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The Hidden Link Between Warriors & Valkyries – Podziemski Reveals What Nobody Knew!

Posted on August 15, 2025 - 5:02 am by

When the Golden State Warriors traded the gritty, electric Oracle Arena in Oakland for the sleek, modern Chase Center in San Francisco during the 2019-2020 season, they left behind more than just a building. The move brought skyrocketing ticket prices, sidelining some of the most passionate, diehard fans who made Oracle a fortress of raw energy and unrelenting noise—a place where opposing NBA teams dreaded stepping foot. The Chase Center, while state-of-the-art, has often been criticized for lacking that same soulful roar, with many fans and analysts noting a quieter, less intense atmosphere compared to the Warriors’ Oakland days. Even the team’s triumphant 2022 NBA Championship run, which briefly rekindled some of that old magic, couldn’t fully mask the sense that something was missing.

But a new spark has ignited in San Francisco, and it’s coming from an unexpected source: the Golden State Valkyries, the Bay Area’s newest WNBA team. In a surprising revelation, Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski dropped a bombshell about the atmosphere at Chase Center, hinting at a hidden dynamic that’s turning heads and raising eyebrows.

Podziemski, a rising star in the Warriors’ revamped core alongside superstars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, has quickly become a fan favorite. His breakout performance in the second half of the 2024-2025 season solidified his role as a critical rotation player, even if his postseason showing had its ups and downs. But it’s not his on-court contributions making waves right now—it’s his candid take on the Chase Center’s energy.

“It’s electric… The noise in there is a different type of noise than what we have with our games. It almost feels louder, most of the time,” Podziemski said with enthusiasm when asked about the Valkyries’ home games. “It’s really cool to see—I think we have fifteen home games so far, we’ve had all sellouts, all fifteen—so just to see the support that the Valkyries are getting in year one, it’s just really impressive.”

That’s right: according to Podziemski, the WNBA’s newest team is bringing a louder, more vibrant atmosphere to Chase Center than the Warriors themselves. It’s a claim that’s as bold as it is unexpected, especially considering the Warriors’ storied legacy and loyal fanbase.

The Golden State Valkyries, in their inaugural season, have taken the WNBA by storm. Not only have they consistently sold out Chase Center, but they’ve also earned the league’s highest average attendance—a remarkable feat for a brand-new franchise. What’s even more striking? According to the WNBA commissioner, less than five percent of Valkyries season ticket holders are also Warriors season ticket holders. This means the Valkyries aren’t just riding the coattails of the Warriors’ fanbase—they’re carving out their own distinct identity and drawing a fresh crowd to San Francisco.

Fans and players alike have dubbed the Chase Center’s atmosphere during Valkyries games “Ballhalla,” a nod to the thunderous, almost mythical energy that fills the arena. This isn’t just hype; it’s a tangible force that’s propelling the team forward. The Valkyries’ supporters bring a raw, unfiltered passion that harkens back to the Oracle Arena days, creating a home-court advantage that’s turning heads across the WNBA.

The contrast between the Warriors and Valkyries at Chase Center raises intriguing questions. Why does a first-year WNBA team seem to be outshining an NBA dynasty in fan energy? Part of it may come down to accessibility. The Warriors’ move to San Francisco brought glitz and glamour but also priced out many of the blue-collar fans who fueled Oracle’s legendary intensity. The Valkyries, on the other hand, have tapped into a fresh, diverse audience eager to support a new team and a growing league.

Podziemski’s comments also hint at a cultural shift. The Valkyries’ fans, unburdened by decades of tradition or expectations, are bringing a new kind of fervor to Chase Center—one that’s raw, inclusive, and unapologetically loud. It’s a reminder that energy isn’t just about decibels; it’s about connection, community, and the thrill of building something new.

As the Warriors gear up for another season with their star-studded roster, Podziemski’s revelation could serve as a wake-up call. The Chase Center may be the Warriors’ home, but the Valkyries are proving it’s possible to recapture the magic that once defined Golden State basketball. Could the Warriors draw inspiration from their WNBA counterparts, finding ways to rekindle that Oracle-like passion? Or will “Ballhalla” remain the Valkyries’ domain, a unique phenomenon that sets them apart?