Golden State Valkyries' First Home Playoff Game Moves to SAP Center in San Jose
The Golden State Valkyries will not host their second-round WNBA playoff game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, where they played all 22 regular-season games. Instead, the game will be held at the SAP Center in San Jose, home of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. This relocation is due to a scheduling conflict, as the Chase Center is booked for the 2025 Laver Cup tennis tournament, an event owned by Valkyries owner Joe Lacob. Despite the change, Valkyries fans remain enthusiastic, with record-breaking attendance during the regular season, averaging 18,064 fans per game and selling out every game. The team’s strong fan base and high home-court advantage, with a net rating 13.1 points better at home, highlight their popularity. The WNBA’s new playoff format this season guarantees a home game for each team, but relocations like this are not uncommon, as other teams have moved playoff games due to arena conflicts or renovations. The Valkyries’ move to SAP Center reflects the league’s flexibility and the team’s strong community support, with fans eager to continue cheering them on in San Jose.
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