“We are thrilled about expanding to the Bay Area and bringing the WNBA to a region with passionate basketball fans and a strong history of supporting women’s basketball,” says Engelbert. Additionally, Golden State’s Oakland Facility, which served as the Warriors’ practice facility and front office from 1997-2019, will be the WNBA team’s headquarters, housing a world-class practice facility and the team’s front office staff. The new team will be owned and operated by Warriors Co-Executive Chairman and CEO Joe Lacob and Co-Executive Chairman Peter Guber, and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. The team will begin play in the 2025 season, making it the first new franchise to join the league since 2008. The seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors have been awarded a WNBA expansion team, it was announced by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.