When the announcement was made that the Golden State Warriors would be venturing into the world of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), co-owner Joe Lacob wasted no time in making a bold declaration. He confidently proclaimed that the organization will bring home a championship within the first five years of the franchise’s existence. This statement epitomizes the Warriors’ mindset towards their entry into the WNBA – they are not simply content with participating; they strive to be the best. This unwavering commitment to excellence is deeply rooted in the organization’s DNA, and they aim to replicate their success on the basketball court and beyond.
A decade ago, Lacob promised Warriors fans that he would lead the team to greatness when he acquired the organization in 2010. True to his word, the Warriors have been a dominant force in the NBA, winning four championships and making two additional NBA Finals appearances since Lacob and Peter Guber took over. Now, with their entry into the WNBA in 2025, the Warriors hope to bring the same level of success to their new team.
The idea of bringing a WNBA team to the Bay Area has been in the works since 2010. The Warriors have long been committed to fostering a basketball community in the region that thrives year-round. The decision to enter the WNBA was a logical step towards realizing this vision. Talks of establishing the Warriors’ WNBA team gained momentum over the past year or two, and the organization patiently waited until the COVID-19 pandemic was under control. This deliberate approach ensured that the timing was optimal for the franchise’s launch.
The Warriors’ commitment to excellence extends beyond their on-court performance. The team’s WNBA counterpart will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, playing their games at the renowned Chase Center, which opened in 2019. They will also have access to the Warriors’ former practice facility in Oakland. With a valuation of $7 billion, the Warriors boast the highest valuation of any NBA franchise. The organization plans to leverage its success and experience to build a formidable staff and establish the WNBA team as a revenue leader in the league.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert recognizes the value of finding the right owners to propel the league’s development forward. The Warriors’ success and reputation make them an ideal fit for the WNBA’s growth and expansion plans. Playing in the Bay Area puts the team in proximity to a passionate NBA fan base, as well as avid followers of women’s college basketball from Stanford and Cal. The Bay Area’s demographics and business landscape further cement its status as an attractive market for the WNBA.
The Warriors have been closely monitoring the WNBA’s recent transformation and the growing momentum of women’s sports. Attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales have all been on the rise, and the Warriors aim to accelerate this growth. The team sees significant potential for further business success and hopes to contribute to the overall advancement of the WNBA and women’s sports as a whole. With the league’s media rights deal with ESPN set to expire in 2025, the Warriors are already fielding interest from potential distribution partners and current NBA sponsors eager to be involved with their WNBA franchise.
The support for the Warriors’ upcoming WNBA team is already evident. In just five hours after opening deposits for season tickets, the team received 2,000 reservations, signaling a strong demand for women’s basketball in the Bay Area. As the franchise finalizes the team’s name and builds its staff, excitement continues to grow. The Warriors plan to establish a dedicated team for their WNBA operations while also leveraging shared services with their NBA staff. Key hires, including a team president, general manager, and coach, will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future.
The road to success in the WNBA will not be easy. However, the Golden State Warriors enter this new chapter with a steadfast commitment to be the best. They possess the necessary resources, facilities, and experience to make a significant impact on the league. As the 13th franchise in the WNBA, the Warriors aim to create a legacy of excellence and championship aspirations. The year 2025 may seem distant, but the Warriors are well aware that there is much work to be done between now and then.
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