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Golden State Warriors
Sep 5, 2025 11:09 PM EDT
The Golden State Valkyries are preparing for a landmark moment. On Thursday, the franchise clinched its first ever WNBA playoff appearance, but instead of the opener taking place at Chase Center, it will be played at SAP Center in San Jose.
The relocation stems from a scheduling conflict, as Chase Center will be unavailable while the arena prepares for the Laver Cup tennis tournament scheduled for Sept. 19–21. CBS reported that the tournament was booked back in 2023, well before Chase Center began hosting a WNBA franchise.
The situation has sparked backlash for Warriors and Valkyries owner Joe Lacob, who has otherwise been widely praised for bringing the league to the Bay Area and spending $50 million on the expansion franchise.
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Fans were eager to see the Valkyries host their first postseason game in the same arena as the Warriors, and disappointment quickly turned into criticism when it became clear that the debut playoff appearance would be moved. Here were just a few of the comments:
“joe lacob… a tennis tournament ? MOVE THEM WHAT THE [expletive],” read one post on X.
“Joe Lacob you suck,” said another fan.
“First ever home playoff game and gets moved you Joe lacob’s first fumble wit GSV,” one added.
“Any other league the team gets favoured over the act and the act is forced to reschedule … this is so gross by the Valkyrie ownership group,” said another. “Do better Joe Lacob.”
Valkyries to Open WNBA Playoffs at SAP Center, Draymond Green Reacts
The Valkyries’ first-round game, set for either Sept. 16 or 17, will now tip off in San Jose rather than San Francisco. The SAP Center, home of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, will host the contest. While the logistics are understandable, the situation has been frustrating for fans. Many feel a once-in-a-lifetime moment for an expansion team should have been prioritized at Chase Center.
Amid the debate, Warriors forward Draymond Green took to Threads to defend Lacob. Responding to a fan who argued Lacob wouldn’t intentionally snub his WNBA franchise, Green defended the owner.
“Joe probably did everything he could to cancel that event at Chase,” Green said. “And is probably losing it on anyone who had something to do with that scheduling.”
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) — Source: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Valkyries’ forced relocation has several layers of impact. For the players, it means their historic playoff debut won’t take place in front of the home crowd they’ve built in San Francisco. For fans, it’s a missed opportunity to celebrate at Chase Center, which has become synonymous with Bay Area basketball dominance.
Green’s support could help temper some of the criticism. But for many, the disappointment lingers. The Valkyries’ rapid success has heightened expectations, and anything short of a Chase Center playoff debut feels like a letdown, no matter the explanation.
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Athlon NBA Staff