How the Golden State Valkyries became the WNBA’s breakout expansion team

Valkyries president Jess Smith shares how the new WNBA team broke season ticket records, built a loyal fan base, and leveraged Caitlin Clark’s impact—all in its first year.

The week of the WNBA All-Star Game, Jess Smith, president of the Golden State Valkyries, shares how the team has quickly built a brand identity in its first year in the league—breaking season ticket records, surpassing expectations on and off the court, and setting a template for future expansion teams. Smith digs into the business impact of “Caitlin-mania,” how sports is a reflection of wider trends in society, and critical lessons learned in a career that spans the MLB, NHL, Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League—and now the WNBA.