Mayor Daniel Lurie tied the astronomical rise of the Golden State Valkyries to the city’s “comeback.”

Aug 18, 2026

Updated 1:46 pm PT

Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet the Raven rallies the crowd during Game 2 of the Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx WNBA playoff game at the SAP Center in San Jose on Sept. 17, 2025. The Valkyries players have had a successful second season, as the Bay Area prepares for a major WNBA showcase. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)

A major sports event is on its way to Ballhalla: San Francisco will host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game at Chase Center, the league announced Tuesday.

Festivities will be held July 30 and July 31, 2027, capped on the last night by the All-Star Game at Chase Center, the home of the Golden State Valkyries — a team that has surpassed high expectations. 

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert thanked Valkyries fans and team owner, Joe Lacob, at a press conference at Chase Center shortly after the announcement. 

The Golden State Valkyries play the Phoenix Mercury during their home opener at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 10, 2026. The game marked the start of the Valkyries’ second WNBA season.

“Golden State has shown what can happen when you bring together a passionate fan base, a dedicated ownership group — thank you, Joe — and an organization with a clear vision and a strong commitment from local leaders who believe in the power of women’s sports,” Engelbert said. “We all know women’s sports is not easy.”

Hot off their victory against the Dallas Wings on Monday night, the violet-clad players became the first expansion team — or a newly founded franchise — to make the playoffs in each of its two seasons.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who professed his love of the team at Tuesday’s press conference, tied the rapid rise of the Golden State Valkyries to the city’s broader “comeback,” and said that the team has helped make the city ready to welcome visitors from around the world.

“We’re a city on the rise,” Lurie said. “The confidence of the WNBA and the commissioner allowing us to host their marquee event is something that we’re going to be ready for.”