The Golden State Valkyries joined the league as an expansion team this year. While not many people had big expectations, Natalie Nakase and her team had other goals. Displaying some incredible performances, Valkyries became the only extension team in history to qualify for the playoffs on debut.
As a result, the likes of Tiffany Hayes heaped praises on the Valkyries for exceeding expectations. However, despite all the success, two new extension teams, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, might surpass the Golden State in one key area.
From selling out every single home game to giving a tough fight to the big guns, the Valkyries had done it all. And it might be quite challenging for the two new franchises to match that level. However, when it comes to free agency gains, the two new teams might just overshadow Valkyries.
Toronto Tempo And Portland Fire Eyes Better Free Agency Purchase Than Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries were a bit unlucky when it came to acquiring players from free agency. That is because last year, there were only a limited number of big names available in the agency. Unfortunately, despite the likes of Nneka Ogwumike, Brionna Jones, Brittney Griner, Natasha Howard, Tina Charles, DeWanna Bonner, Courtney Vandersloot, and Tiffany Hayes available, the Valkyries could only manage to land Hayes.
Thankfully, that won’t be the case this time around. As Fire and Tempo come in, they will have a plethora of options. Almost every veteran has entered free agency this year. It includes some big names, such as A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, Arike Ogunbowale, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Satou Sabally.
With the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire entering the league next spring, two Minnesota players are almost guaranteed to be reallocated.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 29, 2025
Then, there is an all-hands-on-deck free agency, in which practically every veteran is on the market. pic.twitter.com/rSZLQ0C9LP
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Now then, while not everyone will be leaving their current home, some of these stars surely would want to get a move on. Meanwhile, even if the teams manage to build a strong team, it would be very difficult for them to match the Valkyries’ performance. After all, head coach Natalie Nakase was honored as AP Coach of the Year.
Golden State Valkyries Head Coach Natalie Nakase Gets Emotional After Winning Coach Of The Year
The writing was pretty much on the wall for Natalie Nakase. And it was for a good reason, too. Looking at how well Nakase had managed her team in her first attempt, it was evident that the Coach of the Year was going her way. Finishing with an impressive 23-21 record, Nakase won the award with 53 out of 72 votes. Following her triumph, Nakase became emotional as she dedicated her award to her late father, Garry Nakase.
“Look, you gave me the inspiration and motivation to just keep going. My father passed. But look, we’re, you know, we’re going to do this for our dads. And that really resonated. As you guys all know, my dad is my hero. He’s an iconic dad, and for him not to be here today, but hopefully he’s watching, you better be watching, Dad. It’s cool that I could resonate with so many people when I get to share my story. So thank you guys for allowing me to share my story,” Nakase said.
Well, it is pretty much evident that Nakase and the Valkyries have set quite a high bar. Now, it will be up to the Fire and Tempo to up the ante further.