Newest and first expansion franchise in the WNBA since 2008 brings women’s professional basketball to the Bay Area for the first time
United provides skills development opportunities for young female athletes and supports local youth sports programs
SAN FRANCISCO, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines and the Golden State Valkyries today announced a multi-year sponsorship with United as founding partner and the organization’s official airline ahead of the Valkyries’ inaugural season at the Chase Center.
United Becomes Official Airline Partner of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s Newest Expansion Team
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In addition to digital signage inside and outside of Chase Center, a social content series, and an in-market promotion, United will partner with the team on initiatives like “Connecting Communities,” which will give local youth basketball teams the chance to attend a Valkyries game, participate in a player meet-and-greet, and attend a skills clinic. United and the Valkyries will also drive the season-long initiative “Soar with Her,” a mentorship program that pairs young girls with players, coaches, and leaders from the Valkyries to foster personal growth, leadership skills, and confidence.
“We’re proud to have this unique opportunity to support the growth of women’s sports and make a lasting impact on youth sports programs in the San Francisco Bay Area,” said United’s Managing Director of Global Sponsorships Jennifer Entenman. “The Golden State Valkyries have demonstrated themselves to be committed to innovation and impact, and we’re honored to become a founding partner of an organization that’s generating so much excitement in the Bay Area.”
MileagePlus Exclusives is offering MileagePlus® members exclusive access to unique experiences with the Golden State Valkyries, including tickets in the United Club, suite opportunities, behind-the-scenes access, and a “Valkyrie For a Day” experience. Members have the opportunity to obtain tickets to the Valkyries’ first game on May 16th. For more detailed information about this event, click here .
“United Airlines is committed to showing up by our side as we build the Valkyries both on and off the court,” said Golden State Valkyries President Jess Smith. “Our shared commitment to building a better tomorrow with a focus on inclusion through education will allow us to create pathways for youth all while we enhance the fan experience.”
Some notable players on the Golden State Valkyries team include:
- Kate Martin, a former Las Vegas Aces player and former Iowa teammate of 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark
- Kayla Thornton, a 10-year veteran and recent title-winner with the New York Liberty
- Tiffany Hayes, a 12-year veteran and All-WNBA selection in 2018
This is United’s third sponsorship in San Francisco with a major professional sports franchise. United has partnered with the Golden State Warriors since 2016, working together with the team through the Franchise Fund program to support local businesses. The company has also partnered with the San Francisco 49ers since 2014.
United is the world’s largest airline1 as well as the leading carrier out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a domestic and global gateway. This summer, United will offer nearly 300 flights per day to 100 different destinations – the most since 2019 and more than any other airline in the Bay Area. As one of the Bay Area’s largest employers, United hired more than 1,600 new team members in 2024 alone, including flight attendants, pilots, customer service representatives, baggage handlers and maintenance technicians to support the airline’s growing operations at SFO, and expects to hire 1,200 more in 2025.
Credit: worldairlinenews.com
