The WNBA has its fair share of unique team names that you won't find in other leagues — Indiana Fever, Washington Mystics, Atlanta Dream, just to name a few.
But there is now a new leader in the clubhouse for the best nickname in the WNBA — the Golden State Valkyries.
The 13th franchise in the league officially revealed its team name Tuesday, and it's one that surely will catch the attention of fans.
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
Join our ascent. pic.twitter.com/39npVRfDPm
— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) May 14, 2024
Golden State was awarded an expansion team, bringing professional women's basketball to the Bay Area in California. The next step in the process was unveiling the team name, and now there is an official moniker for the San Francisco-based organization.
While avid fans of the video game, God of War, or readers of Norse mythology may have an understanding of what a Valkyrie is, there are certainly plenty who need a lesson on the meaning behind the team name.
The Sporting News explains what a Valkyrie is and more to know about the Golden State WNBA team.
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What is a Valkyrie?
Valkyrie is a term tied to Norse mythology. Its specific meaning is "chooser of the slain."
It is considered to be "any of a group of maidens who served the god Odin and were sent by him to the battlefields to choose the slain who were worthy of a place in Valhalla," according to Britannica.
Valhalla is considered Norse heaven, where the god Odin resided. Valkyrie would decide whether the soul of a deceased warrior is worthy of a place in Valhalla or not. If a soul was selected by the Valkyrie to join Odin, they would wait until Ragnarok, an apocalyptic event told in Norse mythology, to fight alongside the god in war.
"The Valkyries were important figures in Norse culture for the same reason strength and tactic were: greater success in battle," Study.com said. "The Valkyries were an inspiration to warriors to fight in a way that was worthy of Valhalla, so this idea was just as powerful as literal power."
Why is Golden State called the Valkyries?
The organization did not settle on Valkyrie overnight. The team did extensive research and got input from fans in the area before deciding on the name tied to Norse mythology.
"Communities own sports teams, so it’s only fitting that as we embarked on the brand identity development process, we really listened to the fans and selected a name that they wanted," Amanda Chin said, Warriors senior vice president of marketing. "Through surveys and social media, the name that continued to come up the most, by far, was Valkyries.
"Once we completed a rigorous process to examine and approve the name, we worked around the clock to build the supporting brand elements that our players and fans alike would be proud to represent."
We are the Golden State Valkyries
— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate) May 14, 2024
Narrated by Kehlani pic.twitter.com/VGY0AAJKa5
There are plenty of elements in the brand that tie itself to the Bay Arena. The Bay Bridge is the most noticeable, which is in the center of the logo. There is also the bridge tower and cables which have double meanings in the logo.
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Here is more on what the WNBA said about the logo:
"The bridge tower doubles as a sword—a symbol of courage, power, and authority. Swords are weapons frequently depicted with Valkyries in mythology.
"The bridge cables double as wings, a strong telegraphic symbol of Valkyries. The five triangles formed within the wings represent the five players facing each other on each side of the court."
In addition, the 13 lines from the top of the sword represent the Valkyries becoming the 13th franchise. The color violet "symbolizes power, ambition, nobility, and women’s empowerment, much like purple has been used symbolically in modern history."
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When will the Golden State team join the WNBA?
Golden State is set to start play in the WNBA in 2025, making it the 13th franchise in the league.
"We’re coming in here, number one, to win," Warriors chairman Joe Lacob said. "Number two, we want to see this league and women’s basketball grow, and we hope to be a big part of it."
The Golden State team will join the NBA's Warriors in the San Francisco Bay Area, the WNBA announced in October. The WNBA team will operate under the same ownership pairing of Lacob and Peter Guber.
Where will the Golden State WNBA team play games?
The Golden State WNBA team is set to play its games at Chase Center in San Francisco, the same venue the Warriors call home.
The organization will be headquartered in Oakland, using the practice facility and front office used by the Warriors from 1997-2019.
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