The Golden State Valkyries are setting a new benchmark in the WNBA even before stepping onto the court for their first game.

The expansion team announced on X that they had sold over 10,000 season tickets, becoming the first franchise in league history to reach this milestone.

The demand for tickets has been overwhelming. The team initially received 22,000 season ticket deposits and is still processing those requests, per Sportico.

In addition to full-season tickets, the team reportedly released 1,000 partial plan packages, which sold out within hours. Group sales have also begun and individual game tickets will be available in the coming weeks.

The Valkyries, the first WNBA expansion team since 2008, are preparing to debut at the Chase Center on May 16 against the Los Angeles Sparks. While they share an arena with the Golden State Warriors, they are focused on building their own independent brand.

Their picks featured a strong international presence, with seven players coming from outside the United States, including Maria Conde and Carla Leite, both yet to debut in the league.

Additionally, the Valkyries appear to be positioning themselves for a major free agency push in 2025. Only three of their selections are currently under contract beyond this season, leaving them with significant cap space to attract top-tier talent next year, said ESPN.

One of the most notable selections was guard Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces. Martin, a second-round draft pick, quickly proved her value in her rookie season, earning a spot in the Aces’ rotation despite stiff competition.

"This community has shown up, and then some, to create this milestone," said Valkyries president Jess Smith told Sportico.

"This is something that we knew was possible and really just signifies the beginning of our journey in a way that will set a trajectory for the WNBA moving forward."

Smith emphasized that fewer than 5% of Valkyries season-ticket holders are also Warriors season-ticket holders, showing the team’s ability to attract a unique fan base.

Last season, the WNBA experienced a surge in popularity, drawing 2.35 million fans—the highest attendance in 22 years, according to ESPN. Riding this momentum, the Valkyries’ ticket sales highlight the growing enthusiasm for women’s basketball, particularly in the Bay Area.

With the Valkyries already making history before playing a single game, their impact on the future of women’s basketball is undeniable.