women’s World Cup\u003c/a>, the country is looking for new ways to boost talent that’s historically been forced out of the sport because it’s too expensive. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting everybody on the field\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the U.S. men’s national team was eliminated from the World Cup with a 4-1 loss against Belgium, fans began debating what’s holding American soccer back from its full potential. Some \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7435754/2026/07/10/pay-to-play-us-youth-soccer-usmnt-world-cup/\">pointed\u003c/a> to the very high cost of joining youth teams — called “pay-to-play.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Young talented players whose families cannot pay thousands of dollars a year are left out of competitive clubs. The price of developing young soccer talent in many Latin American and European countries is a fraction of what it costs in the U.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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092220\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-04-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">6- and 7-year-old Maleda Youth Soccer players practice together at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Pay-to-play is part of the problem — but not the full picture, said Simon Tobin, head coach of men’s soccer at San José State University. “How can we make a sport that doesn’t cost a lot to play more cost-effective?” he said. “You shouldn’t have under 10s and under 11s traveling a couple hundred miles to go play a game.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But spaces to play soccer at a competitive level in the Bay Area are limited.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, when officials announced that the city’s historic Kezar Stadium will be the home field next season for the new Major League Soccer Next Pro team Golden City FC, that got \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084932/as-the-bay-area-prepares-for-world-cup-a-san-francisco-team-looks-for-a-way-forward\">pushback from San Francisco City FC\u003c/a> — the oldest supporter-owned soccer club in the country. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>San Francisco City FC fans argued their team was being pushed out from where they’ve hosted games for the past decade. Tensions over who gets access to soccer fields \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/12/27/373284989/icymi-2014-soccer-field-standoff-highlights-gentrification-tension\">come up\u003c/a> decade after decade and are likely to become even more fraught as interest in the sport grows.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ahead of the Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year, the U.S. can maintain its historic dominance of the sport by ensuring female players from low-income backgrounds have access to the sport, Tobis said, adding that if more facilities become available, there will be more opportunities for women and co-ed teams to develop across all competition levels.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The U.S. Soccer Federation has also unveiled its own plan to prevent young players from leaving the sport, which includes millions of dollars \u003ca href=\"https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/02/us-soccer-awards-3-million-to-benefit-member-organizations-through-2024-innovate-to-grow-initiative\">in grants\u003c/a> to youth leagues nationwide, training more referees and promoting the game beyond the competitive club environment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The next stage for soccer is to embrace everybody that can play. Get to those that have been put off in the past by the sheer cost of it,” Tobis said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Del Monte Park in San José, Maleda only has two hours available on Saturdays for youth practice. Coach Semert Haile knows time is limited and keeps her players, kids ages 7 and 8, moving. She said she started playing at the same age when she was living in Ethiopia. \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/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12092219\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/260718-MaledaYouthSoccer-JY-01-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maleda Youth Soccer Club Coach Semert Haile throws a soccer ball into the air for her 6- and 7-year-old players during weekly practice at Del Monte Park in San José, California, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Maleda Youth Soccer Club is primarily comprised of Ethiopian families. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And now as an adult living in San José, she’s always bringing new families into Maleda, so their kids can play soccer without blowing the budget.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s fun to play and learn with them. They have a pure heart,” she said between drills. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The blazing San José sun doesn’t slow her down. She’s been coaching for more than a decade with Maleda and remembers when Girma and her family would come to practice. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Look where Naomi is now,” she said. “I have a vision that many of these girls and boys will be even better than Naomi. That’s my hope. That’s my dream.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ogpenn\">Pendarvis Harshaw\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12091408/maleda-where-san-joses-brightest-soccer-stars-get-started",
"authors": [
"11708"
],
"categories": [
"news_28250",
"news_10"
],
"tags": [
"news_32707",
"news_1386",
"news_27626",
"news_18541",
"news_1489",
"news_21285",
"news_34078",
"news_28623",
"news_25293",
"news_26093"
],
"featImg": "news_12092226",
"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": {},
"racesGeneralEl2026Reducer": {},
"radioSchedulesReducer": {},
"listsReducer": {
"posts/news?tag=womens-sports": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 0,
"size": 12
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 12,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 41,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [
"news_12108576",
"news_12107759",
"news_12107530",
"news_12106966",
"news_12106058",
"news_12105350",
"news_12105116",
"news_12104461",
"news_12102708",
"news_12098165",
"news_12096884",
"news_12091408"
],
"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-sports": {
"isLoading": true
},
"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"
},
"source_news_12108576": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_news_12108576",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "The Bay",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/podcasts/thebay",
"isLoading": false
},
"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_33520": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33520",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33520",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Podcast",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Podcast Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33537,
"slug": "podcast",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/podcast"
},
"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_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_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_33812": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33812",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33812",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Interests",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Interests Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33829,
"slug": "interests",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/interests"
},
"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_22598": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_22598",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "22598",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "The Bay",
"description": "\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11638190\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/02/TheBay_1200x6301.png\" alt=\"\" />\r\n\u003cbr/>\r\n\r\nEvery good story starts local. So that’s where we start. \u003ci>The Bay\u003c/i> is storytelling for daily news. KQED host Devin Katayama talks with reporters to help us make sense of what’s happening in the Bay Area. One story. One conversation. One idea.\r\n\r\n\u003cstrong>Subscribe to The Bay:\u003c/strong>\r\n\r\n\u003ca href=\"https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bay/id1350043452?mt=2\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/01/Listen_on_Apple_Podcasts_sRGB_US-e1515635079510.png\" />\u003c/a>",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": "Every good story starts local. So that’s where we start. The Bay is storytelling for daily news. KQED host Devin Katayama talks with reporters to help us make sense of what’s happening in the Bay Area. One story. One conversation. One idea. Subscribe to The Bay:",
"title": "The Bay Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 22615,
"slug": "the-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/the-bay"
},
"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_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_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_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_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_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_26702": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_26702",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "26702",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "KQED guides",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "KQED guides Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 26719,
"slug": "kqed-guides",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/kqed-guides"
},
"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_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_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_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_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_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_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_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_32793": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_32793",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "32793",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Bay Area soccer",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Bay Area soccer Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 32810,
"slug": "bay-area-soccer",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/bay-area-soccer"
},
"news_4445": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_4445",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "4445",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "hockey",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "hockey Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4464,
"slug": "hockey",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/hockey"
},
"news_18541": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18541",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18541",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "San Jose",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "San Jose Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 91,
"slug": "san-jose",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/san-jose"
},
"news_1489": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1489",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1489",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "soccer",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "soccer Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1501,
"slug": "soccer",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/soccer"
},
"news_28623": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_28623",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "28623",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "women's soccer",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "women's soccer Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 28640,
"slug": "womens-soccer",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/womens-soccer"
},
"news_33736": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33736",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33736",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Arts and Culture",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Arts and Culture Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33753,
"slug": "arts-and-culture",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/arts-and-culture"
},
"news_18077": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18077",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18077",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Women's Health",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Women's Health Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 18111,
"slug": "womens-health",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/womens-health"
},
"news_21285": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_21285",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "21285",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "South Bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "South Bay Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21302,
"slug": "south-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/south-bay"
},
"news_26093": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_26093",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "26093",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "women's world cup",
"slug": "womens-world-cup",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "women's world cup | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null,
"metaRobotsNoIndex": "noindex"
},
"ttid": 26110,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/womens-world-cup"
},
"news_33738": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33738",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33738",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33755,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/california"
},
"news_33731": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33731",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33731",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "South Bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "South Bay Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33748,
"slug": "south-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/south-bay"
}
},
"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": {}
}
}
}
