Get ready for a thrilling journey as we dive into the world of basketball and the incredible Golden State Valkyries!
The Rise of the Valkyries
Five months ago, the Golden State Valkyries, San Francisco's very first WNBA team, took the court with a bang. Their inaugural season ended with a nail-biting 75-74 loss to the mighty Minnesota Lynx in the playoffs, but not before they captured the hearts of fans and became the most valuable team in the WNBA.
With the 2026 season still a way off, basketball enthusiasts can satisfy their cravings by tuning into Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. This league has been a showcase of intense, fast-paced action, with highlight-reel plays that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Unrivaled: A Platform for WNBA Stars
Unrivaled has become a haven for top WNBA talent during the league's offseason. This year, several Valkyries have joined the ranks, and they're making their presence felt. Let's take a closer look at their impact:
- Monique Billings, a powerhouse for Hive BC, ranks #2 in rebounds across the league, dominating the boards and asserting her presence near the basket.
- Veronica Burton, the WNBA's Most Improved Player last season, is ranked #1 in steals in Unrivaled. Her skills were on full display in the one-on-one tournament, where she defeated Courtney Williams of Breeze BC in a stunning 11-0 victory in just over a minute.
- Temi Fágbénlé brings a calm, commanding presence to every Lunar Owls BC game, contributing key shots and rebounds.
- Tiffany Hayes has established herself as a defensive force for Phantom BC, with her impressive blocks and unique style.
- Kate Martin's aggressive play, especially against Rose FC, has been a standout feature, leaving an indelible mark on the court.
- Laeticia Amihere, currently in the development pool, has been sharing glimpses of her training on social media, hinting at an exciting future impact.
Unrivaled Season Highlights
The 2026 Unrivaled season kicked off on January 5th and has been a weekly treat for basketball fans. The league even hosted a three-day one-on-one tournament earlier this month, where the best players competed for a grand prize of $200,000.
The Valkyries have certainly left their mark on this season, with their skills and presence felt across the league.
Catch the Action and Join the Valkyries Community
Unrivaled's regular season concludes on February 27th, with playoffs beginning the very next day. The semifinals will take place in Brooklyn, NY, on March 2nd, and the championship game is set for March 4th. Until then, fans can follow the Valkyries' journey through the remaining games and the highlights shared on the league's and players' social media accounts.
The next Unrivaled games are scheduled for Friday, February 20th. For the full 2026 schedule, visit the Unrivaled website.
If you're a Valkyries fan and want to watch the games with fellow enthusiasts, head over to Rikki's Bar (2223 Market St.) or Mother (3079 16th St.).
So, will you be joining the Valkyries' journey in Unrivaled? Don't miss out on the action!
And here's a thought-provoking question for our readers: In your opinion, what impact will the Valkyries' participation in Unrivaled have on their performance in the upcoming WNBA season? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
