Warriors’ goal for WNBA expansion team — ‘We want to be the best’

In an ambitious move, Golden State Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob confidently predicted a championship win within the first five years of the newly announced WNBA franchise during a press conference in Las Vegas. Lacob’s statement reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence, a sentiment echoed by Warriors president and COO Brandon Schneider in an interview with ESPN.

Despite the boldness of the declaration, it underscores the team’s drive to not just participate, but to dominate. This same determination has led to four NBA championships for the Warriors, validating Lacob’s prior commitments to the team. This new WNBA team, set to begin playing in 2025, aims to replicate that success, building on the franchise’s impressive track record.

The decision to bring a WNBA team to the Bay Area dates back to 2010, rooted in Lacob’s previous experience as an owner/investor in the ABL. However, discussions on when to introduce the team gained momentum when both the WNBA and the Warriors aimed to emerge from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By selecting NBA-grade facilities such as the Chase Center and leveraging their existing infrastructure and business model, the Warriors’ approach signals a strong commitment to the growth and success of women’s basketball.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing the league’s desire to attract successful and valuable franchises like the Warriors. She highlighted the Lakers’ proven track record, exemplified by their ranking as the most valuable NBA franchise at $7 billion, as a potential game-changer in the WNBA landscape.

Engelbert’s insightful metrics, along with the league’s increasing attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales, reflect an upward trajectory for the sport. The Warriors believe they can play a pivotal role in further propelling the business and growth of the WNBA and women’s sports in general.

With ticket sales already off to a strong start, and partners eagerly expressing interest, the Warriors’ WNBA endeavor appears to be on track for success. Their focus on establishing a dedicated team and shared services with the NBA franchise sets the stage for a seamless transition into the league.

2025 may seem distant, but for the Warriors, the journey is just beginning.