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Tickets for the Golden State Valkyries’ playoff games went on sale Friday. The first-year WNBA team has a passionate fanbase in the Bay Area, and businesses think that passion will translate into more local spending.
The Valkyries are making history as the first WNBA expansion team to make it to the playoffs in their first season. Due to a scheduling conflict at Chase Center where the Valkyries play their home games, the team’s “home” playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx will be held at San Jose’s SAP Center on Wednesday evening.
Businesses in downtown San Jose, in places like San Pedro Square and Little Italy, are expecting an economic ripple effect from the game.
“Businesses are prepping themselves; they’ve got increased staff members and food and beverage offerings and promotions, in preparation for the influx of people,” explained Kelly Rouillard, the head of marketing for the San Jose Downtown Association. Rouillard explained that some businesses are offering deals for people wearing Valkyries’ gear.
She also noted that the Valkyries have already developed a very passionate following in their inaugural year.
“That says a lot about who they are as a team and how they perform on the court. So already they have a huge fanbase,” she noted.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said he thinks the playoff game will be an opportunity for many Valkyries fans to spend extended time in San Jose.
“We hope people come a few hours early, grab a bite, a drink, maybe go play at Urban Putt, and then everything is a short walk to the SAP center,” Mahan said.
Mahan also noted there are many ways to access the game via public transportation; he recommends Caltrain for fans coming from San Francisco or the Peninsula.
“You can get from San Francisco to San Jose across the street from SAP Center in 55 minutes, with WiFi,” Mahan said.
Both Mahan and Rouillard noted that sports stand to make a major economic impact in the South Bay, with this WNBA game, as well as with the Super Bowl, several World Cup matches, and March Madness games in 2026.
San Francisco expects to see some buzz from the WNBA playoffs too.
On Friday, Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton joined Team President Jess Smith and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie as they raised the team’s flag over San Francisco City Hall.
Smith spoke with optimism about the team’s playoff potential.
“For me, I’m like the fans are, really just amazed at the work and wins that we got this season, and pretty bullish about what this postseason can feel like too,” Smith said.
When the Valkyries play game one in Minnesota on Sunday morning, there will be a watch party at Thrive City outside Chase Center as well.
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Alyssa Goard
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