Golden State Valkyries Bench Set WNBA Scoring Record
The team averaged 35.9 points per game from reserve players as the regular season wrapped up.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Basketball
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San Francisco fans watching the Valkyries saw the team shatter league history this season with the highest-scoring bench unit ever recorded. The reserves averaged 35.9 points per game to close out the regular season on September 24, 2026.
Why it matters
This scoring dominance helped carry the team to the No. 2 playoff seed despite the loss of key roster pieces like Temi Fagbenle to Toronto. The exuberant team culture is widely credited with sustaining this level of bench performance through the final stretch of the year.
The Valkyries bench averaged 35.9 points per game, eclipsing the 35.0-point record held by the 2020 Las Vegas Aces. It remains to be seen how this reserve production will translate to the intensity of the upcoming playoff series.
The players
Golden State Valkyries
The San Francisco-based WNBA team entering the playoffs as the No. 2 seed.
Natalie Nakase
The head coach who has fostered the team's unique and high-energy bench culture.
Temi Fagbenle
A former player who moved to Toronto after signing a $1 million contract during the offseason.
The details
The bench unit's success is tied to a specific team culture involving pregame rituals and high-energy unscripted celebrations during live play. Head coach Natalie Nakase has supported this approach, allowing players to express themselves to maintain energy levels. With the regular season concluded, the team is now turning its attention to its role as the No. 2 seed heading into the WNBA playoffs.
Timeline
The 2020 WNBA bubble season set the previous record with 35.0 points per game.
Temi Fagbenle departed for Toronto during the 2025-26 offseason.
The regular season officially concluded on September 24, 2026.
Across the Bay
This record-breaking bench performance eclipses the previous benchmark set by the 2020 Las Vegas Aces. The achievement marks a new high for reserve production in the league, effectively resetting the standard for deep rosters.
Fans should prepare for high-intensity play as the team prepares to leverage this bench depth for their upcoming postseason run. Follow the official playoff schedule to see when the team takes the court for their first series match.
The takeaway
The Valkyries' record-setting bench is a result of intentionally fostered, high-energy team rituals that kept players engaged through the final whistle. Watch for how the team manages these rotations during their playoff opener as the No. 2 seed.
Further reading
For more on the current team trajectory, check the latest updates on San Francisco basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The San Francisco Standard.
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