Golden State Valkyries made WNBA history in their first season. Natalie Nakase won Coach of the Year and Veronica Burton became Most Improved Player, rewriting the league’s expectations.
It wasn’t supposed to happen this fast. Expansion teams in the WNBA are usually written off before opening night — a few highlight moments, maybe a crowd-pleasing win here and there, but nothing serious in year one. And yet, the Golden State Valkyries didn’t just show up. They came swinging, they made the playoffs, and now they’ve got a Coach of the Year and a Most Improved Player to their name.
What Natalie Nakase and Veronica Burton pulled off in 2025 wasn’t just surprising. It was groundbreaking.
From “building years” to a playoff run
When the Valkyries tipped off their inaugural season, most predictions were… let’s just say kind. “Give them three to five years,” analysts said. “Just focus on culture and development.”
Instead, the Valkyries went 23-21 and grabbed a playoff spot in their very first season. That’s not supposed to happen. Expansion teams don’t do that. But Golden State did, and they did it with a mix of grit, defense, and belief that felt contagious.
Fans bought in. Opponents were annoyed. And suddenly, this so-called “new kid” franchise was playing like they belonged.
Natalie Nakase: making history from day one
Let’s talk about Natalie Nakase, the woman steering this ship. In her first season as head coach, she won WNBA Coach of the Year. That’s not just impressive — it’s historic. No expansion coach had ever earned that honor before.
Nakase’s impact was everywhere. She built a defensive identity that made teams uncomfortable. Her group led the league in holding opponents to lower shooting percentages. On offense, the Valkyries weren’t built around one superstar — they spread the floor, they moved the ball, and they trusted each other.
Out of 72 votes, Nakase picked up 53. That’s domination. That’s respect. That’s proof that the league saw what she did and understood the scale of it.
Veronica Burton: the leap nobody saw coming
If Nakase was the architect, then Veronica Burton was the revelation. Left unprotected in the expansion draft, she wasn’t exactly on anyone’s “breakout stars” list. And yet, by the end of the season, she was holding the Most Improved Player award.
Her jump was stunning. More points. More assists. More rebounds. More steals. She didn’t just improve — she transformed. And the voters noticed: 68 out of 72 put her at the top. That’s almost unanimous.
For Burton, it was more than just numbers. She became a player her teammates leaned on. She took tough shots, handled pressure, and set the tone defensively. In a league that doesn’t hand out minutes easily, she carved out her place and then some.
Why this story matters for the WNBA
The Valkyries aren’t just a fun Cinderella story. They’re shaking up how people think about the WNBA.
- Expansion doesn’t have to equal years of losing. Golden State proved you can build something competitive immediately with the right mix of coaching and roster balance.
- Player development matters. Burton is living proof that opportunity can change careers.
- Coaches deserve spotlight. Nakase’s win highlights the importance of leadership, culture, and tactical creativity in shaping a franchise.
- Fans love underdogs. The Valkyries gave the league a narrative that drew attention beyond just their market. People across the WNBA world wanted to see how far this first-year team could go.
The ripple effect
So what happens now? Other expansion teams in the future are going to point at the Valkyries and say, “Why not us?” Front offices will have to think differently about how they draft, trade, and develop.
Veteran teams will adjust too. Nobody is going to underestimate Golden State next season. Opponents will gameplan harder, exploit weaknesses, and force Nakase and Burton to keep evolving.
And for the league, this success could mean more momentum. Strong stories build stronger ratings. Fresh faces winning awards open doors for endorsements, sponsorships, and a new generation of fans discovering the WNBA.
Why fans connected with this team
Part of what makes this run so powerful is the emotion behind it. Fans didn’t just cheer because the Valkyries were winning. They cheered because they were breaking the script.
They weren’t supposed to be here. And yet here they were — battling, grinding, smiling through the pressure, and proving that even in year one, greatness is possible.
For long-time WNBA watchers, it felt like a breath of fresh air. For new fans, it was the perfect entry point — a reason to believe, a story worth following.
Wrapping it up
The Golden State Valkyries’ debut season will go down as one of the most unforgettable first chapters in league history. Natalie Nakase set the tone with bold coaching and steady leadership. Veronica Burton shattered expectations and became a star in her own right. Together, they didn’t just compete — they changed the conversation around what’s possible in the WNBA.
And whether they build on this momentum or hit the bumps that often come with success, one thing is certain: the Valkyries have already left a permanent mark.
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