In a breakthrough moment for Bay Area women’s sports, the Golden State Valkyries have clinched a playoff spot in their inaugural WNBA season, becoming the first expansion team in the league’s 29-year history to achieve this milestone. The team’s electrifying victory against the Dallas Wings on Thursday night sent fans into a frenzy, with players like Janelle Salaun and Veronica Burton leading a comeback that secured their postseason berth.

However, the celebration comes with a bittersweet twist. Despite selling out every home game at Chase Center and generating massive local support, the Valkyries will not host their first playoff game in San Francisco. The arena is already booked for the Laver Cup tennis tournament during the playoff dates, forcing the team to relocate their home game to SAP Center in San Jose.

The playoff-clinching game was a nail-biter, with the Valkyries trailing for much of the match. Salaun’s 19-point performance and Burton’s clutch final shot over top draft pick Paige Beuckers ultimately sealed the victory. The team now sits securely in playoff position, with the potential to finish as high as fifth place in the league standings.

The remaining three games of the season will be crucial, featuring challenging matchups against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx and the playoff-hungry Seattle Storm. These final games will determine the Valkyries’ playoff seeding and their chances of advancing in the postseason tournament.

While playing their home playoff game 55 miles away from their home court is undoubtedly frustrating for fans and players alike, the Valkyries have already defied expectations in their first year. Their ability to clinch a playoff spot as an expansion team is a testament to their talent, resilience, and the passionate support of Bay Area basketball fans.

As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on this groundbreaking team to see how far they can go in their remarkable debut season.