Expansion Valkyries make history with WNBA opener at Chase Center

SAN FRANCISCO — Violet shirts adorned every seat with the script “First of a Lifetime.” Before long, they were filled with 18,864 fans as the Golden State Valkyries tipped off against the L.A. Sparks, and the WNBA had officially come to the Bay Area.

The attendance — and it was legitimate — was the most for a WNBA team in its home debut. The Valkyries lost 84-67, but it hardly damped the enthusiasm. They even got a standing ovation at the game’s conclusion.

“It was loud. I mean loud,” Valkries coach Natalie Nakase said.