What Expansion Teams Can Learn from the Golden State Valkyries

Ben returns to the show – joining Zena and Sabreena to discuss Rhyne Howard’s post-game comments concerning “MVP” chants breaking out for A’ja Wilson during the Aces-Dream game in Atlanta – plus, the crew digs in on Caitlin Clark’s new signature brand logo with Nike. Then, they do a deep dive on the Golden State Valkyries inaugural season – why they’ve had so much success both on the court and off, what future expansion teams can learn from their blueprint, and whether those news teams are positioned to thrive in the same way. Plus, Set Your Screens. 00:00 Intro 02:11 The Aces have been on roll 02:32 Atlanta Dream home crowds chants “MVP” for A’ja Wilson 09:08 Nike unveils Caitlin Clark new logo 17:09 Analyzing the Valkyries on-court strategy 18:54 How Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin helped shape the Liberty 20:25 The Valkyries investment in international players 23:39 Head coach Natalie Nakase sets the tone for the Valkyries 26:10 Taking a look at the Valkyries identity 28:55 What can future expansion teams learn from the Valkyries? 31:39 The Valkyries establishing their identity and mindset for success 34:07 The impact of the Golden State Warriors connections on e Valkyries  38:29 Will the blueprint of what the Warriors and Valkyries set up be replicated? 44:48 Community and market support for expansion teams 47:00 The importance of off-court culture #wnba #expansion #mvp Thumbnail: Kevin C. Cox, Andreea Cardani via Getty Images Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-offseason-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/id1699815468 Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com. You can also find us on socials: -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseason -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sports/?guccounter=1 Full Episodes Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm7txmok7cpMB3YlgkwrT2E0 Shorts Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm72uhBjsd24rsh5teZtgUpS