Most games are showing standing-room-only in the lower bowl, and resale prices on Ticketmaster look like they were set by someone who thinks you're made of venture capital money. But before you resign yourself to watching from your couch, there are smarter ways to get in the door — if you're willing to be a little strategic.

First, the basics: not all games are created equal. Weekday matchups against smaller-market teams are significantly cheaper than weekend showdowns with the Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, or New York Liberty. Star power drives demand, and demand drives price. Econ 101 still works, even in the WNBA.

Second — and this is critical — avoid Ticketmaster's resale platform if you can. One Bay Area fan put it bluntly: the fees Ticketmaster layers on top of reseller prices are "dumb." A ticket listed at $50 by the seller can balloon to something far uglier by checkout. StubHub tends to be more transparent, and prices drop especially close to tip-off.

Another local reported snagging 100-level seats for just $20 by buying after the game had already started — not ideal for the full experience, but proof that patience pays. Others have found weekday seats in the 200-level for around $40, which is honestly a steal for live professional sports in San Francisco.

The real insider move? One SF resident recommended a verified Facebook resale group specifically for Valkyries season ticket holders, where prices tend to undercut the major platforms and the mods keep scammers at bay.

Look, it's genuinely great that women's basketball is thriving here. Chase Center is a world-class venue, and the Valkyries are building something exciting. But the ticketing ecosystem — dominated by Ticketmaster's fee-bloated monopoly — remains one of the most consumer-hostile experiences in entertainment. Until that changes, your best weapon is flexibility: be open on dates, shop around on platforms, and don't be afraid to buy late.

Your wallet will thank you. The Valkyries will still be just as fun from Section 208.