The Golden State Valkyries made history in their WNBA debut on Friday, delivering a landmark moment for the league, even if it came with a loss. The Valkyries are the first expansion team to join the WNBA since the Atlanta Dream entered the league in 2008. Backed by a wave of support, the team launched with over 10,000 season-ticket holders.

Fans were allowed in at 5:30, and Brie Reddick of San Bruno, adorned in her own Valkyries T-shirt, was among the first to absorb the scene and has been waiting for a Bay Area franchise since the Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA folded following the 2009 season after playing two years.