The WNBA's new team finally has a name.
The Northern California based team will be called the Golden State Valkyries, the team announced on Tuesday, May 14 on Good Morning America. The team is owned by the same group that manages the NBA's Golden State Warriors, led by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber.
"A combination of strength and grace, the Golden State Valkyries are writing the next chapter in the epic tale of the WNBA," the caption of the new team's announcement post on social media read.
A combination of strength and grace, the Golden State Valkyries are writing the next chapter in the epic tale of the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/25NVgnBmU6
— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) May 14, 2024
The term "Valkyrie" comes from Norse mythology and means a "host of warrior women," according to a press release by the team. That makes the team name akin to their NBA counterpart's Warriors moniker without literally being called "Lady Warriors" as some pundits have recently suggested that WNBA teams should do.
Related: WNBA is expanding again, now with its first team outside the U.S.
The Valkyries are not keeping the same color scheme as the yellow and blue of the Warriors as well, unlike many of the other WNBA teams owned by their NBA counterparts.
According to the team's press release, its primary color is "Valkyrie Violet" for "power, ambition, nobility, and women's empowerment, much like purple has been used symbolically in modern history."
The beauty is in the details. pic.twitter.com/6u3INGX6dS
— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) May 14, 2024
The new expansion team, which was announced in October, is expected to debut in the 2025 season. The Warriors ownership group reportedly paid a WNBA record $50 million expansion fee for the WNBA's first expansion team since 2008.
Related: The harsh reality behind the shockingly low WNBA contracts
Last week, CBC reported that another WNBA expansion team is expected by the 2026 season. The team will be based in Toronto and will be the first WNBA team outside of the United States.
More Women’s Basketball:
- The harsh reality behind the shockingly low WNBA contracts
- Is Caitlin Clark losing money by going to the WNBA? Here are both sides of the argument
- WNBA Commissioner has big plans for the league's next media rights deal
The WNBA's 2024 season, which is one of the most anticipated in the history of the league due to the arrival of rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, tips off tonight.
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