SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Golden State Valkyries' historic first season in the WNBA came to an end Wednesday as they suffered a loss in Game 2 of the playoffs to the Minnesota Lynx.
Season ends
The final score was 75 to 74 as the Lynx will advance in the playoffs. The Valkyries headed into the game knowing they'd be doing so on an unfamiliar court.
The game was played before a sell-out crowd of 18,543 fans at the SAP Center in San Jose. It was the second time the two teams have faced off. Game 1 was at the Lynx home arena, the Target Center in Minneapolis.
Shortly after the loss, the team posted to social media: "Fairytale beginnings. Thank you for everything, Ballhalla."
The NBA's Goldent State Warriors posted on social media to congratulate the team for their efforts. They said the Valkyries had an incredible year.
Playoff games are typically held at the teams' home arenas but a scheduling issue forced the Valkyries out of their home court, the Chase Center.
Team owner Joe Lacob is an investor in the tennis tournament the Laver Cup, and agreed two years ago to host the 2025 event at the Chase Center. That agreement was made prior to the WNBA awarding an expansion team to Golden State.
The Laver Cup consists of five sessions played over three days, from Friday to Sunday.
The Valkyries brought a piece of home with them: the Chase Center's hardwood floor was transported and rebuilt at SAP Center, and the arena's risers were rearranged to mirror the layout at "Ballhalla," the nickname Valkyries fans have bestowed on the Chase Center.
But it wasn't enough to overcome the Lynx. The top-seeded Midwestern team rallied from a 17-point, third-quarter deficit to beta the Valkyries in the end.
South Bay excitement
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said the city is excited to host the game.
"The Valkyries are really the Bay Area's team. They may play at Chase (Center) most of the time, but we're honored to host them here," Mahan said.
The WNBA had previously changed its postseason rules to ensure a home game for each playoff team. Between 2022 and 2024, only the top four seeded teams were guaranteed a home playoff game.
Celebrating
Local perspective:
The Valkyries held a playoff block party prior to Wednesday's game.
The celebration was held from 4:30 to 6:30 on Barack Obama Boulevard. The event featured DJ Lady Ryan, performances and hype routines from Valkyries Entertainment, as well as basketball activities on a full court. Fans could also enjoy photo opportunities, face painting, balloon artists, and kids activities including crafts and a ball pit. There will also be Valkyries merchandise for sale, complimentary giveaways and food trucks.
The city of San Jose also displayed violet lighting in honor of the Valkyries' playoff run. Landmarks including San Jose Civic, San Pedro Square Market Arch, Post Street and the Santa Clara Corridor, among others, were illuminated in the team's colors.
Starting strong
The backstory:
The WNBA announced the Golden State expansion team in 2023. Within the first five hours of accepting deposits for season tickets, the new team had received 2,000 deposits.
In their first season, the team led the WNBA in attendance with over 18,000 fans per game, and sold out every contest for the highest average attendance in league history.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.