San Francisco prepares for Golden State Valkyries championship parade along waterfront

San Francisco is preparing to host a waterfront championship parade on Wednesday to celebrate the Golden State Valkyries securing their historic first WNBA title. The team clinched the championship after defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a tense Game 7 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center on Halloween night in front of a home crowd.

According to announcements from city officials and organizers, fans can begin lining up at 9 a.m. along the designated parade route on Wednesday. The celebratory procession will start at the Ferry Building near Mission Street and head south before concluding near King and Second streets.

The main event is scheduled to run from noon to 2 p.m. along the waterfront. Alongside the players, coaches, and staff, the mayors of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose are scheduled to participate in the festivities alongside regional officials and local sports icons.

Finals MVP Gabby Williams and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie will kick off the procession by banging a traditional drum to signal the start. The tradition mirrors the opening ritual that preceded every home game at Chase Center during their remarkable run.

City transportation authorities encourage attendees to plan ahead and utilize public transit options due to expected heavy crowds and temporary street closures along the waterfront. Organizers said that the public turnout is expected to draw thousands of supporters wearing team colors along the Embarcadero.

"This is as much theirs as it is ours," Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said in the team announcement. "We can't wait to bring the 2026 WNBA Championship Trophy to them and celebrate what we've accomplished together."

The public celebration officially concludes at 2 p.m. near King and Second streets following speeches from invited dignitaries.