Which team joined the WNBA one season before Portland and Toronto?

The Golden State Valkyries joined the WNBA one season before Portland and Toronto.

Golden State began play in 2025, becoming the league’s 13th franchise. Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo entered the competition in 2026, expanding the WNBA from 13 to 15 teams. That timing makes the Valkyries the team that arrived one season earlier than both newcomers.

The Valkyries are based in the San Francisco Bay Area and are owned by the group that controls the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. They play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco, with additional games hosted at other Bay Area venues.

The expansion was part of a broader period of WNBA growth. Golden State was the league’s first expansion franchise since 2008, while Toronto became the WNBA’s first Canadian team. Portland’s return restored a WNBA presence in a city that had previously hosted the Portland Fire.