Golden State Valkyries Celebrate WNBA Title with Bay Area Parade

Tens of thousands of fans lined the streets of San Francisco on Wednesday for the Golden State Valkyries championship parade. The celebration followed the team's 68-63 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 on Saturday. Players had urged supporters to take the day off from work or school, and crowds responded in force.

The parade route began at Jack London Square in Oakland. The team started there near their downtown practice facility. Players posed with the WNBA championship trophy on stage. The group then boarded a ferry to cross San Francisco Bay.

The procession resumed at the San Francisco Ferry Building. It traveled through the city and ended near Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. The route allowed fans from both cities to view the team. Team mascot Vi, a raven, rode on a float during the event. Guard Juste Jocyte performed a hand gesture to the crowd. The gesture originated from Atlanta player Angel Reese, who used it in Game 3 to taunt the Valkyries bench. The Valkyries adopted the move as a celebratory signal.

Golden State was granted an expansion franchise three years ago. Owner Joe Lacob promised a championship within five years of the team's arrival. The franchise fulfilled that expectation in its second season. Coach Natalie Nakase led the squad to the title. The team became the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its inaugural year in 2025.

The win caps a rapid rise for the new league entry. The team overcame a mid-series deficit against Atlanta. The final score of 68-63 secured the first title in franchise history. Fans dressed in team colors filled the streets and rooftops. Champagne and dancing marked the occasion. The parade highlighted the team's connection to the Bay Area community.

The event concluded near the Giants' stadium. Players waved from a double-decker bus. The crowd included families and dedicated basketball fans. The celebration marked the end of the 2026 WNBA season for Golden State. The team now prepares for its third season of play.