NBA champion turns ‘lifelong’ Valkyries fan after WNBA team clinches finals berth

A short message on social media from one of the NBA’s most recognizable stars has added fresh mainstream attention to the Golden State Valkyries’ historic run.

Kyrie Irving added his name to the growing list of high-profile supporters of the expansion franchise after it punched its ticket to the 2026 WNBA Finals. The NBA champion posted a straightforward message on X.

From the source “Shoutout to the @valkyries. Y’all really are like that!! Got a lifelong supporter now!”

Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic, Orlando, Florida, USA Orlando, Florida, USA, November 6, 2023, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving 11 during the first half at the Amway Center. Copyright: xMartyxJean-Louisx Credits – IMAGO / Marty Jean Louis

The post on X from Irving came shortly after the Valkyries completed a sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals, securing a championship series matchup against the Atlanta Dream.

Irving’s stature as a former NBA Finals MVP and one of the league’s most skilled point guards gives the endorsement extra weight. His public declaration of lifelong support reflects the rapid rise in visibility the Valkyries have enjoyed in only their second season.

The franchise began play in 2025 and has quickly established itself as a competitive force with a disciplined defensive identity and strong chemistry under head coach Natalie Nakase.

Golden State finished the regular season as the No. 2 seed and then navigated a tough playoff route. After getting past the Dallas Wings, the Valkyries produced one of the postseason’s biggest upsets by eliminating A’ja Wilson and the Aces in three games.

That result set up an intriguing Finals series against an Atlanta Dream team that has gone undefeated in the playoffs, powered by Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese and a balanced supporting cast.

The Golden State Valkyries have set another landmark heading into the 2026 WNBA Finals, and this one has nothing to do with the court.

According to a Sportico report, published in The Guardian, the second-year franchise surpassed $100 million in annual revenue during the 2026 season, making the Valkyries the first WNBA team to reach that threshold and the first in any women’s professional sports league.

The financial growth reflects strong performance and fan support. Golden State finished the regular season 32-12, earned the No. 2 seed, sold out all 22 home games at Chase Center, and reached the Finals by sweeping the Dallas Wings and the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. A deep Finals run could push total revenue past $130 million.

Team president Jess Smith has pointed to the organization’s focus on meeting fan expectations and building a powerful, unapologetic identity. As the Valkyries prepare to face the Atlanta Dream for the title, the milestone shows how quickly the expansion franchise has turned competitive success into historic business results.

Do you think growing support from NBA stars will help the Valkyries build a lasting fan base beyond this Finals run?