As much as the Golden State Valkyries entered the league with massive hype, they made it to the playoffs, creating history in the league. Obviously, home fans will be looking forward to the first playoff home game, but sadly, in the case of the Valkyries, they will play the first round away from their regular home court, and fans are blaming owner Joe Lacob for it.
When the team clinched the playoff spot, news broke that the Golden State Valkyries would play the first home playoff game away amid a scheduling conflict with the Laver Cup. The venue will be the SAP Arena in San Jose.
Draymond Green Supports Golden State Valkyries’ Owner Joe Lacob
The WNBA broke its attendance record in the 2025 season in August, and the Valkyries’ Chase Center played a huge role in that. The side had sold out home games – all 22, showing how much the fans in the Bay Area love their WNBA team.
Securing the sixth place in the league standings, the side will play its first playoff game away, while hosting the second game in the three-game first round series. Sadly, due to the overlapping Laver Cup Schedule, the game is shifted to SAP Arena, San Jose. The 40-mile distance could impact fans’ attendance, and they are already fuming at owner Joe Lacob.
But Draymond Green sided with the Valkyries’ owner and mentioned that he must have done everything in his power.
“Joe probably did everything he could to cancel that event at Chase. And is probably losing it on anyone who had something to do with that scheduling,” Green said.
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PLAYOFFS BABYYYYY ✨🪽 pic.twitter.com/u1RTTdXsFV
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) September 5, 2025
While the team will look to take the situation and play their hearts out on the court, the iconic arena was an essential aspect of their game.
Chase Center Plays Important Role In Golden State Valkyries’ Success
The expansion team found success right from the start of the season and recorded 10 wins in the first half of the season. Seven of those 10 wins have come at Chase Center, which has been dubbed “Ballhalla” when the Valkyries are residing there. During the opening game, the HC Natalie Nakase mentioned the atmosphere was everything she hoped it would be as Chase Center filled to the brim with the largest crowd for a WNBA franchise debut in league history.
The fans showed up in numbers and were one of the loudest crowds in the league. Home of NBA team, Golden State Warriors, found success in recent decade with six finals apperances and four titles. The Valkyries got inspiration from the champion arena.