Lacob, of course, is the same guy who turned the Warriors from NBA laughingstock to dynasty, so you'd be foolish to bet against the man's ambitions entirely. But ambition and execution are two very different things, and the Valkyries have a long way to go from expansion newcomers to legitimate title contenders.

Here's what makes the 2026 season interesting: the WNBA is in the middle of a genuine cultural and financial boom. New TV deals, skyrocketing attendance, and a fresh wave of superstar talent have transformed the league from an afterthought into appointment viewing. That's good news for the Valkyries — more money flowing into the league means better infrastructure, better free agent pitches, and a real shot at building something competitive in the Bay Area.

The bad news? Expansion teams don't typically leap to contention overnight. The roster still needs pieces, the coaching staff needs time to develop chemistry, and competing against established powerhouses requires more than just deep pockets.

What's worth watching this season is whether the Valkyries can show real progress — not just in the win column, but in building the kind of identity that eventually attracts top-tier talent. Are they developing young players? Are they making smart financial moves instead of just splashy ones? The foundation matters more than the scoreboard right now.

From a fiscal standpoint, bringing a WNBA team to San Francisco is one of the smarter investments Lacob has made. The demand is clearly there, the league's economics are trending in the right direction, and the Bay Area sports market can support another franchise — especially one that doesn't require taxpayer-funded stadium deals.

Lacob's five-year championship timeline is aggressive, but that's kind of the point. Set the standard high and build accordingly. Year two starts now. Let's see what they've got.