As the WNBA playoffs intensify, the excitement surrounding teams and their fan bases has reached a fever pitch. For the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team in their inaugural season, a surprising twist has emerged: their playoff game will not be held at Chase Center, where they have played all 22 of their regular-season matches. Instead, the Valkyries will be shifting to the SAP Center in San José, home of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, for their upcoming matchup against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. This decision, while puzzling to fans, stemmed from scheduling conflicts that have become a recurring theme in the league.
### Fan Support and Attendance
The Golden State Valkyries have established one of the most dedicated fan bases in the WNBA, drawing record-breaking attendance figures. Their games have consistently sold out, with an average of 18,064 fans per contest, making them the league leaders in attendance during their first season. This enthusiastic support encapsulates the growing interest in women’s basketball, as fans donned the team’s distinctive violet colors to create an electrifying atmosphere at their home games, affectionately dubbed “Ballhalla.”
Player Veronica Burton expressed confidence in the loyal Valkyries fan base, stating, “We have faith in our fans that they’re going to continue to show out for us wherever we play.” This statement reflects the resilience and enthusiasm of the Valkyries’ supporters, even amidst the unexpected relocation of playoff games.
### The Playoff Format Change
The current shift in playoff format is also noteworthy. The WNBA altered its postseason structure from 2022 to 2024 to secure a home game for each playoff team, ensuring that the postseason experience is more equitable for all participants. Previously, only the top four seeds were guaranteed a home playoff game, which often led to lower-seeded teams facing elimination on the road. However, the 2025 playoff format transitioned from a best-of-three series to a more balanced one-game elimination format known as 1-1-1.
While this change aims to empower teams and enhance local fan engagement, the Valkyries encountered unique challenges related to their home arena availability. Joe Lacob, the owner of the Valkyries, is also an investor in the Laver Cup, a prominent tennis tournament that will be hosted at Chase Center. This commitment was made two years prior to the WNBA’s expansion announcement, creating a scheduling conflict that led to the relocation of the Valkyries’ playoff matchup.
### History of Venue Relocations in the WNBA
The Valkyries’ situation is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader trend within the WNBA. Historically, several teams have faced venue relocations during critical playoff moments. For instance, during their journey to the WNBA Finals in 2021, the Phoenix Mercury had to relocate twice due to scheduled concerts and shows, such as a Maluma concert and Disney on Ice. Similarly, the Los Angeles Sparks faced a similar predicament in 2019, having to move a semifinal game from Crypto.com Arena to Long Beach State because of the Emmy Awards.
The Washington Mystics experienced a more extensive displacement, playing their entire postseason in 2018 away from their home arena due to renovations. This situation ultimately led to the Mystics relocating to CareFirst Arena the following year, highlighting the struggles teams face when arena availability becomes a pressing issue.
### The Future for the Valkyries
While the relocation of the Valkyries’ playoff game has raised questions among fans and media alike, there is hope that such conflicts will be less common in the future. The Valkyries have shown incredible support from their ownership group and the local community, and with the franchise’s bright future ahead, it is essential to ensure that logistical issues like arena availability do not hinder their growth or affect their fans’ experience.
It is crucial for the WNBA and teams to establish protocols and contingency plans to navigate scheduling conflicts and other unforeseen issues. While this season has brought unique challenges, the resilience of the Valkyries’ fan base, coupled with the growing popularity of women’s basketball, paves the way for a promising future for the franchise.
### Conclusion
The decision to move the Golden State Valkyries’ playoff game away from Chase Center underscores ongoing logistical challenges that some WNBA teams face in securing home games during the postseason. Fan support, attendance records, and shifts in playoff format reflect a promising trajectory for women’s basketball, yet the issue of venue availability remains a critical one. As the Valkyries continue to leave their mark in the league, fans will undoubtedly follow the team wherever it goes, standing proud in their violet colors and creating supportive environments, regardless of the location. The Valkyries may not be playing at Chase Center, but their spirit and commitment from their fan base are undeniably strong, ensuring that their inaugural playoff run remains an unforgettable journey.
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