Bold claim: the Valkyries aren’t just a memory of a thrilling season—they’re fueling a new era of excitement around the court. Here’s a fresh, beginner-friendly rewrite that keeps every key fact intact while expanding a bit for clarity and flow.
The Golden State Valkyries still spark conversations among basketball fans, even though their championship run feels like a snapshot from the past. Five months have passed since their dramatic first-round clash with the Minnesota Lynx—the dominant force in the league. That game ended in a narrow 75-74 defeat, bringing their inaugural season to a close. Yet the Valkyries’ impact wasn’t fleeting: they sold out all 22 of their home games at Chase Center, endearingly nicknamed Ballhalla, and by doing so, became the WNBA’s most valued franchise.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season is a waiting game. For eager fans craving a taste of Valkyries action, there’s Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league co-founded in 2023 by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. Unrivaled has already delivered a montage of highlight-reel plays, nonstop action, and the fast pace that makes the league must-watch material.
This offseason, Unrivaled attracts many of the WNBA’s top players. Several Valkyries are lending their talents to Unrivaled teams: Monique Billings, Veronica Burton, Temi Fágbénlé, Tiffany Hayes, and Kate Martin are all getting minutes on the court, while Laeticia Amihere is part of the league’s development pool.
The 2026 Unrivaled season kicked off on January 5 and has since offered weekly games, plus a three-day, one-on-one tournament earlier this month that carried a $200,000 grand prize for the top performer.
What’s notable is the Valkyries’ ongoing imprint. Billings has become a major presence on the boards for Hive BC, ranking second in the league for rebounds and constantly challenging near the basket. Burton, fresh off earning the WNBA’s Most Improved Player honor last season with the Valkyries, sits at the top of the steals leaderboard in Unrivaled. She also made a striking statement in her first one-on-one tournament by defeating Courtney Williams of Breeze BC 11–0 in just 1 minute and 23 seconds.
Fágbénlé brings a calm, commanding presence for Lunar Owls BC, contributing key shots and rebounds. Hayes has injected her distinctive style and established herself as a defensive force with several impressive blocks for Phantom BC. Martin’s aggressive, stand-out play—such as her strong performance against Rose FC—leaves a lasting impression. Amihere, currently in the development pool, has shared glimpses of her training on social media, signaling she’s ready to impact the competition.
Unrivaled’s regular season wrap-up is scheduled for February 27, with playoffs starting on February 28. The semifinals will take place in Brooklyn, NY on March 2, and the championship is set for March 4. Between the remaining games and the highlights circulating on the league’s official channels and players’ social media, Valkyries fans have plenty of content to follow before Ballhalla tips off again this spring.
The next Unrivaled games are on Friday, February 20. For the full 2026 schedule, you can view it here: https://www.unrivaled.basketball/schedule.
If you want to soak in Unrivaled action alongside fellow Valkyries supporters, consider gathering at Rikki’s Bar (2223 Market St.) or Mother (3079 16th St.) whenever games are on.
Would you prefer this rewrite to lean more toward a sports-news tone or a narrative fan-story vibe, and should I add more context about each player’s stats or notable plays to help beginners follow along?
