How Jess Smith Is Growing The $780M Golden State Valkyries

BusinessSportsMoneyHow Jess Smith Is Growing The $780M Golden State ValkyriesByAllison Smith,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Contributing writer covering the business of women’s sportsFollow AuthorJun 16, 2026, 05:18pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 10: Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries run onto the court before the game against the Phoenix Mercury on May 10, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Golden State Valkyries took the WNBA by storm in their first season as they set the WNBA record for the most wins by an expansion team in a single season and became the first expansion team to qualify for the postseason. Additionally, first year head coach Natalie Nakase was named the WNBA Coach of the Year.The Valkyries also became the first team in women’s sports history to surpass 20,000 season ticket deposits and the first WNBA team to reach over 10,000 season tickets. "Ballhalla", as the arena is known to fans and players around the WNBA is one of the loudest and toughest places to play.Furthermore, the Valkyries are the most valuable team in the WNBA. In just the team’s second season, they were recently evaluated at close to a billion dollars, ahead of the New York Liberty, and Indiana Fever.Jess Smith Drives Growth For The Golden State ValkyriesPresident of the Golden State Valkyries, Jess Smith.Golden State Valkyries MORE FOR YOUJess Smith is no stranger to accelerating the growth of an organization. Before joining the Valkyries as their inaugural President, Smith was th...