SAN FRANCISCO — United Airlines has announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with the Golden State Valkyries, becoming a founding partner and the official airline of the WNBA’s newest expansion team, just weeks ahead of the Valkyries’ inaugural season opener at Chase Center on May 16.
As part of the partnership, United will feature digital signage inside and outside the Chase Center, launch a social content series, and host in-market promotions. The collaboration will also support community-focused programs including “Connecting Communities” — which gives local youth basketball teams the opportunity to attend games, meet players, and join skills clinics — and “Soar with Her,” a mentorship initiative pairing girls with Valkyries players, coaches, and executives to foster leadership and confidence.
“We’re proud to have this unique opportunity to support the growth of women’s sports and make a lasting impact on youth sports programs in the San Francisco Bay Area,” said Jennifer Entenman, United’s Managing Director of Global Sponsorships.
United’s MileagePlus® members will also benefit from the partnership through MileagePlus Exclusives, which offers members access to Valkyries’ suite tickets, behind-the-scenes experiences, and a ‘Valkyrie For a Day’ opportunity. MileagePlus members can also claim exclusive tickets to the Valkyries’ much-anticipated first game.
“United Airlines is committed to showing up by our side as we build the Valkyries both on and off the court,” said Valkyries President Jess Smith. “Our shared commitment to building a better tomorrow with a focus on inclusion through education will allow us to create pathways for youth all while we enhance the fan experience.”
Star Power on the Court
The Valkyries have assembled a strong roster, including:
- Kate Martin, former Las Vegas Aces player and University of Iowa standout alongside 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark
- Kayla Thornton, a 10-year WNBA veteran and recent champion with the New York Liberty
- Tiffany Hayes, a 12-year veteran and All-WNBA selection in 2018
The Valkyries, headquartered in Oakland, were announced as the WNBA’s 13th franchise in October 2023. The team will play home games at San Francisco’s Chase Center, sharing the court with their NBA counterparts, the Golden State Warriors.
Deepening United’s Bay Area Sports Footprint
This marks United’s third major sports partnership in the Bay Area, alongside existing collaborations with the Golden State Warriors (since 2016) and San Francisco 49ers (since 2014). United, the world’s largest airline by available seat miles and fleet, is also the top carrier at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In 2024, the airline added over 1,600 local jobs and plans to hire 1,200 more in 2025.
With nearly 300 daily flights to 100 destinations this summer — its busiest schedule since 2019 — United continues to expand its regional presence while investing in community-driven partnerships like the Valkyries deal.
For more information on the Golden State Valkyries and upcoming events, visit valkyries.com.
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