1 00:00:00,680 --> 00:00:03,000 Speaker 1: Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're riding 2 00:00:03,000 --> 00:00:05,680 Speaker 1: the cable car, eating the super burrito and sipping a 3 00:00:05,720 --> 00:00:08,680 Speaker 1: big Bold Cab. We're in the Bay Area to catch 4 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:12,760 Speaker 1: the very first Golden State Valkyrie game. It's Friday, May sixteenth, 5 00:00:12,800 --> 00:00:15,760 Speaker 1: Happy Friday Slices. On today's show, we'll be finishing up 6 00:00:15,840 --> 00:00:19,040 Speaker 1: the shoot around our team by team WNBA season previews 7 00:00:19,280 --> 00:00:22,599 Speaker 1: with the newest franchise in the league, the Golden State Valkyries. 8 00:00:22,880 --> 00:00:25,360 Speaker 1: We'll bring you my conversation from earlier this week with 9 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:28,520 Speaker 1: Valkyrie's president Jess Smith, who told us how she's feeling 10 00:00:28,560 --> 00:00:31,240 Speaker 1: ahead of the team's first ever regular season game tonight, 11 00:00:31,520 --> 00:00:34,239 Speaker 1: the culture she's striving to create around the franchise, and 12 00:00:34,320 --> 00:00:37,400 Speaker 1: how she's working to build lasting connections with fans. Plus 13 00:00:37,440 --> 00:00:42,040 Speaker 1: Paigebeckers get some hometown love, the NWSL Players Association speaks out, 14 00:00:42,320 --> 00:00:45,639 Speaker 1: and one half of the PWHL Finals is set. It's 15 00:00:45,640 --> 00:01:01,320 Speaker 1: all coming up right after this Welcome Back Slices. Here's 16 00:01:01,320 --> 00:01:06,000 Speaker 1: what you need to know today in hoops. The WNBA 17 00:01:06,120 --> 00:01:10,720 Speaker 1: season starts tonight. Can you believe it? We're stoked over here. 18 00:01:11,240 --> 00:01:13,800 Speaker 1: There are three games on the schedule, including one we 19 00:01:13,920 --> 00:01:17,080 Speaker 1: mentioned before the break the Golden State Valkyrie's first official 20 00:01:17,160 --> 00:01:20,800 Speaker 1: regular season game against the Los Angeles Sparks. That one 21 00:01:20,800 --> 00:01:23,880 Speaker 1: will tip off at ten pm Eastern inside Chase Center, 22 00:01:23,959 --> 00:01:26,759 Speaker 1: and it'll be available to watch live on Ion and 23 00:01:26,880 --> 00:01:31,160 Speaker 1: with the WNBA League Pass subscription. I cannot wait to 24 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:33,119 Speaker 1: see the show the Valks put on for their first 25 00:01:33,120 --> 00:01:35,280 Speaker 1: set of fans. I get the feeling it's going to 26 00:01:35,319 --> 00:01:39,480 Speaker 1: be an insane atmosphere. Elsewhere, It's officially Page Becker's Day. 27 00:01:39,520 --> 00:01:43,039 Speaker 1: In Hopkins, Minnesota. The Dallas Wings number one overall draft 28 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:45,720 Speaker 1: pick played her high school ball at Hopkins High, in 29 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:48,880 Speaker 1: a city where council members moved to celebrate her WNBA 30 00:01:48,960 --> 00:01:52,640 Speaker 1: debut tonight by renaming the city Page Beckers, Minnesota for 31 00:01:52,680 --> 00:01:56,320 Speaker 1: the day. They also declared that May sixteenth will henceforth 32 00:01:56,520 --> 00:01:58,960 Speaker 1: be known as Pagebackers Day. I love it when they 33 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:02,160 Speaker 1: use fancy words like hens. Fourth entrance signs to the 34 00:02:02,200 --> 00:02:05,000 Speaker 1: city now show its new name, and street signs along 35 00:02:05,040 --> 00:02:09,040 Speaker 1: Main Street and Hopkins also read Becker's Boulevard. Talk about 36 00:02:09,080 --> 00:02:12,919 Speaker 1: showing some love to a hometown hero. So good. Becker's 37 00:02:13,000 --> 00:02:16,240 Speaker 1: w career officially begins tonight when her Wings take on 38 00:02:16,280 --> 00:02:20,040 Speaker 1: the Minnesota Links at seven thirty pm Eastern down in Arlington, Texas. 39 00:02:20,560 --> 00:02:22,720 Speaker 1: Just five days from now, on the twenty first, Dallas 40 00:02:22,760 --> 00:02:25,960 Speaker 1: will travel to Minnesota to play at Target Center, and 41 00:02:26,000 --> 00:02:27,880 Speaker 1: we get the feeling that one's going to be packed 42 00:02:27,960 --> 00:02:32,760 Speaker 1: full of Hopkinsians? Is that a thing? The last opening 43 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:36,080 Speaker 1: night game tonight is producer Miches Washington Mystics versus The 44 00:02:36,080 --> 00:02:39,560 Speaker 1: Atlanta Dream in DC. Our first look at Britney Grinder 45 00:02:39,600 --> 00:02:42,400 Speaker 1: in a dream jersey. She left for Atlanta this offseason 46 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:45,679 Speaker 1: after playing her first eleven seasons in Phoenix. That's a 47 00:02:45,720 --> 00:02:48,600 Speaker 1: seven thirty pm Eastern tip off at care First Arena. 48 00:02:49,040 --> 00:02:51,200 Speaker 1: We'll throw the full schedule for this weekend's games in 49 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:54,400 Speaker 1: our show notes so you can plan accordingly. Also, the 50 00:02:54,440 --> 00:02:56,480 Speaker 1: start of the w season means the end of the 51 00:02:56,560 --> 00:02:59,560 Speaker 1: road for players who didn't make final cuts. You can 52 00:02:59,600 --> 00:03:03,360 Speaker 1: find each team's official roster on WNBA dot com. Just 53 00:03:03,440 --> 00:03:05,400 Speaker 1: toggle to the team's tab at the top of your 54 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:07,799 Speaker 1: screen and navigate to the roster so you can see 55 00:03:07,800 --> 00:03:10,480 Speaker 1: who will and won't be suiting up to start the season. 56 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:14,560 Speaker 1: Included in that last round of cuts fan favorite Caitlin 57 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:17,240 Speaker 1: Chen out of Yukon, who was waved by the Valkyries 58 00:03:17,240 --> 00:03:20,200 Speaker 1: ahead of tonight's season opener. More on that and the 59 00:03:20,240 --> 00:03:23,919 Speaker 1: final Valx roster later in the show. Also cut before 60 00:03:23,960 --> 00:03:26,919 Speaker 1: game one of the season, Diamond to Shields, a former 61 00:03:27,000 --> 00:03:29,280 Speaker 1: All Star in twenty nineteen and former champ with the 62 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:32,360 Speaker 1: Chicago Sky in twenty twenty one, after being waved by 63 00:03:32,360 --> 00:03:35,720 Speaker 1: the Connecticut Sun, she posted this video reminding us that 64 00:03:35,760 --> 00:03:38,560 Speaker 1: all these cuts don't just cause heartbreak in terms of 65 00:03:38,560 --> 00:03:41,680 Speaker 1: wanting to play ball, but also frustration figuring out the 66 00:03:41,720 --> 00:03:44,920 Speaker 1: logistics of what's next and where to go. Here's de Shields. 67 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:49,600 Speaker 2: Getting waved is crazy because, like, what do you do 68 00:03:50,560 --> 00:03:55,640 Speaker 2: after you get waved? I got all my stuff up 69 00:03:55,640 --> 00:04:01,920 Speaker 2: here that I drove in a rental car from Atlanta, 70 00:04:03,480 --> 00:04:09,120 Speaker 2: and now I have to drive all my stuff back 71 00:04:09,160 --> 00:04:13,440 Speaker 2: to Atlanta. But I can't see no finer rental car 72 00:04:14,520 --> 00:04:25,479 Speaker 2: because none are available anywhere. So I need to figure 73 00:04:25,520 --> 00:04:29,480 Speaker 2: out how I'm gonna get my stuff back to Atlanta. 74 00:04:30,640 --> 00:04:35,560 Speaker 2: The team will ship three to five boxes, but I 75 00:04:35,600 --> 00:04:36,440 Speaker 2: have more than. 76 00:04:36,360 --> 00:04:40,719 Speaker 1: Three to five boxes worth of stuff. Of course. The 77 00:04:40,760 --> 00:04:42,720 Speaker 1: other side of the coin is the joy when a 78 00:04:42,800 --> 00:04:46,159 Speaker 1: rookie does make the squad, like South Carolina Sinaia Fagan, 79 00:04:46,760 --> 00:04:48,839 Speaker 1: the Sparks filmed the moment that she found out she 80 00:04:48,880 --> 00:04:52,360 Speaker 1: made the team. Talking to Sparks, GM Reagan, Peebley take 81 00:04:52,360 --> 00:04:56,919 Speaker 1: a lessen. It's really hard for second round picks, you know, 82 00:04:57,040 --> 00:04:59,240 Speaker 1: third round picks to make this team. 83 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:04,760 Speaker 2: You know you made it. I was in the carry, 84 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:06,479 Speaker 2: I said. 85 00:05:06,520 --> 00:05:09,800 Speaker 3: Brady text me in too, I was in. 86 00:05:09,640 --> 00:05:10,359 Speaker 2: The car cry. 87 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:13,920 Speaker 1: They also caught her FaceTime with former college coach Don Staley, too. 88 00:05:14,400 --> 00:05:17,360 Speaker 3: What amazing see thanks. 89 00:05:18,640 --> 00:05:19,600 Speaker 1: I knew you make. 90 00:05:23,240 --> 00:05:23,680 Speaker 3: Thank you. 91 00:05:24,520 --> 00:05:25,640 Speaker 1: She did so good. 92 00:05:25,839 --> 00:05:29,599 Speaker 3: She did so good. We told her Coach Staley, she 93 00:05:29,720 --> 00:05:32,480 Speaker 3: made this scene because she had great practice habits. 94 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:36,360 Speaker 1: We love to see that joy. It does make up 95 00:05:36,400 --> 00:05:39,239 Speaker 1: a little bit for the sadness of the cuts. And remember, 96 00:05:39,360 --> 00:05:41,520 Speaker 1: during the season, w NBA teams will have to contend 97 00:05:41,520 --> 00:05:45,120 Speaker 1: with players, national team commitments, potential injuries, and more, which 98 00:05:45,160 --> 00:05:47,640 Speaker 1: could result in your faves getting picked up on contracts. 99 00:05:47,880 --> 00:05:51,359 Speaker 1: You just never know more WNBA news. On Thursday, the 100 00:05:51,480 --> 00:05:54,000 Speaker 1: w announced the launch of No Space for Hate, a 101 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:57,719 Speaker 1: league wide platform focused on promoting respect across the w NBA. 102 00:05:58,200 --> 00:06:01,679 Speaker 1: Per the league's Instagram post, quote from enhanced social media 103 00:06:01,720 --> 00:06:05,400 Speaker 1: and arena security to increased mental health support, We're taking 104 00:06:05,440 --> 00:06:08,159 Speaker 1: action to create a safer, more unified space for all 105 00:06:08,400 --> 00:06:12,839 Speaker 1: because in the W respect is non negotiable end quote. 106 00:06:12,920 --> 00:06:15,760 Speaker 1: You might remember. About a month ago, W Commissioner Kathy 107 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:18,520 Speaker 1: Engelbert announced that the league had assembled a dedicated task 108 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:22,159 Speaker 1: force for combating hate and vitriol directed toward players and teams. 109 00:06:22,520 --> 00:06:25,120 Speaker 1: This came after multiple players complained last year of an 110 00:06:25,160 --> 00:06:28,840 Speaker 1: uptick in racist, homophobic, and misogynist comments directed at them 111 00:06:28,839 --> 00:06:32,839 Speaker 1: on social media, also incidents of harassment, including Branda Stewart's 112 00:06:32,880 --> 00:06:37,000 Speaker 1: wife receiving threatening emails to hockey. The reigning Walter Cup 113 00:06:37,080 --> 00:06:40,880 Speaker 1: champion Minnesota Frost are headed back to the PWHL Finals. 114 00:06:41,160 --> 00:06:43,520 Speaker 1: The team secured a three games to one series victory 115 00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:45,400 Speaker 1: with a four to three win over the Toronto Scepters 116 00:06:45,440 --> 00:06:48,560 Speaker 1: in overtime on Wednesday night. Two Friends of the Show 117 00:06:48,640 --> 00:06:51,799 Speaker 1: came up big, with Kelly Panic scoring once and Kendall 118 00:06:51,839 --> 00:06:54,000 Speaker 1: Coin Schofield put in two in the back of the net. 119 00:06:54,320 --> 00:06:57,080 Speaker 1: Taylor Heizi scored the overtime winner for the Frost at 120 00:06:57,120 --> 00:06:59,880 Speaker 1: the sixteen minute mark of the extra period. It was 121 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:02,840 Speaker 1: a valiant effort from the Scepters, but they couldn't pull 122 00:07:02,880 --> 00:07:05,560 Speaker 1: off the win. And now they've seen their season end 123 00:07:05,640 --> 00:07:08,200 Speaker 1: at the hands of the Frost for two straight years 124 00:07:08,200 --> 00:07:11,200 Speaker 1: in the semi finals, two out of two seasons getting 125 00:07:11,360 --> 00:07:13,720 Speaker 1: iced out of the finals by the Frost. That is 126 00:07:13,760 --> 00:07:16,280 Speaker 1: the makings of a true blue rivalry in this very 127 00:07:16,320 --> 00:07:19,240 Speaker 1: young league. Friends, The other series between the Ottawa Charge 128 00:07:19,240 --> 00:07:22,520 Speaker 1: in Montreal Victoire could conclude tonight. If Ottawa gets the win, 129 00:07:22,840 --> 00:07:25,080 Speaker 1: they lead the series two games to one and host 130 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:28,960 Speaker 1: Montreal tonight at seven pm Eastern for Game four. The Victoire, 131 00:07:29,120 --> 00:07:31,840 Speaker 1: this year's number one seed, of course, hoping to grab 132 00:07:31,840 --> 00:07:34,200 Speaker 1: a w and force a Game five. You can catch 133 00:07:34,240 --> 00:07:37,960 Speaker 1: that contest alive on the PWHL's YouTube channel and we'll 134 00:07:37,960 --> 00:07:41,000 Speaker 1: link to it in our show notes. Moving on to soccer, 135 00:07:41,080 --> 00:07:44,080 Speaker 1: the NWSL Players Association made a post on Instagram on 136 00:07:44,120 --> 00:07:47,760 Speaker 1: Wednesday calling for protocol changes after Savvy King's on field 137 00:07:47,800 --> 00:07:51,760 Speaker 1: medical emergency last Friday. A refresher on this story. Twenty 138 00:07:51,840 --> 00:07:55,120 Speaker 1: year old ACFC defender Savvy King collapsed on the field 139 00:07:55,120 --> 00:07:57,200 Speaker 1: in the seventy fourth minute of her team's game against 140 00:07:57,240 --> 00:08:00,280 Speaker 1: the Utah Royals Friday. Medical staff tended to or for 141 00:08:00,360 --> 00:08:03,800 Speaker 1: ten minutes doing CPR and chess compressions before she was 142 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:06,880 Speaker 1: ultimately taken off the field on a cart. Doctors have 143 00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:10,240 Speaker 1: since discovered that King had a heart abnormality, and she's 144 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:14,600 Speaker 1: undergone successful surgery. The NWSLPA is the loudest group giving 145 00:08:14,640 --> 00:08:17,520 Speaker 1: the league heat for not suspending the game after the 146 00:08:17,560 --> 00:08:21,480 Speaker 1: scary situation. In an Instagram post, the NWSLPA stated, in 147 00:08:21,520 --> 00:08:24,760 Speaker 1: part quote, the match should not have continued. Our members 148 00:08:24,800 --> 00:08:27,560 Speaker 1: are elite, world class competitors who have proven they can 149 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:32,000 Speaker 1: perform under unimaginable conditions. That doesn't mean they should have to. 150 00:08:32,440 --> 00:08:35,480 Speaker 1: While the medical response demonstrated the highest level of competence 151 00:08:35,520 --> 00:08:38,600 Speaker 1: and care, the decision to continue play demonstrated how player 152 00:08:38,640 --> 00:08:42,440 Speaker 1: safety is weighed and operationalized in real time. Incidents of 153 00:08:42,440 --> 00:08:46,359 Speaker 1: this severity must prioritize our collective humanity and should automatically 154 00:08:46,400 --> 00:08:49,680 Speaker 1: trigger suspension of the match. The Players Association is committed 155 00:08:49,720 --> 00:08:53,120 Speaker 1: to making this the standard. In NWSL end quote, we'll 156 00:08:53,160 --> 00:08:55,000 Speaker 1: link to the full statement in our show notes and 157 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:59,480 Speaker 1: keep you updated as the situation unfolds. More. NWSL Racing 158 00:08:59,520 --> 00:09:02,400 Speaker 1: Louisville has made Caitlin Milby it's new general manager after 159 00:09:02,440 --> 00:09:04,320 Speaker 1: she spent the last six months filling in in an 160 00:09:04,360 --> 00:09:07,680 Speaker 1: interim capacity. In November twenty twenty four, Milby stepped in 161 00:09:07,720 --> 00:09:10,280 Speaker 1: after former GM Ryan Dell left to pursue another job 162 00:09:10,280 --> 00:09:12,920 Speaker 1: in the soccer industry. She's seen Racing through its best 163 00:09:12,920 --> 00:09:15,320 Speaker 1: start in team history this season three, three and two. 164 00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:17,839 Speaker 1: The twenty eight year old former D one footy player 165 00:09:17,840 --> 00:09:20,400 Speaker 1: has an extensive history with the club. She interned with 166 00:09:20,480 --> 00:09:24,200 Speaker 1: Racing's parent company, Soccer Holding's LLC in twenty seventeen, and 167 00:09:24,240 --> 00:09:26,839 Speaker 1: then began work as Louisville's director of operations in twenty 168 00:09:26,880 --> 00:09:29,439 Speaker 1: twenty two. Her new role is guaranteed through the twenty 169 00:09:29,440 --> 00:09:32,360 Speaker 1: twenty sixth season, with an option for twenty twenty seven. 170 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:36,079 Speaker 1: There are four NWSL games on Tap tonight, including the 171 00:09:36,160 --> 00:09:39,240 Speaker 1: league leading Kansas City Current visiting the number two Orlando 172 00:09:39,320 --> 00:09:42,520 Speaker 1: Pride at eight pm Eastern on Prime Video. Kansas City's 173 00:09:42,559 --> 00:09:45,920 Speaker 1: Debinia and tem Wusheweinga and the Pride's Barbara Banda are 174 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:48,600 Speaker 1: all hot on the heels of Golden Boot leader Esterere 175 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:51,920 Speaker 1: Gonzalaz of Gotham FC. Gonzalez is put in seven goals 176 00:09:51,920 --> 00:09:54,560 Speaker 1: on the air, while Debinia sits at five and Showeinga 177 00:09:54,559 --> 00:09:56,720 Speaker 1: and Banda at four. We'll link to the full weekend 178 00:09:56,760 --> 00:10:01,760 Speaker 1: schedule in our show notes. Slices. Can you believe we 179 00:10:01,800 --> 00:10:05,319 Speaker 1: made it to our last WNBA team preview? That means 180 00:10:05,360 --> 00:10:10,280 Speaker 1: just one thing, actual games tonight. Maybe a sky fan yell, 181 00:10:10,360 --> 00:10:13,600 Speaker 1: But I got so many side pieces I might actually need, 182 00:10:13,640 --> 00:10:16,080 Speaker 1: like a custom jersey with a little piece of each 183 00:10:16,080 --> 00:10:20,000 Speaker 1: of the thirteen WNBA team jerseys on it. You know, Gosh, 184 00:10:20,080 --> 00:10:22,480 Speaker 1: women's sports truly makes me into that person that says, 185 00:10:22,600 --> 00:10:25,560 Speaker 1: I hope both teams have fun, and I'm not mad 186 00:10:25,559 --> 00:10:28,439 Speaker 1: about it. I'm excited to watch everyone. We got to 187 00:10:28,440 --> 00:10:30,560 Speaker 1: take a quick break. When we come back, We've got 188 00:10:30,559 --> 00:10:41,720 Speaker 1: things to say about the new team in the Bay. 189 00:10:42,240 --> 00:10:45,240 Speaker 1: Welcome back, slices. Before we get to the w's first 190 00:10:45,280 --> 00:10:47,600 Speaker 1: expansion team since two thousand and eight, let's take a 191 00:10:47,679 --> 00:10:50,120 Speaker 1: quick trip down memory lane to get fully caught up 192 00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:54,000 Speaker 1: on league history and all the expansions and contractions we've 193 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:57,240 Speaker 1: witnessed over the last twenty nine years. When the WNBA 194 00:10:57,280 --> 00:10:59,800 Speaker 1: played its first season back in nineteen ninety seven, there 195 00:10:59,840 --> 00:11:02,679 Speaker 1: were eight teams, and in the seasons that followed, the 196 00:11:02,760 --> 00:11:05,760 Speaker 1: league quickly expanded to ten teams in nineteen ninety eight, 197 00:11:05,960 --> 00:11:09,720 Speaker 1: twelve teams in nineteen ninety nine, and sixteen teams. Yeah, 198 00:11:09,880 --> 00:11:13,839 Speaker 1: sixteen in two thousand, but beginning in two thousand and two, 199 00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:17,319 Speaker 1: the league started shrinking, so even as new expansion teams 200 00:11:17,440 --> 00:11:20,400 Speaker 1: entered the league, others closed up shop, like the four 201 00:11:20,400 --> 00:11:24,400 Speaker 1: time WNBA champion at Houston Comments. Since two thousand and nine, 202 00:11:24,480 --> 00:11:27,720 Speaker 1: when the Sacramento Monarchs franchise folded, the league has been 203 00:11:27,760 --> 00:11:32,360 Speaker 1: stuck at twelve teams. So while Valkyrie's history officially starts tonight, 204 00:11:32,960 --> 00:11:35,240 Speaker 1: just know that this isn't the most teams the league 205 00:11:35,240 --> 00:11:37,960 Speaker 1: has ever had, and this isn't the first time Northern 206 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:41,520 Speaker 1: California has had a WNBA team. During their ten seasons 207 00:11:41,559 --> 00:11:44,959 Speaker 1: in the WNBA, the Monarchs made the playoffs nine times, 208 00:11:45,160 --> 00:11:48,120 Speaker 1: winning the championship in two thousand and five. All right, 209 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:51,280 Speaker 1: let's get back to the present and the Golden State Valkyries. 210 00:11:51,640 --> 00:11:54,320 Speaker 1: We'll run you through the very short Valkyrie history that 211 00:11:54,360 --> 00:11:56,920 Speaker 1: you need to know. The Bay was awarded a team 212 00:11:57,000 --> 00:11:59,280 Speaker 1: back in October of twenty twenty three and have been 213 00:11:59,280 --> 00:12:02,280 Speaker 1: working towards tonight itights regular season opener ever since. The 214 00:12:02,320 --> 00:12:04,640 Speaker 1: squad will play its home games at Chase Center in 215 00:12:04,679 --> 00:12:08,560 Speaker 1: San Francisco, also home to the mnba's Golden State Warriors, 216 00:12:08,800 --> 00:12:12,440 Speaker 1: and it's headquartered at the Warriors' former practice facility remade 217 00:12:12,440 --> 00:12:15,680 Speaker 1: and rebranded as Valkyrie's Performance Center, a thirty one tho 218 00:12:16,000 --> 00:12:19,080 Speaker 1: eight hundred square foot training and development space complete with 219 00:12:19,240 --> 00:12:22,920 Speaker 1: two full sized courts, a locker room, weight room, training room, 220 00:12:23,080 --> 00:12:26,120 Speaker 1: hot and cold pools, and a dedicated player lounge, plus 221 00:12:26,120 --> 00:12:29,200 Speaker 1: a variety of world class amenities. The Valkyries are led 222 00:12:29,200 --> 00:12:32,000 Speaker 1: by head coach Natalie Nicasse, her first season in charge 223 00:12:32,040 --> 00:12:35,360 Speaker 1: of a w team after sixteen seasons of pro coaching, 224 00:12:35,600 --> 00:12:38,080 Speaker 1: including the last three years as first assistant coach with 225 00:12:38,120 --> 00:12:41,000 Speaker 1: the Las Vegas Aces. Nicasse brings her two titles from 226 00:12:41,080 --> 00:12:43,080 Speaker 1: Vegas with her to the Bay and is the first 227 00:12:43,160 --> 00:12:45,960 Speaker 1: Asian American head coach in the WNBA. The team is 228 00:12:45,960 --> 00:12:48,440 Speaker 1: owned by Joe lacub, also the majority owner of the 229 00:12:48,480 --> 00:12:52,719 Speaker 1: Warriors since twenty ten. This team's twenty twenty five tagline 230 00:12:52,960 --> 00:12:56,400 Speaker 1: welcome to the w Let's talk additions and losses. Now 231 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:59,199 Speaker 1: obviously no losses for this team because they didn't exist 232 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:01,880 Speaker 1: last season. All of their additions were made via the 233 00:13:01,920 --> 00:13:05,760 Speaker 1: Expansion Draft, free agency, and the WNBA Draft last month. 234 00:13:06,120 --> 00:13:08,800 Speaker 1: Their first moves in the Expansion Draft were to grab 235 00:13:08,920 --> 00:13:12,520 Speaker 1: unprotected players from other teams, most notably Kate Martin from 236 00:13:12,559 --> 00:13:15,800 Speaker 1: the Las Vegas Aces, Temmy fag Bentley from the Indiana Fever, 237 00:13:16,160 --> 00:13:19,280 Speaker 1: Stephanie Talbot from the La Sparks, Kayla Thornton from the 238 00:13:19,280 --> 00:13:22,720 Speaker 1: New York Liberty, and Cecilia zander Lessini from the Minnesota Lynx. 239 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:27,200 Speaker 1: In free agency, they added Tiffany aka tip Hayes, last 240 00:13:27,280 --> 00:13:29,160 Speaker 1: year's sixth Woman of the Year, out of the Las 241 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:32,920 Speaker 1: Vegas Aces. They also made three draft picks, Lithuanian player 242 00:13:33,040 --> 00:13:37,760 Speaker 1: Usta Uchita selected at number five, Maryland's Cheyenne Sellers at seventeen, 243 00:13:38,040 --> 00:13:41,200 Speaker 1: and Caitlyn Chen out of Yukon at thirty. None of 244 00:13:41,240 --> 00:13:44,520 Speaker 1: them are on this year's roster. Sellers and Chen have 245 00:13:44,600 --> 00:13:47,240 Speaker 1: both been waived, and nineteen year old Yuchita announced she 246 00:13:47,240 --> 00:13:50,240 Speaker 1: would focus on playing with her Lithuanian national team in 247 00:13:50,280 --> 00:13:53,480 Speaker 1: the EuroBasket tournament this June. She plans to join the 248 00:13:53,520 --> 00:13:57,160 Speaker 1: Valks next season. Now Worth noting that Uchite is one 249 00:13:57,200 --> 00:13:59,960 Speaker 1: of seven European players on the Valks. The other sixth 250 00:14:00,200 --> 00:14:03,800 Speaker 1: are also expected to represent their countries in EuroBasket, meaning 251 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:06,560 Speaker 1: the team could be without their services for about two 252 00:14:06,600 --> 00:14:10,240 Speaker 1: weeks mid season. Golden State also waived third year hopeful 253 00:14:10,320 --> 00:14:13,800 Speaker 1: Latsia Amihir ahead of tonight's opener, despite her scoring twenty 254 00:14:13,840 --> 00:14:16,640 Speaker 1: points in nineteen minutes in the team's first preseason game 255 00:14:16,840 --> 00:14:20,600 Speaker 1: against the La Sparks. As for stars, the Valks hope 256 00:14:20,600 --> 00:14:23,320 Speaker 1: this season makes a few stars out of their players 257 00:14:23,320 --> 00:14:25,680 Speaker 1: because right now the team has the fewest marquee names 258 00:14:25,720 --> 00:14:28,640 Speaker 1: in the league. Tiffany Hayes is the centerpiece, coming off 259 00:14:28,640 --> 00:14:30,600 Speaker 1: a sixth Woman of the Year season with the Aces 260 00:14:30,680 --> 00:14:33,320 Speaker 1: in twenty twenty four. A twelve year vet entering this 261 00:14:33,360 --> 00:14:36,920 Speaker 1: season with her fourth team after stops in Atlanta, Connecticut, 262 00:14:36,920 --> 00:14:40,520 Speaker 1: and Vegas, She's undoubtedly got the most experience on the roster. 263 00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:44,040 Speaker 1: Then there's Kayla Thornton, fresh off a WNBA championship with 264 00:14:44,040 --> 00:14:46,400 Speaker 1: the New York Liberty. She was a key bench player 265 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:48,600 Speaker 1: for that team, but will be tasked with bringing her 266 00:14:48,600 --> 00:14:51,880 Speaker 1: defensive tenacity and mid range prowess to a starting role 267 00:14:51,920 --> 00:14:55,400 Speaker 1: with the Bay and fan favorite Kate Martin. Drafted out 268 00:14:55,440 --> 00:14:57,880 Speaker 1: of Iowa last season by the Aces. She only played 269 00:14:57,880 --> 00:15:00,560 Speaker 1: about eleven minutes a game last season, but was beloved 270 00:15:00,600 --> 00:15:03,120 Speaker 1: by teammates and fans in Sin City. She'll be a 271 00:15:03,120 --> 00:15:05,760 Speaker 1: big part of selling this Valkyrie squad. She's even got 272 00:15:05,760 --> 00:15:08,560 Speaker 1: a fan club, the Martinis. There are a couple other 273 00:15:08,600 --> 00:15:11,560 Speaker 1: potential stars on this roster two who could have breakout 274 00:15:11,600 --> 00:15:15,640 Speaker 1: seasons for head coach Natalie Nicasse. Monique Billings, Temmi Fag Benley, 275 00:15:15,840 --> 00:15:18,160 Speaker 1: and Julie vanlu are just a few of those names, 276 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:20,560 Speaker 1: but worth noting none of them have averaged more than 277 00:15:20,560 --> 00:15:22,880 Speaker 1: seven and a half points per game over their careers. 278 00:15:23,720 --> 00:15:25,920 Speaker 1: The stakes for this squad when it comes to wins 279 00:15:25,920 --> 00:15:30,640 Speaker 1: and losses pretty low. Expansion teams are historically unsuccessful in 280 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:33,960 Speaker 1: their first season. Only one of the ten WNBA expansion 281 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:37,080 Speaker 1: franchises has finished over five hundred in its first campaign, 282 00:15:37,360 --> 00:15:40,920 Speaker 1: the nineteen ninety eight Detroit Shock and per her hoopstats, 283 00:15:41,040 --> 00:15:44,840 Speaker 1: the ten previous WNBA expansion teams have a combined ninety 284 00:15:44,920 --> 00:15:47,000 Speaker 1: nine and two hundred and twenty one record in their 285 00:15:47,000 --> 00:15:52,320 Speaker 1: inaugural seasons. But expectations are high for the standard that 286 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:56,320 Speaker 1: Golden State is going to set with their facilities, marketing, sponsorships, 287 00:15:56,360 --> 00:15:59,320 Speaker 1: and all things business. They've got a support of ownership 288 00:15:59,320 --> 00:16:01,840 Speaker 1: group and a fan base that's already setting records and 289 00:16:01,880 --> 00:16:05,160 Speaker 1: season ticket sales, becoming the first WNBA team to sell 290 00:16:05,200 --> 00:16:09,200 Speaker 1: ten thousand season tickets If They can also sell free 291 00:16:09,200 --> 00:16:11,520 Speaker 1: agents on the Bay Area being the place to play. 292 00:16:11,720 --> 00:16:13,640 Speaker 1: They can start to add those bigger names to the 293 00:16:13,720 --> 00:16:17,840 Speaker 1: roster and work toward becoming contenders. As for stats, since 294 00:16:17,880 --> 00:16:20,240 Speaker 1: this is the first season, not much to discuss here, 295 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:22,840 Speaker 1: one thing does stand out. Though no player on the 296 00:16:22,880 --> 00:16:25,920 Speaker 1: Valkyrie's roster has a career scoring average in double digits, 297 00:16:26,640 --> 00:16:29,560 Speaker 1: the team already does have a few stories and lore 298 00:16:29,720 --> 00:16:32,400 Speaker 1: thanks to a headstart they got from some great branding. 299 00:16:32,800 --> 00:16:35,440 Speaker 1: The Valkyrie's name is sort of like the female version 300 00:16:35,480 --> 00:16:38,240 Speaker 1: of a warrior. It refers to female figures of Norse 301 00:16:38,280 --> 00:16:43,240 Speaker 1: mythology who guide the dead to the god Odin's majestic hall, Valhalla, 302 00:16:43,320 --> 00:16:46,840 Speaker 1: which is why they call their home arena cleverly ball Halla. 303 00:16:47,160 --> 00:16:49,680 Speaker 1: The team described the name and accompanying mythology in a 304 00:16:49,720 --> 00:16:53,000 Speaker 1: press release, writing quote, Valkyries are a host of warrior 305 00:16:53,040 --> 00:16:56,320 Speaker 1: women who are fearless and unwavering, flying through air and 306 00:16:56,360 --> 00:17:01,640 Speaker 1: sea alike. This brand is Golden State's modern interpretation of Vale, strong, bold, 307 00:17:01,800 --> 00:17:05,919 Speaker 1: and fierce end quote. The team's colors are Valkyrie, violet, gold, 308 00:17:06,000 --> 00:17:09,720 Speaker 1: and black, which just happened to be the colors of 309 00:17:09,880 --> 00:17:13,720 Speaker 1: Bay Area natives Sabrini and Escu's Sabrina to court vision 310 00:17:13,800 --> 00:17:18,720 Speaker 1: shoes an investor in the nwsls bafc Yanescu's contract with 311 00:17:18,800 --> 00:17:21,280 Speaker 1: the Liberty, like so many other players in the w 312 00:17:21,760 --> 00:17:24,960 Speaker 1: is up after this season, So there's some juicy lore 313 00:17:25,080 --> 00:17:27,919 Speaker 1: for Valks fans. Could sab be looking to make a 314 00:17:27,920 --> 00:17:31,440 Speaker 1: return to her native California next season? Maybe matro Jersey 315 00:17:31,480 --> 00:17:35,280 Speaker 1: to her shoes. Only time will tell fun fact about 316 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:38,000 Speaker 1: the Valkyrise. During the squad's preseason games, we got to 317 00:17:38,040 --> 00:17:41,280 Speaker 1: look at their appropriately named in game loudness gauge called 318 00:17:41,320 --> 00:17:44,240 Speaker 1: the Battle Crimemeter, and if President Jess Smith is to 319 00:17:44,280 --> 00:17:46,560 Speaker 1: be believed, that thing is going to be hitting its 320 00:17:46,560 --> 00:17:49,440 Speaker 1: peak at tonight's home opener. You'll hear from Smith later 321 00:17:49,480 --> 00:17:52,600 Speaker 1: in the show. All right, Mesh, I know we have 322 00:17:52,640 --> 00:17:55,040 Speaker 1: no history of this team and nothing has happened yet, 323 00:17:55,040 --> 00:17:56,080 Speaker 1: but what did I miss? 324 00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:59,159 Speaker 3: Well, Sarah, it makes it pretty hard to tell you 325 00:17:59,200 --> 00:18:01,680 Speaker 3: what you miss We literally haven't missed anything. 326 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:02,520 Speaker 1: We've seen it all. 327 00:18:02,680 --> 00:18:05,000 Speaker 3: We've been here since the team got the bit in 328 00:18:05,040 --> 00:18:07,840 Speaker 3: twenty twenty three. Like there's just ah, I don't know, 329 00:18:08,920 --> 00:18:12,200 Speaker 3: but what excites me about this squad is Natalie Nicasse 330 00:18:12,480 --> 00:18:15,439 Speaker 3: has a very clear vision of what she wants this 331 00:18:15,480 --> 00:18:18,800 Speaker 3: team to be, right, I think she's made it very apparent. 332 00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:21,040 Speaker 3: She said it herself during the expansion draft that this 333 00:18:21,080 --> 00:18:24,119 Speaker 3: team is going to have a defensive identity, which to 334 00:18:24,160 --> 00:18:26,480 Speaker 3: me is really a smart play. As we know, and 335 00:18:26,520 --> 00:18:30,880 Speaker 3: as you mentioned, historically expansion franchises have not been super successful, 336 00:18:31,160 --> 00:18:32,679 Speaker 3: and a lot of that has to do with offense. 337 00:18:32,720 --> 00:18:35,720 Speaker 3: But one thing that can neutralize is defense. When you 338 00:18:35,720 --> 00:18:38,280 Speaker 3: play strong defense and the other team can't score, you 339 00:18:38,359 --> 00:18:41,119 Speaker 3: put yourself in better positions. So I think that's a 340 00:18:41,160 --> 00:18:43,840 Speaker 3: great place to start, a great foundation in a building block, 341 00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:47,480 Speaker 3: and we've talked about this. I'm also really excited about 342 00:18:47,520 --> 00:18:50,679 Speaker 3: all these international players. I think, you know, is there 343 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:53,239 Speaker 3: a potential that we see a different style, something that 344 00:18:53,320 --> 00:18:56,360 Speaker 3: is entirely singular compared to the rest of the WNBA. 345 00:18:56,520 --> 00:19:00,160 Speaker 3: It's possible because the European the overseas game is it's 346 00:19:00,160 --> 00:19:01,359 Speaker 3: just very different than the w. 347 00:19:01,840 --> 00:19:04,720 Speaker 1: Yeah, as I mentioned, six European players on this team, 348 00:19:04,720 --> 00:19:06,960 Speaker 1: it will be seven when you Cheata joins next year. 349 00:19:07,440 --> 00:19:11,719 Speaker 1: And we hear a lot from players after Olympics or 350 00:19:11,840 --> 00:19:16,399 Speaker 1: Foeba or other international play about the physicality about the 351 00:19:16,520 --> 00:19:19,200 Speaker 1: style over there. So if they're all coming over here 352 00:19:19,920 --> 00:19:23,199 Speaker 1: playing that style from a young age professionally, it just 353 00:19:23,200 --> 00:19:25,479 Speaker 1: will be interesting. I think I completely agree with you. 354 00:19:25,520 --> 00:19:28,240 Speaker 1: We could see a team that decides to be stylistically 355 00:19:28,280 --> 00:19:30,080 Speaker 1: so different from the rest of the league that it 356 00:19:30,119 --> 00:19:33,439 Speaker 1: just puts other teams on their heels. I'm also you know, 357 00:19:33,480 --> 00:19:35,439 Speaker 1: we've had Jess Smith on the show a couple times. 358 00:19:35,520 --> 00:19:38,119 Speaker 1: I am quite clearly a huge fan of hers and 359 00:19:38,160 --> 00:19:40,600 Speaker 1: a huge fan of what the Valks are already doing 360 00:19:40,640 --> 00:19:42,800 Speaker 1: as a team. When it comes to the business side, 361 00:19:43,119 --> 00:19:45,440 Speaker 1: I would join an army and run through a wall 362 00:19:45,440 --> 00:19:48,280 Speaker 1: for that woman. I think she is so freaking smart 363 00:19:48,359 --> 00:19:51,119 Speaker 1: that I'm just excited to see all the different ways 364 00:19:51,160 --> 00:19:53,199 Speaker 1: that they do things in the league the way that 365 00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:56,800 Speaker 1: she did at Angel City to change the NWSL. Frankly, 366 00:19:56,840 --> 00:19:58,840 Speaker 1: the Valks could operate in a way that inspires a 367 00:19:58,840 --> 00:20:00,959 Speaker 1: lot of other teams to do their way too, and 368 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:03,280 Speaker 1: opens up some new doors for how the w does business. 369 00:20:03,320 --> 00:20:05,400 Speaker 1: So I'm excited for that as much as I am 370 00:20:05,840 --> 00:20:06,879 Speaker 1: for the product on the floor. 371 00:20:07,320 --> 00:20:10,919 Speaker 3: And the last thing I'm gonna say, Sarah, if Kailani 372 00:20:10,960 --> 00:20:14,240 Speaker 3: would just like to be the standing halftime entertainment for 373 00:20:14,280 --> 00:20:15,720 Speaker 3: the entire WNBA season. 374 00:20:15,840 --> 00:20:19,159 Speaker 1: I would be okay with that, like she that's I 375 00:20:19,200 --> 00:20:20,640 Speaker 1: love me, Kaylani. 376 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:25,119 Speaker 3: But it's not just them, it's too short, it's e forty, 377 00:20:25,200 --> 00:20:29,760 Speaker 3: it's all of these folks that just are deeply ingrained 378 00:20:29,760 --> 00:20:32,119 Speaker 3: in the culture in the Bay in Oakland. And I 379 00:20:32,240 --> 00:20:34,080 Speaker 3: just love the fact that that juice is now getting 380 00:20:34,080 --> 00:20:35,240 Speaker 3: infused into the WNBA. 381 00:20:35,600 --> 00:20:40,119 Speaker 1: I'm pretty pumped for that too. We have to take 382 00:20:40,119 --> 00:20:42,439 Speaker 1: another break when we come back. My chat from earlier 383 00:20:42,480 --> 00:20:45,159 Speaker 1: this week with Golden State Valkyrie's president Jess Smith, you 384 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:55,600 Speaker 1: won't want to miss it joining us again on the show. 385 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:59,120 Speaker 1: A very busy woman, she's the president of WNBA expansion team, 386 00:20:59,160 --> 00:21:01,320 Speaker 1: the Golden State Valcye. He's formerly head of revenue and 387 00:21:01,359 --> 00:21:04,480 Speaker 1: head of Corporate Partnerships for Angel CITYFC of the NWSL. 388 00:21:04,720 --> 00:21:06,920 Speaker 1: She also spent five years working in men's Major League Soccer, 389 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,040 Speaker 1: six years with the Oakland A's a twenty twenty three 390 00:21:09,040 --> 00:21:11,320 Speaker 1: sports business journal forty under forty on aren a member 391 00:21:11,359 --> 00:21:13,760 Speaker 1: of the twenty twenty three Leaders in Sport under forty class. 392 00:21:13,840 --> 00:21:15,920 Speaker 1: We went wine tasted together in Australia and tried to 393 00:21:15,920 --> 00:21:18,200 Speaker 1: steal Sabrina and Escu's reserve table at an All Star 394 00:21:18,240 --> 00:21:22,560 Speaker 1: weekend party last year. It's friend of the show Jess Smith. Hi, Jess, Hi, 395 00:21:22,680 --> 00:21:25,080 Speaker 1: how are you? Jess? I'm so excited to talk to 396 00:21:25,119 --> 00:21:27,280 Speaker 1: you right now. We're talking on Monday, but our listeners 397 00:21:27,280 --> 00:21:29,119 Speaker 1: are going to hear this Friday, just ahead of the 398 00:21:29,160 --> 00:21:33,000 Speaker 1: valkyries first ever regular season games. So I want to 399 00:21:33,040 --> 00:21:35,960 Speaker 1: know what's the emotion today and what do you expect 400 00:21:36,040 --> 00:21:37,160 Speaker 1: to feel on Friday. 401 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:42,320 Speaker 4: The emotion today is like an optimistic pressure. You know, 402 00:21:42,480 --> 00:21:45,640 Speaker 4: everyone has been building and by everyone, I just mean 403 00:21:45,880 --> 00:21:49,840 Speaker 4: the fans, the owners, are staff, you know, relentlessly over 404 00:21:49,880 --> 00:21:53,520 Speaker 4: the last eighteen months plus for what Friday will feel like. 405 00:21:53,600 --> 00:21:55,280 Speaker 4: And we got a glimpse of it at our home game, 406 00:21:55,520 --> 00:21:58,840 Speaker 4: our preseason game last week, which was incredibly special. I 407 00:21:58,880 --> 00:22:00,959 Speaker 4: was sitting next to a few sti A members that 408 00:22:01,800 --> 00:22:03,680 Speaker 4: had not you know, didn't really know what to expect, 409 00:22:03,720 --> 00:22:06,280 Speaker 4: and they just kept leaning over seeing it's so loud 410 00:22:06,640 --> 00:22:09,200 Speaker 4: and it was pre season, right, So to think through 411 00:22:09,880 --> 00:22:11,840 Speaker 4: what opening Night is going to feel like. We all 412 00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:14,520 Speaker 4: know how emotional that will be because we know why 413 00:22:14,600 --> 00:22:16,480 Speaker 4: our fans have shown up from day one. We know 414 00:22:16,520 --> 00:22:20,000 Speaker 4: what this moment means for us. But to know what 415 00:22:20,040 --> 00:22:22,399 Speaker 4: it will mean for our athletes, you know, for both teams. 416 00:22:22,480 --> 00:22:25,080 Speaker 4: Very candidly, I think is what makes it most special. 417 00:22:25,200 --> 00:22:27,919 Speaker 4: So there's a pressure right now just making sure that 418 00:22:28,240 --> 00:22:29,960 Speaker 4: every detail has been thought through to the best of 419 00:22:30,000 --> 00:22:32,800 Speaker 4: our ability, to make sure that every partner that is 420 00:22:32,800 --> 00:22:34,800 Speaker 4: invested in us and fan that has shown up for 421 00:22:34,840 --> 00:22:37,920 Speaker 4: their time and energy and money, you know that it's 422 00:22:37,960 --> 00:22:41,680 Speaker 4: everything that they've wished it it would be. So on Friday, 423 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:45,119 Speaker 4: you know, I have the interesting perspective having launched a 424 00:22:45,119 --> 00:22:47,560 Speaker 4: team once and I know a little bit of what 425 00:22:47,600 --> 00:22:49,600 Speaker 4: this will feel like. So I almost feel like I'm 426 00:22:49,600 --> 00:22:52,200 Speaker 4: the captain now of like I'm like walking through the office, 427 00:22:52,320 --> 00:22:54,879 Speaker 4: kind of like sharing with people, of like I know, 428 00:22:54,960 --> 00:22:56,560 Speaker 4: this is what it feels like today, and this is 429 00:22:56,560 --> 00:22:59,720 Speaker 4: what it will feel like Friday, And what it will 430 00:22:59,720 --> 00:23:03,000 Speaker 4: feel like is NonStop energy. You won't really be able 431 00:23:03,040 --> 00:23:04,439 Speaker 4: to take it in. And then there will be a 432 00:23:04,480 --> 00:23:06,879 Speaker 4: moment that each and every person on our team has 433 00:23:07,600 --> 00:23:09,800 Speaker 4: that they'll stop for a second and really be able 434 00:23:09,800 --> 00:23:11,720 Speaker 4: to take in. And that will feel different for every 435 00:23:11,720 --> 00:23:14,600 Speaker 4: single person depending on what they do. So I'll probably 436 00:23:14,600 --> 00:23:16,920 Speaker 4: be pretty emotional on Friday just looking around at something 437 00:23:16,960 --> 00:23:19,919 Speaker 4: that didn't exist and knowing all the small meetings that 438 00:23:19,920 --> 00:23:23,440 Speaker 4: went into it, in every you know, hard moment that 439 00:23:23,480 --> 00:23:24,960 Speaker 4: we had to work through to get to where we 440 00:23:25,280 --> 00:23:28,119 Speaker 4: are today, and to know that for the rest of time, 441 00:23:28,359 --> 00:23:30,960 Speaker 4: that this franchise you know, is here, you know, and 442 00:23:31,000 --> 00:23:34,480 Speaker 4: for the Bay Area and beyond that developeries will exist, 443 00:23:34,560 --> 00:23:36,480 Speaker 4: and that young girls and boys will be able to 444 00:23:37,040 --> 00:23:39,200 Speaker 4: look at these incredible athletes and know that this is 445 00:23:39,200 --> 00:23:40,760 Speaker 4: a representation of women's basketball. 446 00:23:42,240 --> 00:23:44,399 Speaker 1: I love that. I always feel cheesy saying this, but 447 00:23:44,440 --> 00:23:46,720 Speaker 1: it always reminds me of The Office episode where Jim 448 00:23:46,720 --> 00:23:49,560 Speaker 1: and Pam get married and someone gives them the advice 449 00:23:49,640 --> 00:23:52,120 Speaker 1: to take a mental picture, to just like stop during 450 00:23:52,160 --> 00:23:54,440 Speaker 1: the wedding at different points and look around and take 451 00:23:54,440 --> 00:23:56,879 Speaker 1: a little snapshot. It feels like it's going to be 452 00:23:56,920 --> 00:23:59,359 Speaker 1: necessary on Friday because it will be a checklist of 453 00:23:59,359 --> 00:24:01,440 Speaker 1: a million things get done and make sure it goes smoothly, 454 00:24:01,480 --> 00:24:03,439 Speaker 1: but you will want to have that moment of like 455 00:24:04,040 --> 00:24:05,720 Speaker 1: just taking a deep breath and looking around at the 456 00:24:05,760 --> 00:24:07,679 Speaker 1: thing that you did. I also love that you have 457 00:24:07,960 --> 00:24:10,359 Speaker 1: done this before with Angel City, because there is so 458 00:24:10,560 --> 00:24:13,920 Speaker 1: much opportunity with a new franchise, but also the decisions 459 00:24:13,920 --> 00:24:16,480 Speaker 1: that you make carry a ton of weight. There's not 460 00:24:16,600 --> 00:24:20,160 Speaker 1: a lot else to balance. There isn't nostalgia and legacy 461 00:24:20,240 --> 00:24:22,800 Speaker 1: and wins and all these other things that fans can 462 00:24:22,840 --> 00:24:24,639 Speaker 1: get excited about if you have a misstep or if 463 00:24:24,680 --> 00:24:27,800 Speaker 1: you do something they're not really enjoying. You got to 464 00:24:27,920 --> 00:24:30,800 Speaker 1: make everything count. So there's the positivity of having this 465 00:24:30,840 --> 00:24:33,280 Speaker 1: opportunity to do things the first time. And there's also 466 00:24:33,680 --> 00:24:37,320 Speaker 1: really making sure you don't overthink, you don't suffer from 467 00:24:37,359 --> 00:24:41,600 Speaker 1: analysis paralysis. You aren't overdoing it to the point that 468 00:24:41,760 --> 00:24:44,680 Speaker 1: it becomes too like fraud. So how are you making 469 00:24:44,720 --> 00:24:46,679 Speaker 1: sure you take advantage without getting stuck. 470 00:24:47,480 --> 00:24:50,880 Speaker 4: Every time we get too far down that rabbit hole 471 00:24:51,119 --> 00:24:54,240 Speaker 4: where we are just looking at too much data to 472 00:24:54,280 --> 00:24:57,919 Speaker 4: be totally honest, I come back up and just remember 473 00:24:58,240 --> 00:25:00,600 Speaker 4: how we got here in the first place. And that's 474 00:25:00,640 --> 00:25:03,600 Speaker 4: honestly listening to our fans. When we went through building 475 00:25:03,640 --> 00:25:06,000 Speaker 4: our brand, right, what should the team name be? How 476 00:25:06,000 --> 00:25:09,840 Speaker 4: should we define ourselves? We zoomed back out, sat back 477 00:25:09,880 --> 00:25:12,320 Speaker 4: and looked at the survey results, and our fans asked 478 00:25:12,359 --> 00:25:15,280 Speaker 4: to be named the Valkyries, right, And we didn't want 479 00:25:15,280 --> 00:25:17,320 Speaker 4: to overthink that moment. We're like, this is what the 480 00:25:17,320 --> 00:25:19,000 Speaker 4: community is asking us. For if they want us to 481 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:20,760 Speaker 4: be bold, if they want us to show up this way, 482 00:25:20,800 --> 00:25:24,159 Speaker 4: let's do that. And I think every time we are 483 00:25:24,480 --> 00:25:26,359 Speaker 4: in the details that way, we kind of take a 484 00:25:26,400 --> 00:25:28,840 Speaker 4: step back and just think of ourselves in their seats. 485 00:25:28,840 --> 00:25:31,440 Speaker 4: And I think that's a really great perspective that has 486 00:25:31,480 --> 00:25:34,239 Speaker 4: really become part of our culture. And knowing that to 487 00:25:34,280 --> 00:25:37,399 Speaker 4: your point that you made, there's nobody that we're replicating, 488 00:25:37,600 --> 00:25:40,760 Speaker 4: and that's really beautiful and really difficult at the same time. 489 00:25:40,920 --> 00:25:42,240 Speaker 4: Right there's nobody to be like, Hey, how do you 490 00:25:42,240 --> 00:25:44,080 Speaker 4: think we should do this? What was this like when 491 00:25:44,080 --> 00:25:46,280 Speaker 4: you were when you were building you know, the first 492 00:25:46,400 --> 00:25:50,000 Speaker 4: WNBA expansion team since two thousand and eight, you know, 493 00:25:50,240 --> 00:25:53,359 Speaker 4: and you know, to be able to execute this way, 494 00:25:53,440 --> 00:25:54,879 Speaker 4: we have to make sure we're staying true to the 495 00:25:54,880 --> 00:25:58,720 Speaker 4: Bay the bayse culture, you know. On Tuesday, I walked around, 496 00:25:58,720 --> 00:26:00,480 Speaker 4: I talked to a lot of our different things and 497 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:02,160 Speaker 4: just said like, what does it feel like being here? 498 00:26:02,200 --> 00:26:03,040 Speaker 1: What do you think? 499 00:26:03,200 --> 00:26:06,439 Speaker 4: And the biggest compliment I heard multiple times was this 500 00:26:06,520 --> 00:26:09,520 Speaker 4: feels so Bay Area and that's what we wanted it 501 00:26:09,560 --> 00:26:13,520 Speaker 4: to feel. You know, the music, the feeling and the building, 502 00:26:13,840 --> 00:26:18,000 Speaker 4: you know, the joy. You know that came through. I 503 00:26:18,080 --> 00:26:20,800 Speaker 4: hope that that's what people feel when they're here on Friday, 504 00:26:20,800 --> 00:26:23,199 Speaker 4: and it's contagious and if you're not here, that you 505 00:26:23,280 --> 00:26:24,800 Speaker 4: know what that feels like, even when you're watching on 506 00:26:24,840 --> 00:26:27,480 Speaker 4: television or even when you see something on social media, 507 00:26:27,520 --> 00:26:29,439 Speaker 4: or even when you're watching our players talk about what 508 00:26:29,480 --> 00:26:33,960 Speaker 4: it's like. So that's that's been something that's really aided us, 509 00:26:34,080 --> 00:26:36,960 Speaker 4: is to not get to we want to know the data, 510 00:26:37,040 --> 00:26:38,960 Speaker 4: we want to know the details. Were nerds that way, 511 00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:40,800 Speaker 4: and we love that and take pride in it. And 512 00:26:40,880 --> 00:26:44,359 Speaker 4: yet we also all are emotionally connected, just like our 513 00:26:44,359 --> 00:26:46,960 Speaker 4: fans are, and we can't forget to just focus on 514 00:26:47,000 --> 00:26:48,760 Speaker 4: what this will feel like and build around that. 515 00:26:49,680 --> 00:26:52,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, it almost reminds me of that sweet spot when 516 00:26:52,720 --> 00:26:55,760 Speaker 1: you're looking I've heard baseball execs talk about this. Of course, 517 00:26:55,760 --> 00:26:57,639 Speaker 1: you look at the saber metrics, and then you also 518 00:26:57,680 --> 00:26:59,520 Speaker 1: ask your gut, because if you get too deep in 519 00:26:59,560 --> 00:27:01,760 Speaker 1: the numbers and you lose sense of the sort of 520 00:27:01,800 --> 00:27:04,760 Speaker 1: human connection, you can make some weird decisions that felt 521 00:27:04,800 --> 00:27:06,960 Speaker 1: right on paper, and then everybody at home is like, 522 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:11,399 Speaker 1: what that's weird? You know, one of the great things. 523 00:27:11,480 --> 00:27:13,400 Speaker 1: And I heard you talk about this at a conference. 524 00:27:13,760 --> 00:27:17,440 Speaker 1: Was this Chase sponsorship with the Letterman's Jackets. This is 525 00:27:17,480 --> 00:27:19,800 Speaker 1: such a smart way to work with a sponsor and 526 00:27:19,920 --> 00:27:22,920 Speaker 1: create a real thing of value for those who are 527 00:27:22,920 --> 00:27:24,800 Speaker 1: on board since day one. Can you tell us about this? 528 00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:28,760 Speaker 4: I can. So, as we sat down with Chase and 529 00:27:28,760 --> 00:27:30,800 Speaker 4: we thought through you know, we were talking about them 530 00:27:30,880 --> 00:27:34,480 Speaker 4: being represented on our jersey, which you know for us, 531 00:27:34,600 --> 00:27:36,200 Speaker 4: the partners that we're going to be in our jersey, 532 00:27:36,280 --> 00:27:37,920 Speaker 4: We're like, listen, if you're going to be in our jersey, 533 00:27:37,920 --> 00:27:40,160 Speaker 4: we want this to really mean something to our fans. Right. 534 00:27:40,240 --> 00:27:42,120 Speaker 4: The jersey already means something when you put it on 535 00:27:42,680 --> 00:27:46,040 Speaker 4: first team based culture, players wear it, but how do 536 00:27:46,080 --> 00:27:48,800 Speaker 4: we deepen that? You know, and Chase is a great 537 00:27:48,800 --> 00:27:52,120 Speaker 4: thought partner this way. You know, they are really storied 538 00:27:52,160 --> 00:27:55,320 Speaker 4: in the different marketing work that they do. And as 539 00:27:55,359 --> 00:27:57,600 Speaker 4: we talked through why people show up for women's sports 540 00:27:57,600 --> 00:28:00,320 Speaker 4: in the first place, right, that deep connection, that wanting 541 00:28:00,320 --> 00:28:02,680 Speaker 4: to support something that they believe builds the better tomorrow, 542 00:28:03,200 --> 00:28:05,200 Speaker 4: but wanting us and challenging us, you know, from the 543 00:28:05,280 --> 00:28:07,480 Speaker 4: data that we had from them to build a really 544 00:28:07,880 --> 00:28:10,879 Speaker 4: great fan experience. You know, Chase was like, how do 545 00:28:10,960 --> 00:28:13,040 Speaker 4: we lean into that, how do we compliment that, right, 546 00:28:13,040 --> 00:28:15,880 Speaker 4: how do we create legacy in that, especially this year, 547 00:28:16,000 --> 00:28:18,160 Speaker 4: in something that they can feel pride in on game 548 00:28:18,240 --> 00:28:20,760 Speaker 4: day and after game day. And so what they did 549 00:28:20,920 --> 00:28:23,399 Speaker 4: was our fans that purchased their season tickets with the 550 00:28:23,480 --> 00:28:26,480 Speaker 4: Chase card, they dedicated this really beautiful as you saw 551 00:28:26,520 --> 00:28:29,400 Speaker 4: firsthand when we were at the Deep Blue Sports Conference. 552 00:28:30,680 --> 00:28:33,280 Speaker 4: It's a great jacket and so it's our we call 553 00:28:33,320 --> 00:28:36,640 Speaker 4: our inaugural season ticket holder based the founding Guard as 554 00:28:36,640 --> 00:28:38,760 Speaker 4: you would for the val Thries, right. They're here to 555 00:28:38,840 --> 00:28:42,040 Speaker 4: protect us and to cheer on our players, and you 556 00:28:42,040 --> 00:28:44,360 Speaker 4: know they'll have an opportunity to be wearing that as 557 00:28:44,400 --> 00:28:47,040 Speaker 4: they cheer them, you know, both inside Chase Center and elsewhere. 558 00:28:47,080 --> 00:28:49,640 Speaker 4: But it's a beautiful gift and something that you know 559 00:28:49,680 --> 00:28:51,360 Speaker 4: they were going to buy their season tickets and excited 560 00:28:51,400 --> 00:28:53,160 Speaker 4: to be here, and then that was just an add 561 00:28:53,200 --> 00:28:55,600 Speaker 4: on and I think something that Chase did really well 562 00:28:55,600 --> 00:28:59,120 Speaker 4: of enhancing that opportunity for them to look at with 563 00:28:59,200 --> 00:29:01,920 Speaker 4: pride and and brings both of our brands out into 564 00:29:01,960 --> 00:29:03,440 Speaker 4: the world even beyond game day. 565 00:29:04,080 --> 00:29:07,360 Speaker 1: Yeah, it's so smart because fans wanna not just be 566 00:29:07,640 --> 00:29:09,720 Speaker 1: great supportive fans, but for everyone to know it. We 567 00:29:09,760 --> 00:29:12,200 Speaker 1: all know that you always want those proprietary things that 568 00:29:12,240 --> 00:29:15,120 Speaker 1: you can only get, and so everyone wearing that jacket 569 00:29:15,160 --> 00:29:18,840 Speaker 1: in the stadium on Friday night, everyone will know, oh wow, 570 00:29:18,880 --> 00:29:23,880 Speaker 1: they're an OG first season season ticket holder. And it's 571 00:29:23,920 --> 00:29:26,400 Speaker 1: just it's a super rad way to connect all those 572 00:29:26,440 --> 00:29:28,840 Speaker 1: people too. It's sort of like people who drive jeep 573 00:29:28,880 --> 00:29:31,080 Speaker 1: wranglers are supposed to like wave at each other or 574 00:29:31,080 --> 00:29:32,880 Speaker 1: something when they drive by. They have like a little 575 00:29:32,960 --> 00:29:35,720 Speaker 1: hand signal of let me see you. Yeah, it's like 576 00:29:35,800 --> 00:29:38,000 Speaker 1: a wrangler thing. A lot of people where I grew 577 00:29:38,080 --> 00:29:40,520 Speaker 1: up had wranglers in high school. And yeah, you're supposed 578 00:29:40,560 --> 00:29:42,520 Speaker 1: to like do a little hand signal for each other. 579 00:29:42,560 --> 00:29:44,880 Speaker 1: So those Letterman's jacket folks will be walking around giving 580 00:29:44,920 --> 00:29:47,320 Speaker 1: each other a little high five that they were part 581 00:29:47,360 --> 00:29:50,400 Speaker 1: of that initial founding guard. You know, you mentioned at 582 00:29:50,440 --> 00:29:52,880 Speaker 1: that same conference that you believe the Valkyries will have 583 00:29:52,920 --> 00:29:56,840 Speaker 1: an insane home court advantage. Why why is it going 584 00:29:56,880 --> 00:29:58,920 Speaker 1: to be better than other places? Why is it already 585 00:29:58,920 --> 00:30:00,680 Speaker 1: going to be lit even though oh you haven't played 586 00:30:00,680 --> 00:30:02,760 Speaker 1: a single game yet that was regular season. 587 00:30:03,080 --> 00:30:05,640 Speaker 4: I mean, that's our that's our job, you know, Ohemma, 588 00:30:05,680 --> 00:30:08,320 Speaker 4: our general manager and coach Alie Lacasse had me come 589 00:30:08,360 --> 00:30:11,480 Speaker 4: down and our business team and chat with the players, 590 00:30:11,960 --> 00:30:14,280 Speaker 4: you know, and just welcome them to the team. And 591 00:30:14,320 --> 00:30:16,400 Speaker 4: we said, that's our job. Our job is to create 592 00:30:16,400 --> 00:30:19,440 Speaker 4: the best home court advantage for you. And when you 593 00:30:19,440 --> 00:30:22,239 Speaker 4: meet our fans, when you see the passion, and you know, 594 00:30:22,320 --> 00:30:25,120 Speaker 4: the Bay Area is basketball culture through and through too, 595 00:30:25,680 --> 00:30:27,800 Speaker 4: and they've been waiting for this moment, you know, and 596 00:30:27,920 --> 00:30:30,400 Speaker 4: that glimpse of preseason. But the other thing that happened 597 00:30:30,440 --> 00:30:33,760 Speaker 4: at preseason that I can't wait to continue on Friday 598 00:30:34,280 --> 00:30:36,800 Speaker 4: is our fans are so hungry and already creating their 599 00:30:36,880 --> 00:30:41,680 Speaker 4: rituals on their own. So at one point our MCRI 600 00:30:41,960 --> 00:30:44,200 Speaker 4: she was, you know, v's for Valkyries, and all of 601 00:30:44,200 --> 00:30:46,000 Speaker 4: a sudden, the whole crowd was just like throwing up 602 00:30:46,040 --> 00:30:49,360 Speaker 4: peace signs, but like V for Valkyries, and We're like, Okay, 603 00:30:49,480 --> 00:30:51,720 Speaker 4: that's ours now. I guess we're going to claim that, right. 604 00:30:51,880 --> 00:30:54,880 Speaker 4: And I was at a women's sports business event honoring 605 00:30:54,960 --> 00:30:57,600 Speaker 4: Ohemma as one of the most inspirational leaders here in 606 00:30:57,640 --> 00:31:00,000 Speaker 4: the San Francisco b Area through the San Francisco Business Times, 607 00:31:00,040 --> 00:31:01,840 Speaker 4: and she went on stage two days later after a 608 00:31:01,880 --> 00:31:04,080 Speaker 4: preseason game, a bunch of women in the crowd are 609 00:31:04,080 --> 00:31:07,680 Speaker 4: throwing up the Valkyries insane right in two days time, 610 00:31:07,880 --> 00:31:12,080 Speaker 4: and those small moments of everything that our in game 611 00:31:12,080 --> 00:31:14,880 Speaker 4: presentation wanted to do, everyone bought in. And you know 612 00:31:14,920 --> 00:31:19,200 Speaker 4: what that's like, right, It's when someone's performing, whether it's music, sports, entertainment, 613 00:31:19,600 --> 00:31:22,760 Speaker 4: when the crowd, it's the crowd, right, and they are 614 00:31:22,800 --> 00:31:25,520 Speaker 4: really the ones. The fans are always the ones that 615 00:31:25,600 --> 00:31:26,360 Speaker 4: will dictate that. 616 00:31:26,800 --> 00:31:27,800 Speaker 1: And I've known, you. 617 00:31:27,720 --> 00:31:30,120 Speaker 4: Know, whether I'm talking to somebody one off, or I'm 618 00:31:30,160 --> 00:31:33,400 Speaker 4: at an event painting a mural beside our players, you know, 619 00:31:33,400 --> 00:31:36,680 Speaker 4: and kinds of permanente in downtown Oakland, it's just a 620 00:31:36,720 --> 00:31:40,160 Speaker 4: different vibe, you know, and it's it's something that you know, 621 00:31:40,520 --> 00:31:43,160 Speaker 4: we're talking obviously most people are listening to this conversation, 622 00:31:43,200 --> 00:31:45,080 Speaker 4: but you can tell them like I'm smiling when I 623 00:31:45,160 --> 00:31:47,480 Speaker 4: say it, because it's almost just like when you're a 624 00:31:47,480 --> 00:31:51,440 Speaker 4: part of it. It's just so fun but also intense 625 00:31:51,480 --> 00:31:55,560 Speaker 4: in a good way, so you can't help, but you 626 00:31:55,600 --> 00:31:57,280 Speaker 4: know want to be a part of it. So I 627 00:31:57,520 --> 00:31:59,440 Speaker 4: just it's loud. It's really loud. 628 00:31:59,640 --> 00:32:03,200 Speaker 1: Friday, I can't wait off the charts. I can't wait. Yeah, 629 00:32:03,200 --> 00:32:05,080 Speaker 1: I say that a lot of Chicago's Sky Games, and 630 00:32:05,120 --> 00:32:07,200 Speaker 1: I think just women's sports in general, there's a little 631 00:32:07,280 --> 00:32:09,560 Speaker 1: less of the too cool for school. It's like if 632 00:32:09,560 --> 00:32:12,840 Speaker 1: they're asking us to participate, whether it's a baby shark 633 00:32:12,960 --> 00:32:16,320 Speaker 1: on the big screen, flexing your muscles. Sometimes at the 634 00:32:16,320 --> 00:32:18,680 Speaker 1: Sky Games, the MC asks us all to get up 635 00:32:18,720 --> 00:32:20,960 Speaker 1: and do stretches, and we do it. You know, it's 636 00:32:21,000 --> 00:32:23,680 Speaker 1: not like the same vibe as some other games. Everyone's 637 00:32:23,720 --> 00:32:26,680 Speaker 1: really all in and that's such a great feeling when 638 00:32:26,680 --> 00:32:28,520 Speaker 1: you're starting something new and trying, like you said, to 639 00:32:28,520 --> 00:32:31,320 Speaker 1: create these organic moments that they'll happen in part because 640 00:32:31,320 --> 00:32:34,440 Speaker 1: the fans are hungry for them. Okay, last two questions quickly. 641 00:32:34,760 --> 00:32:38,480 Speaker 1: Will the Warriors playoffs affect anything or is this all 642 00:32:38,520 --> 00:32:40,960 Speaker 1: decided in advance, where all the games and schedules and 643 00:32:40,960 --> 00:32:43,800 Speaker 1: everything you're trying to do there are completely not going 644 00:32:43,840 --> 00:32:46,760 Speaker 1: to be affected by their schedule. Good question. 645 00:32:46,840 --> 00:32:50,080 Speaker 4: We look at that beforehand and we schedule everything to 646 00:32:50,120 --> 00:32:53,080 Speaker 4: the best of our abilities. That said, every arena, no 647 00:32:53,080 --> 00:32:55,560 Speaker 4: matter what the sports are, have to face this at 648 00:32:55,600 --> 00:32:59,320 Speaker 4: any given moment. There's so many different scenarios that could happen. 649 00:33:00,040 --> 00:33:02,960 Speaker 4: Game series five game series, six game series, seven game series. 650 00:33:02,960 --> 00:33:07,400 Speaker 4: But what a great opportunity right for as you're starting 651 00:33:07,440 --> 00:33:10,200 Speaker 4: to see the growth of obviously women's basketball, there's more 652 00:33:10,240 --> 00:33:12,320 Speaker 4: games coming into the picture. I don't think that's going 653 00:33:12,360 --> 00:33:14,040 Speaker 4: to slow down as all of us continue to think 654 00:33:14,080 --> 00:33:16,560 Speaker 4: about that, right and if you're fortunate enough to have 655 00:33:16,600 --> 00:33:18,680 Speaker 4: a team like the Warriors, who are in the postseason 656 00:33:18,720 --> 00:33:21,440 Speaker 4: pretty consistently, you know, our hope is that we run 657 00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:23,640 Speaker 4: into a lot of different scenarios where you do have 658 00:33:23,680 --> 00:33:25,880 Speaker 4: de Valogerries and postseason in the beginning of Warriors season, 659 00:33:25,880 --> 00:33:27,480 Speaker 4: and you do have the Warriors and postseason in the 660 00:33:27,520 --> 00:33:29,880 Speaker 4: beginning of Valgrie season. So right now we have not 661 00:33:29,960 --> 00:33:33,000 Speaker 4: had any issues, and we'll always do our best to 662 00:33:33,000 --> 00:33:35,800 Speaker 4: make that happen. But if and when there are conflicts, 663 00:33:35,800 --> 00:33:37,280 Speaker 4: we're always just going to do our best to work 664 00:33:37,320 --> 00:33:41,880 Speaker 4: through them. Truly, every arena that exists, regardless of events 665 00:33:41,880 --> 00:33:44,000 Speaker 4: that are happening, you have to navigate this right, whether 666 00:33:44,040 --> 00:33:47,080 Speaker 4: it's you're a shared hockey and concert or right like 667 00:33:47,240 --> 00:33:50,520 Speaker 4: those things do happen. There's contingency dates for a reason. 668 00:33:51,080 --> 00:33:53,760 Speaker 4: So I can tell you this ownership group takes great 669 00:33:53,800 --> 00:33:57,440 Speaker 4: pride in owning two basketball teams. We have ten thousand 670 00:33:57,440 --> 00:34:00,200 Speaker 4: season ticket holders for both basketball teams. We're always going 671 00:34:00,240 --> 00:34:02,120 Speaker 4: to do the best thing, the best we can for 672 00:34:02,440 --> 00:34:04,120 Speaker 4: both of these teams to be able to have the 673 00:34:04,120 --> 00:34:06,560 Speaker 4: best home court advantage no matter what the game is, 674 00:34:07,440 --> 00:34:10,280 Speaker 4: and then of course, you know, take care of everybody 675 00:34:10,520 --> 00:34:13,280 Speaker 4: as best as we can when those moments do occur. 676 00:34:13,800 --> 00:34:16,680 Speaker 1: It is cool though, because the city is excited about 677 00:34:16,719 --> 00:34:19,400 Speaker 1: a playoff team as you're getting started, so that the 678 00:34:19,480 --> 00:34:22,560 Speaker 1: vibes are there. Okay, last one, I need a big dream. 679 00:34:22,920 --> 00:34:25,920 Speaker 1: This is a halftime performer, a fan that you'd like 680 00:34:25,960 --> 00:34:29,400 Speaker 1: to see sitting courtside. What's the big dream for season 681 00:34:29,440 --> 00:34:31,640 Speaker 1: one at some point during the season that you're almost 682 00:34:31,680 --> 00:34:33,080 Speaker 1: like scared to admit that you have. 683 00:34:33,920 --> 00:34:36,200 Speaker 4: Oh, I mean, I think there's some big dreams that 684 00:34:36,239 --> 00:34:41,239 Speaker 4: I feel like might happen on Friday. So I can't say, 685 00:34:41,520 --> 00:34:46,520 Speaker 4: but I mean there's some fairly decent Bay Area celebrities 686 00:34:46,640 --> 00:34:50,480 Speaker 4: that are very interested in being at Valgriee games, whether 687 00:34:50,560 --> 00:34:53,879 Speaker 4: Friday or otherwise, that I'm excited to see show out 688 00:34:53,880 --> 00:34:56,360 Speaker 4: at me. Valgrae Violet looks good on everybody. But I 689 00:34:56,400 --> 00:34:59,560 Speaker 4: will also say, as a fan of hip hop, has 690 00:34:59,560 --> 00:35:01,359 Speaker 4: got me through many parts of my life, and I've 691 00:35:01,360 --> 00:35:03,800 Speaker 4: been a part of the bay for twenty plus years. 692 00:35:03,840 --> 00:35:06,440 Speaker 4: Just that whole part of our culture here, you know, 693 00:35:06,560 --> 00:35:09,040 Speaker 4: and the e forties and the two shorts, and the 694 00:35:09,120 --> 00:35:11,960 Speaker 4: Kailanis and the sweeties of the world. You know the 695 00:35:12,040 --> 00:35:14,120 Speaker 4: fact that you know we want them to rock with 696 00:35:14,200 --> 00:35:17,080 Speaker 4: us as well, So you know that that part of 697 00:35:17,120 --> 00:35:19,600 Speaker 4: Bay Area is something that's so unique to us, just 698 00:35:19,680 --> 00:35:21,439 Speaker 4: being a part of who we are, and I think 699 00:35:21,480 --> 00:35:23,920 Speaker 4: buying into to being the bas team is a big 700 00:35:23,960 --> 00:35:24,720 Speaker 4: deal for us. 701 00:35:25,239 --> 00:35:28,319 Speaker 1: Oh, you got me so excited for Friday. I can't wait, Jess. 702 00:35:28,360 --> 00:35:30,160 Speaker 1: I know you're so busy. Thanks for making some time. 703 00:35:30,200 --> 00:35:32,839 Speaker 1: We are so excited to see the Balks actually start 704 00:35:32,840 --> 00:35:35,880 Speaker 1: playing basketball. There's been such a long runway and you 705 00:35:35,880 --> 00:35:38,919 Speaker 1: seem like you're nailing it. So congratulations on the great 706 00:35:38,920 --> 00:35:40,880 Speaker 1: start in the preseason and we look forward to Friday. 707 00:35:41,440 --> 00:35:43,960 Speaker 4: Thanks for all that you do, the conversations you continue 708 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:46,719 Speaker 4: to have. I love good game that consider myself a 709 00:35:46,719 --> 00:35:50,200 Speaker 4: proud slice. Yeah. Continue to share you on and can't 710 00:35:50,200 --> 00:35:51,160 Speaker 4: wait to have you on Friday. 711 00:35:51,680 --> 00:35:56,680 Speaker 1: Awesome. Thanks so much to Jess for joining us. It's 712 00:35:56,719 --> 00:35:59,160 Speaker 1: always such a joy speaking to her. We love that 713 00:35:59,160 --> 00:36:00,719 Speaker 1: you're listening, but we want you to get in the 714 00:36:00,719 --> 00:36:02,879 Speaker 1: game every day too, So here's our good game play 715 00:36:02,880 --> 00:36:07,360 Speaker 1: of the day. Tune into all the basketball. Link to 716 00:36:07,360 --> 00:36:09,960 Speaker 1: the WNBA season schedule is in our show notes. And 717 00:36:10,040 --> 00:36:13,040 Speaker 1: I'm telling you tonight's going to be a blast. Grab 718 00:36:13,080 --> 00:36:15,920 Speaker 1: your favorite player's jersey, your favorite game, watch, and snacks 719 00:36:15,920 --> 00:36:18,640 Speaker 1: and drinks and your favorite people and enjoy the action. 720 00:36:19,200 --> 00:36:21,760 Speaker 1: And it's not too late to send us your hottest takes, 721 00:36:22,080 --> 00:36:25,799 Speaker 1: spiciest stances, and all your stat driven analysis ahead of 722 00:36:25,800 --> 00:36:27,440 Speaker 1: the season, So send them on in to us. We 723 00:36:27,520 --> 00:36:30,120 Speaker 1: love to hear from you. Good game at wondermedianetwork dot 724 00:36:30,120 --> 00:36:32,239 Speaker 1: com or leave us a voicemail at eight seven two 725 00:36:32,320 --> 00:36:35,600 Speaker 1: two four fifty seventy and don't forget to subscribe a 726 00:36:35,680 --> 00:36:38,719 Speaker 1: rate and review slices. Give us five stars, tell us 727 00:36:38,760 --> 00:36:43,040 Speaker 1: you love us. It's easy watch athlon sports and other 728 00:36:43,080 --> 00:36:47,280 Speaker 1: websites that are basically run by AI bots. Rating zero 729 00:36:47,280 --> 00:36:50,560 Speaker 1: out of zero stars, you suck and you're really mucking 730 00:36:50,640 --> 00:36:55,160 Speaker 1: up the digital sports landscape and confusing fans. Review. Did 731 00:36:55,160 --> 00:36:58,400 Speaker 1: the LA Sparks really refund all their season ticket holders 732 00:36:58,400 --> 00:37:01,720 Speaker 1: this week? Did Sophie cunning I have really publicly challenged 733 00:37:01,719 --> 00:37:05,840 Speaker 1: coach Stephanie White about her injury. Did Paige Becker's teammate 734 00:37:05,920 --> 00:37:08,880 Speaker 1: really have her contracts suspended one day before the new season? 735 00:37:09,640 --> 00:37:13,480 Speaker 1: Short answers no, yes, but it was a joke, and yes, 736 00:37:13,719 --> 00:37:17,560 Speaker 1: but that Becker's teammate was Luisa Geiselsoder, who hasn't played 737 00:37:17,560 --> 00:37:19,880 Speaker 1: a single minute in the WNBA since being drafted in 738 00:37:19,920 --> 00:37:24,000 Speaker 1: twenty twenty. Those are all headlines from Athlon Sports, a 739 00:37:24,080 --> 00:37:26,959 Speaker 1: site that somehow gets enough search engine optimization to pop 740 00:37:27,040 --> 00:37:29,640 Speaker 1: up in the top results of searches, even though their 741 00:37:29,640 --> 00:37:33,120 Speaker 1: headlines are misleading, their articles are devoid of any context 742 00:37:33,160 --> 00:37:36,839 Speaker 1: or nuance, and their authors are most likely robots. Why 743 00:37:36,920 --> 00:37:40,160 Speaker 1: Yahoo Sports decided to integrate athlon sports stories into their 744 00:37:40,200 --> 00:37:43,680 Speaker 1: site is beyond me joining the likes of sports Keda 745 00:37:43,960 --> 00:37:47,800 Speaker 1: and other AI driven sites. Athlon is just confusing folks 746 00:37:47,800 --> 00:37:51,040 Speaker 1: who don't have enough context or digital literacy to figure 747 00:37:51,080 --> 00:37:54,880 Speaker 1: out the truth from the bs. So a note to slices, 748 00:37:55,360 --> 00:37:58,440 Speaker 1: be careful where you're reading things and be careful what 749 00:37:58,560 --> 00:38:02,560 Speaker 1: you're sharing enough search and look for corroborating accounts from 750 00:38:02,640 --> 00:38:07,360 Speaker 1: legit sources before sharing stories or spreading rumors. These athletes 751 00:38:07,480 --> 00:38:10,640 Speaker 1: deserve that from us now it's your turn. Rate and review. 752 00:38:10,960 --> 00:38:13,960 Speaker 1: Thanks for listening, enjoy the games at see you next week. 753 00:38:14,360 --> 00:38:18,560 Speaker 1: Good Game, Golden State, Good Game, Jess, fuck you. Roster cuts, 754 00:38:19,120 --> 00:38:23,040 Speaker 1: especially those final cuts. It hurts. It hurts, real bad. 755 00:38:27,560 --> 00:38:30,200 Speaker 1: Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iHeart women's sports 756 00:38:30,239 --> 00:38:33,279 Speaker 1: production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You 757 00:38:33,320 --> 00:38:36,200 Speaker 1: could find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or 758 00:38:36,239 --> 00:38:39,720 Speaker 1: wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network, 759 00:38:39,840 --> 00:38:43,360 Speaker 1: our producers are Alex Azzie and Misha Jones. Our executive 760 00:38:43,400 --> 00:38:47,400 Speaker 1: producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan, and Emily Rudder. 761 00:38:47,760 --> 00:38:50,960 Speaker 1: Our editors are Emily Rutterer, Brittany Martinez, Grace Lynch, and 762 00:38:51,040 --> 00:38:54,640 Speaker 1: Gianna Palmer. Our associate producer is Lucy Jones and I'm 763 00:38:54,640 --> 00:38:56,000 Speaker 1: Your host Sarah Spain