Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase defined her tenure by an impatience for greatness that defied the typical expansion team trajectory. After shattering expectations in 2024 by becoming the first expansion franchise to secure a playoff berth, Nakase refused to settle for mere contention, insisting the roster—largely composed of expansion draft picks—was capable of a title run in 2025. That aggressive standard-setting, paired with the ironclad guarantee from owner Joe Lacob that the team would win a championship within its first five seasons, transformed Golden State from a hopeful newcomer into an immediate powerhouse.
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The 2025 title validates Lacob’s bold promise and cements the Valkyries as a legitimate force in the league’s hierarchy. However, the most critical factor in their sustained success is the trajectory of star forward Gabby Williams. At 30 years old, Williams is entering her physical prime with significantly fewer career miles on her legs than her peers, a distinct advantage stemming from her absence from year-long professional seasons during the 2021-2022 period. This preserved athleticism allows her to operate at an elite level while still possessing the room to develop deeper skills, making her a long-term cornerstone rather than a fleeting star.
For the rest of the WNBA, the emergence of Golden State signals a shift in competitive balance that will be difficult to counter in the short term. The combination of a coach who treats every season as a final exam and a young, physically dominant superstar creates a formidable foundation. The Valkyries are not merely a one-year wonder; they are the infancy of a new era. With the structural support of Lacob’s ownership and the talent ceiling of Williams, Golden State is built to last, and the league should brace for a multi-year reign.
Source: Yahoo Sports
