Thu Sep 18 04:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Golden State Valkyries, despite leading the WNBA in attendance during their inaugural season and boasting a significant home-court advantage, will have to move their Game 2 playoff matchup against the Minnesota Lynx from their usual home at Chase Center to the SAP Center in San Jose. This relocation is due to a prior commitment by owner Joe Lacob to host the Laver Cup tennis tournament at Chase Center, a commitment made before the WNBA team was awarded to Golden State. While the WNBA changed its playoff format to ensure every team has a home game, the Valkyries are facing a scheduling conflict, a situation that has plagued other WNBA teams in the past due to arena availability issues.

**News Article:**

**Golden State Valkyries Forced to Relocate Playoff Game Due to Scheduling Conflict**

SAN JOSE, CA – In a twist of fate, the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s attendance leaders in their inaugural season, will play their crucial Game 2 playoff matchup against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx at the SAP Center in San Jose, rather than their usual home at Chase Center.

The move stems from a pre-existing commitment made by team owner Joe Lacob to host the Laver Cup tennis tournament at Chase Center. Lacob secured the tournament two years ago, before the WNBA awarded an expansion team to the Bay Area.

The Valkyries have quickly become a fan favorite, selling out every home game and leading the league with an average attendance of 18,064. They also enjoy a significant home-court advantage, with a net rating 13.1 points per 100 possessions better at home than on the road.

“We have faith in our fans that they’re going to continue to show out for us wherever we play,” guard Veronica Burton said, expressing confidence in the Valkyries’ loyal following.

This situation highlights the challenges WNBA teams often face regarding arena availability. Other instances of playoff games being moved due to venue conflicts include the Phoenix Mercury in 2021, the Los Angeles Sparks in 2019, and the Washington Mystics in 2018.

While the WNBA adjusted its playoff format this year to ensure all playoff teams receive a home game, the Valkyries’ situation underscores the ongoing need for secure and consistent venue access. While the future might bring better planning for the team, for this season, the team will be playing at a different venue and depending on the fans support even in San Jose.

Read More