Bay Area-born organizations partner to celebrate the culture, community, and self-expression fueling the rise of women’s sports
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Athleta, a Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP) brand at the intersection of women’s performance and lifestyle apparel, today announced a multiyear partnership with the Golden State Valkyries as the team’s Official Off-Court Apparel Partner, connecting sport, style, and purpose.
To mark the milestone, Athleta will feature a limited-time Off-Court Edit – a curated assortment of performance lifestyle apparel inspired by the growing intersection of sport, style, and self-expression – modeled by Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, available on Athleta.com. And on September 18, Athleta and the Valkyries will bring the partnership directly to Chase Center, with a game-day celebration featuring limited-edition T-shirts for 350 attendees, to be handed out post-halftime show; plus an exclusive parachute drop, all offering fans even more ways to join in the festivities.
Rolling out across the 2026 season and beyond, the partnership will include:
- In-arena placements and activations at Chase Center, connecting Athleta with Valkyries fans through high-impact, season-long visibility.
- Community programming in the Bay Area that will empower girls through sport – extending Athleta’s mission to fuel confidence, connection, and evolution through movement while deepening the brand’s investment in its hometown.
- Exclusive co-branded merchandise, available through the Valkyries team store beginning in 2027, giving fans new ways to celebrate their connection to the team through performance lifestyle apparel.
The partnership between the two Bay Area-born organizations comes at a defining moment for women’s sports in the region. As the Golden State Valkyries prepare for their playoff run, Athleta and the Valkyries are coming together to celebrate the fans driving the movement forward. It is also a reflection of Gap Inc.’s continued investment in the Bay Area, supporting moments that bring communities together and help strengthen the region’s cultural and civic fabric.
“Women’s sports are no longer emerging; they’re redefining culture,” said Maggie Gauger, CEO, Athleta. “Fans increasingly connect with athletes through their individual stories, style, values, and community impact. Being an Off-Court Partner gives us an opportunity to meet athletes in those spaces – not just where they compete – and to bring the fans along with new ways to participate, connect, and be inspired by this meteoric moment for women’s sports… all right here, in our hometown.”
“Athleta and the Valkyries have so much common ground as two Bay Area brands who care deeply about women and wellness in our communities,” said Katie Stockberger, Golden State Valkyries Vice President of Partnerships. “Women’s sports are breaking new ground every day, and our goal is to show what’s truly possible when brand values align. Our fans are going to love what’s coming.”
About Athleta: Athleta is a premium performance lifestyle brand with a mission to fuel women’s confidence, connection, and evolution through movement. Inspired by the many ways women move through life, Athleta designs performance apparel that seamlessly blends technical innovation, elevated style, and a deep understanding of women’s unique needs. A Certified B Corp, Athleta is committed to advancing women and girls while creating positive impact for people and the planet. Based in San Francisco, CA and a Gap Inc. brand (NYSE: GAP), Athleta apparel is available at more than 250 retail stores across the United States and Canada and at Athleta.com.
About Golden State Valkyries: The Golden State Valkyries are a professional women’s basketball team competing in the WNBA. Based in Oakland at the Sephora Performance Center and playing home games at Chase Center in San Francisco, the Valkyries made history in their inaugural 2025 season by breaking the all-time WNBA attendance record with 22 consecutive regular-season sellouts, and are led on court by 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase. Rooted in Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike. This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, CLICK HERE. For more information on the Golden State Valkyries 2026 season, presented by Kaiser Permanente, visit valkyries.com.
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SOURCE Athleta
