Jason Kidd Excited for Golden State Valkyries’ Impact on Women’s Basketball in the Bay Area
Jason Kidd shares excitement for the Golden State Valkyries, the Bay Area’s newest WNBA franchise, and Natalie Nakase’s head coaching debut.
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks head coach and Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd is enthusiastic about the Golden State Valkyries, the newest WNBA franchise set to make its mark in the Bay Area beginning in 2025.
Kidd, a Bay Area native and coach of his girls’ basketball team, Jason Kidd Select, expressed excitement over the inspiration the Valkyries provide for current and future generations of players.
“It’s great for the W to be in the Bay, especially having a women’s program there. It gives our young ladies role models to look up to,” Kidd told DallasHoopsJournal.com before Sunday’s matchup involving the Mavericks and Warriors.
The Valkyries will be led by head coach Natalie Nakase, whose extensive resume includes stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, their G League affiliate, and the Las Vegas Aces. During the Aces’ back-to-back championship runs in 2022 and 2023, Nakase was a member of Becky Hammon’s coaching staff, becoming the first Asian American coach to win a WNBA title.
“I know Natalie. I’m excited for her coaching debut as a head coach,” Kidd told DallasHoopsJournal.com.
Earlier this month, the Valkyries made history as the WNBA’s newest franchise by selecting their first roster in the league's first expansion draft in 16 years. The Valkyries’ inaugural roster includes guards Kate Martin, Veronica Burton, Carla Leite, Julie Vanloo, forwards Maria Conde, Steph Talbot, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kayla Thornton, and Monique Billings, as well as centers Iliana Rupert, Temi Fagbenle and Maria Conde.
The franchise will share the Chase Center with the Warriors, with franchise owner Joe Lacob also serving as the Valkyries’ majority owner. The Warriors organization has embraced the Valkyries, with players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green publicly supporting the team wearing Valkyries gear.
“I think it’s great what the Warriors have done, and it’s going to be an incredible franchise,” Kidd told DallasHoopsJournal.com.
The addition of the Valkyries to the Bay Area’s sports scene reflects the continued growth of the WNBA, bringing new opportunities for young athletes and further cementing the region’s reputation as a hub for basketball excellence.
The Valkyries will tip off for the first time on May 16, 2025, when they face the LA Sparks at Chase Center.
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