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2d ago

Valkyries Clinch Playoffs, Move First Home Game to San Jose’s SAP Center

The change stems from a long-booked Laver Cup at Chase Center that leaves no time to convert the venue for midweek playoff dates.

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John Hefti-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Golden State sealed a postseason berth with an 84-80 win over the Dallas Wings, becoming the WNBA’s first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season.
  • Game 2 of the first-round series on Sept. 16 or 17 will be played at SAP Center in San Jose because Chase Center is committed to the Laver Cup, which includes a Sept. 18 practice day and extended setup.
  • The team considered Oakland Arena and Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, but Oakland was unavailable due to a property-wide private event and SAP Center was deemed the best fit.
  • Under the WNBA’s 1-1-1 first-round format and with Golden State unable to finish in the top four, the Valkyries will host only Game 2, with Games 1 and (if necessary) 3 on the road.
  • Golden State leads the league in attendance with a season-long sellout streak, and the relocation has renewed scrutiny of recurring WNBA venue conflicts highlighted by players and union leaders.