Entertainment
Golden State Valkyries Unveil Inaugural Jerseys Ahead of 2025 WNBA Debut – Essence
The Valkyries of the Golden State they’re officially here and making a press release.
The latest WNBA series presented his first T-shirts todaymarking a significant milestone for girls’s basketball within the Bay Area. And they did it in style, with events in Oakland and San Francisco bringing the community together in a celebration that was as powerful because the band itself.
Valkyrie uniforms don’t just look good – they tell a story. Drawing from the enduring Bay Bridge region and the fierce mythology behind their name, the tees are a contemporary tackle what it means to be fearless. Designed to represent the team’s dual cities of Oakland and San Francisco, the uniforms have fun the strength and spirit of the Bay Area.
“The inaugural Valkyrie uniforms are a visual interpretation of who we are: fierce, brave and strong,” said Kimberly Veale, the team’s senior vp of marketing and communications. “When each our athletes and fans placed on their Valkyrie uniforms during our inaugural season, they’ll embody this ethos. These uniforms represent one other necessary milestone for the franchise as we prepare to welcome WNBA basketball to the Bay Area in 2025.
The T-shirts reflect this ethos beautifully. The band’s global logo transforms the Bay Bridge right into a set of wings – a nod to each the band’s mythic inspiration and its geographical roots. Thirteen lines extending from the sword, which doubles because the bridge’s tower, represent the arrival of the Valkyries because the thirteenth energetic WNBA team. Two variations of the uniform were revealed: the Heroine Edition, with a white base symbolizing strength and power, and the Explorer Edition, a sleek black design with the team’s signature Valkyrie purple.
It’s clear that the Valkyries are about greater than just basketball – they’re constructing a brand that reflects resilience, culture and community. Since its announcement in October 2023, the team has taken on the role of a bridge between two of the Bay Area’s most iconic cities. The name Valkyries, taken from Norse mythology, conjures up images of female warriors flying through battlefields – an identity the band has proudly embraced.
Partnerships with key sponsors corresponding to JPMorgan Chase and Kaiser Permanente strengthen this mission. Kaiser Permanente, the team’s primary jersey sponsor, prominently displays its logo on the belly of the uniform, emphasizing the importance of health and strength. Chase Freedom, whose logo adorns the arm, continues its long-standing support of the Golden State sports ecosystem.
As anticipation builds for the Valkyries’ inaugural season in 2025, the team is already carving out its place in Bay Area history. The T-shirts are only the start of a story that is certain to encourage fans and athletes alike.