San Francisco officials and the Golden State Valkyries celebrated a major milestone on Tuesday when WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that the league’s 2027 All-Star Game will be played at the Chase Center on July 31. The announcement came during a special event at the arena, where a cable car was installed inside the venue to highlight the city’s iconic transportation.
Local excitement and community support
Engelbert reflected on the energy she felt during the Valkyries’ inaugural home game in May 2025, describing the arena as filled with lifelong fans. She said the Bay Area community has not only welcomed the new franchise but has embraced it as a hometown team. “The Bay Area has shown up for this team in a way that redefines what’s possible for women’s basketball,” Engelbert added.
Mayor Daniel Lurie echoed the sentiment, noting that attending a Valkyries game offers a unique experience for fans. “When you walk into this building for a Valkyries game, it is unlike any experience,” he said.
Owner Joe Lacob’s long‑term vision
Golden State Warriors and Valkyries owner Joe Lacob, who has supported women’s basketball for decades, called the All‑Star Game hosting a “full‑circle moment.” Lacob, an early investor in the former American Basketball League’s San Jose Lasers, purchased the Warriors in 2010 and helped secure the expansion franchise for the Valkyries in 2023. “It is a great honor to host the All‑Star Game,” he said, adding that the team hopes to win a championship in the near future.
Team achievements and fan base
Since their debut last year, the Valkyries have sold out every home game and became the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season, though they fell to the Minnesota Lynx. The team clinched a playoff berth for the current season with a victory over Dallas, underscoring the rapid growth of the franchise and its fan base.
Valkyries President Jess Smith highlighted the significance of the All‑Star Game for the league’s growth. “Hosting the AT&T WNBA All‑Star Game in only our third season is an incredible honor and a reflection of everything this fanbase, this region, and this organization have built together,” she said.
Bay Area’s track record of major events
The Chase Center has already hosted the NBA All‑Star Game and will see Major League Baseball’s 2028 All‑Star Game at nearby Oracle Park. The region’s recent experience with the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium and the World Cup further positions San Francisco as a premier destination for national sporting events.
With the All‑Star Game slated for 2027, local businesses anticipate a boost in tourism and community activity. The event, branded “Ballhalla,” will feature a weekend of related activities throughout the Bay Area, offering fans and families opportunities to engage with the sport and the city’s cultural offerings.
Looking ahead
As the WNBA continues to expand its footprint, the 2027 All‑Star Game in San Francisco represents both a celebration of the Valkyries’ early success and a broader commitment to growing women’s basketball nationwide. Fans can look forward to a midsummer showcase that highlights top talent, community spirit, and the Bay Area’s unique blend of technology, innovation, and hospitality.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
