The Golden State Valkyries have defied all the odds this season. Coming in as an extension team, no one really had high hopes for the franchise. And this is exactly why the team is facing a scheduling conflict in the playoffs. As per reports, the Valkyries played their first home game at SAP Center. Instead, the Chase Center will witness the Laver Cup tennis clash in the meantime. Thankfully, every dark cloud seemingly has a silver lining.
While the relocation initially had the fans and the team fuming, the current scenario is looking a bit more upbeat. As the team is coming to San Jose, the local businesses are looking forward to increased sales during the event.
Golden State Valkyries Might Help San Jose Businesses Bloom
The Valkyries have been phenomenal in their regular season. With Natalie Nakase getting the AP Coach of the Year award, it is evident that the craze surrounding the franchise has been quite high. After their Game 1 loss, the team will be eager to bounce back. As the tickets went on sale, the passionate fanbase back at the Bay Arena was ready to show their support. And with it, spots like Little Italy and San Pedro Square are expecting a boom in business.
“Businesses are prepping themselves; they’ve got increased staff members and food and beverage offerings and promotions, in preparation for the influx of people,” said the head of marketing for the San Jose Downtown Association, Kelly Rouillard.
The Valkyries said in a statement that they will play their first home playoff game at SAP Center in San Jose with the Lavar Cup tennis tournament set to take place at Chase Center in mid-September.
— Ben Pickman (@benpickman) September 5, 2025
Per the team, Oakland Arena also had a scheduling conflict.
She also noted that some businesses are planning to come up with special offers and deals for people sporting Valkyries’ gear. Meanwhile, falling to the Seattle Storm in their playoff debut, coach Nakase shouldered full responsibility.
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Natalie Nakase Takes One For Golden State Valkyries’ Loss
After a strong showing in the regular season, the Valkyries wanted to conquer the playoffs, too. While the expectations were sky-high, things did not pan out exactly in the manner that they would have liked. Squaring off against the Storm, the Valkyries succumbed to a defeat. However, the team surely did impress. But as disappointment followed, Nakase did not shy away from taking the blame on herself.
“We had a good third quarter. Defensively, we started out great. But again, we have to continue to execute and understand that every possession matters. To me, we kind of lost a bit on the rebounding. So again, that’s something I have to be mindful [of]. Who am I putting in? What are the matchups down the stretch?… I can’t make any errors down the stretch,” Nakase said.
Surely, it is evident that the Valkyries are charged up for Game 2. Now, fans will be excited to see whether Nakase and her team can bounce back or not.