Golden State Valkyries Forge Partnership with United Airlines
The Golden State Valkyries, the latest expansion team in the WNBA, have officially entered into a multi-year partnership with United Airlines. This collaboration, announced just ahead of the Valkyries’ inaugural season set to begin in May 2025, positions United as the official airline for the franchise’s founding partners and teams.
Founded in 2023, the Valkyries aim to leverage this partnership to enhance community engagement, foster youth development, and promote women’s sports in the Bay Area and beyond. Jess Smith, president of the Golden State Valkyries, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “United Airlines is standing with us as we build the Golden State Valkyries from scratch. We are aligned with our commitment to youth, education, and equity. This partnership will enable us to create community-driven programs that make a meaningful impact across the Bay Area.”
Introducing GSV Community Initiative in 2025
As part of the Valkyries’ Community Investment Strategy, the collaboration with United Airlines will launch two flagship programs coinciding with the team’s first season:
- Soaring to Her Program: This mentorship initiative will pair Bay Area girls with Valkyries players, coaches, and staff, focusing on leadership development and personal mentorship.
- Community Connectivity: This program will enhance the basketball experience for local youth teams through various offerings, including free tickets to Valkyries home games and skills clinics at the Sephora Performance Center in Auckland.
To further support these initiatives, United Airlines has pledged to donate $1 for every mile traveled by the Valkyries during the 2025 season, with an emphasis on increasing participation among girls in basketball and other sports.
Additionally, United Airlines will collaborate with the Valkyries to produce a digital content series that will provide fans with behind-the-scenes access and highlight the journeys of players throughout the season.
United Airlines’ Role in the Bay Area
As the largest airline operating at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), United Airlines offers around 300 domestic and international destinations on a daily basis. The airline significantly contributes to the local economy, having hired over 1,600 new employees in 2024 and committing to an additional 1,200 positions in 2025.
United Airlines will be actively engaged with the Valkyries’ founding partners, which include prominent organizations such as CarMax, JPMorgan Chase, Kaiser Permanente, and Sephora. According to Jennifer Entenman, Managing Director of Global Sponsorships at United Airlines, “This partnership will allow us to directly support the growth of women’s sports while committing to long-term youth-centric programming in the Bay Area.”
About the Golden State Valkyries
Formally announced as the WNBA’s 13th franchise on October 5, 2023, the Golden State Valkyries are set to play their home games at the Chase Center in San Francisco, in partnership with the Golden State Warriors. The franchise’s name is inspired by the Valkyries of Norse mythology, representing strength, courage, and leadership—qualities that resonate with the aspirations of modern female athletes.
Since their inception, the Valkyries have witnessed overwhelming interest, achieving a historic milestone in July 2024 when they became the first women’s sports team to receive over 15,000 season ticket deposits. By April 2025, the figure exceeded 22,000, cementing their status as a formidable presence in women’s sports.
Valkyries Leadership and Roster
The team is headed by Natalie Nakase, a distinguished coach with extensive experience in player development and strategy. Her background includes roles within the NBA and G-League, and she is notable for being the first Asian head coach of a WNBA team.
Current Roster
- Laeticia Amihere – Forward
- Chloe Bibby – Forward
- Monique Billings – Forward
- Veronica Burton – Guard
- Elissa Kunane – Center
- Temi Fagbenie – Center
- Tiffany Hayes – Guard
- Carla Late – Guard
- Kyara Linskens – Center
- Kate Martin – Guard
- Iliana Rupert – Center
- Janelle Salaun – Forward
- Stephanie Talbot – Forward
- Kayla Thornton – Forward
- Julie Vanlou – Guard
- Cecilia Zandarasini – Guard
The Golden State Valkyries are poised to make a significant impact in the league, with their home opener scheduled for May 16 against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center.