The Valkyries Aren’t an Expansion Feel-Good Story Anymore — They’re Coming for the WNBA

The Golden State Valkyries have officially punched their ticket to the WNBA playoffs again, and at this point calling them a successful expansion franchise might actually undersell what they’re doing. Golden State beat the Dallas Wings 78-70 Monday night at Chase Center, improving to 25-9 and clinching a postseason berth for the second consecutive year. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 23 points, while Veronica Burton added 16 points and five assists.

What’s remarkable is how quickly expectations have changed. Golden State made history by reaching the playoffs during its inaugural season, but Year 2 looks less like a Cinderella story and more like a legitimate contender establishing itself among the WNBA’s best. The Valkyries entered the postseason picture with one of the league’s top records, and their defense again caused problems Monday, forcing Paige Bueckers into seven turnovers despite her 21 points for Dallas.

Making the playoffs once as an expansion team is a great story. Doing it again while sitting near the top of the league changes the conversation. Golden State isn’t simply trying to prove it belongs anymore. The bigger question heading toward the postseason is whether the Valkyries can turn one of the fastest franchise builds in WNBA history into a serious championship run.