• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Valkyries Are Only Latest WNBA Team To Be Displaced in Playoffs

The Phoenix Mercury, Los Angeles Sparks, and Washington Mystics have all been booted from their home arenas during the playoffs because of scheduling conflicts in recent years. 

Valkyries
John Hefti-Imagn Images

Moments after the Golden State Valkyries made history as the first WNBA expansion franchise to clinch a playoff berth in their first season, a harsh reality set in. 

The Valkyries’ beloved Ballhalla—the team’s nickname for the Chase Center—will not be available for the franchise’s first playoff game. 

“For our historic playoff berth we will replicate the energy that was so loud here tonight at Ballhalla in a new environment,” Valkyries president Jess Smith said in a statement to season ticket holders. “Due to a previously scheduled event at Chase Center, our first round game will be played at SAP Center in San Jose.”

The Valkyries are 23–18 with three games left in the regular season. As one of the bottom-four seeds, they will host Game 2 of the three-game first round series. The WNBA changed its playoff format after last season, bringing back a 1-1-1 format. The higher seed will host games 1 and 3.  

The Laver Cup—Roger Federer’s international men’s team tennis tournament—has the Chase Center booked Friday, September 19 to Sunday September 21. They booked the venue in 2023, before the Valkyries existed, according to Smith’s statement. She added that the team explored other options in an attempt to host the game at their regular venue to no avail. 

The SAP Center is an hour’s drive south of San Francisco, over 40 miles away by the shortest route. The team explored closer venues, like Oakland Arena, which also had a scheduling conflict, Smith said. There is a Sam Hui benefit concert at the arena on September 20. 

The issue is a longstanding one in the WNBA. In 2018, the Mystics were booted from Capital One Arena and forced to play three of their playoff games at George Washington University’s Charles E. Smith Center. Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, which decided the series, was played at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, with a capacity of 10,000 and 20 miles away from Capital One. 

The same year, the Mercury had a playoff game moved from their home arena to Arizona State’s Desert Financial Arena because of a J. Cole concert. In 2019, the Sparks were moved to Long Beach State because of the Emmy Awards red carpet. 

The Mercury were displaced again in 2021 for two playoff games. The team’s first-round, single elimination game was moved to GCU Arena because of a concert. They were moved again in the semifinals to Desert Financial Arena due to Disney on Ice, and nearly had to move another semifinal game because of a Suns preseason game. Instead, the Suns and Mercury—who have the same owners—played a doubleheader.

Liberty forward and two-time MVP Breanna Stewart shared her annoyance with the Valkyries’ situation in an interview with Bay Area publication SFGATE. 

“You want to think that you’re past it,” Stewart said.  “We want to think that we’re, like, better than this. Listen, sometimes it’s out of the control of everyone involved. But it’s just …you don’t see it happening with the NBA.”

The Valkyries led the league in attendance averaging 18,064 fans per game. The Fever are next on the list provided by Across The Timeline with 16,665. The Liberty’s 16,245 average home attendance is third in the league. 

Fans and media members alike praised the environment at the Chase Center for the Valkyries’ playoff-clinching win over the Dallas Wings on Thursday night. Coach of the Year candidate Natalie Nakase commended the San Francisco fans postgame. 

“The crowd was unbelievable tonight,” she said. “I couldn’t hear anything.” 

The team will look to recreate that energy in San Jose. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kuminga

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the second half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

NBA to Sell Franchises in Basketball Africa League

Suns rookie Khaman Maluach played in the BAL before going to Duke.
Napheesa Collier

Napheesa Collier Torches WNBA: ‘Worst Leadership in the World’

The Lynx star blasted commissioner Cathy Engelbert in her exit interview.

Featured Today

Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.

MLB’s Managerial Carousel Spins Early As MLB Playoffs Begin

The Giants, Rangers, and Twins fired their managers, with other moves expected.
September 29, 2025

MLB National TV Ratings Rise by Double Digits in 2025

The league posts audience increases across national and local television.
September 30, 2025

Kirill Kaprizov’s Mega-Deal Signals New Era in NHL Spending

The NHL team raises its prior offer and closes the deal.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) in action with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz (8) during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
September 29, 2025

Global Soccer Union Says Players Need More Rest Time

The Club World Cup shortened many teams’ offseason windows.
September 29, 2025

PGA of America in Crosshairs After Ryder Cup Issues On, Off Course

The organization is responsible for the logistics of the event in the U.S.
September 29, 2025

Paramount+, CBS Land Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing in 5-Year Deal

The CBS Sports parent company expands its relationship with TKO Group Holdings.
September 28, 2025

MLB Tops 71.4 Million Fans, First 3-Year Growth Run Since 2007

Even with several club-related issues, there’s more growth at the gates.