Training camp is officially underway for the Golden State Valkyries, and if you thought the expansion-year novelty was the whole story, think again. Year Two is where franchises either start building something real or fade into irrelevance — and from the looks of things, the Valkyries are choosing the former.

The returning core of Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, and Kayla Thornton gives Golden State a foundation that most second-year expansion teams would kill for. Burton's playmaking, Williams' versatility, and Thornton's toughness form a spine that's tested and competitive. That's not nothing in a league where roster continuity is increasingly rare.

But the real story out of camp is the roster battles. Newcomers like Mariella Fasoula and Miela Sowah are fighting for spots on a squad that doesn't have much room to give. That's actually a healthy sign — it means the franchise has enough talent that earning a roster spot requires genuine competition, not just showing up with a pulse.

For San Francisco, the Valkyries represent something the city hasn't had in a while: a professional sports franchise in its infancy that's actually in the city's orbit and building from the ground up. The Warriors are a dynasty in twilight. The 49ers play in Santa Clara. The Valkyries are the rare blank canvas.

The fiscally minded among us will also note that WNBA franchises are dramatically cheaper to operate than their NBA counterparts, yet the league's cultural cachet — and TV deal money — keeps climbing. Golden State's ownership group isn't spending recklessly here; they're making a bet with genuinely favorable economics.

Whether the Valkyries crack the playoff picture this year is an open question. But the fact that training camp features real competition for real roster spots? That's how you build a franchise that matters beyond Year One hype. Keep an eye on this team.