The San Francisco Bay Area’s newest sports sensation is ready to make waves in women’s professional basketball. The Golden State Valkyries debut tonight at Chase Center, marking a historic moment for local sports fans and the WNBA.

With ticket prices soaring and season passes already selling like hotcakes, the Valkyries are proving that women’s basketball has massive appeal. The minimum ticket price for tonight’s inaugural game sits at $91, with courtside seats reaching an eye-popping $4,865. These prices reflect the immense excitement surrounding the team’s first official game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

The team’s roster and strategy have already sparked intense discussion. Despite cutting two of their three WNBA draft picks, the Valkyries seem to be playing a long-term game. Their top draft pick, 19-year-old Lithuanian prospect Justė Jocytė, won’t join the team until mid-season or potentially next year.

Some speculate the team might be strategically positioning themselves for future drafts, potentially targeting college stars like Lauren Betts or Olivia Miles. The team’s marketing is already leaning into their queer-friendly branding, with the cheeky fan motto “Put your V’s Up” resonating with the LGBTQ+ community.

Broadcast options for fans include local TV on KPIX+, radio on 95.7 The Game, and a national ABC broadcast on June 7th when they face the Las Vegas Aces. The most anticipated game might be the June 19th matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, which is already seeing average ticket prices of $519.

Whether the Valkyries are building for future success or aiming to make an immediate impact, one thing is certain: Bay Area basketball just got a whole lot more exciting.