Athleta Partners with Golden State Valkyries to Enhance Women's Sports and Community Engagement

Athleta Teams Up with Golden State Valkyries for Women's Empowerment

In an exciting move set to reshape the landscape of women's sports, Athleta, a prominent brand under Gap Inc., has formed a partnership with the Golden State Valkyries, the burgeoning professional women's basketball team. This collaboration positions Athleta as the Valkyries' Official Off-Court Apparel Partner and embodies the merging of sport with fashion and purpose.

Celebrating Culture and Self-Expression

On September 15, 2026, this partnership was announced, coinciding with a significant moment in the evolution of women's sports. Athleta is committed to empowering women through their performance lifestyle apparel, emphasizing self-expression and community connection. The kickoff to this collaboration will include the launch of a limited-time Off-Court Edit, featuring a curated collection of apparel designed specifically for women who balance sport and lifestyle. This line will be officially modeled by none other than Valkyries guard Veronica Burton and will be available for purchase on Athleta's website.

The excitement doesn't stop there. On September 18, during a game at the Chase Center, Athleta and the Valkyries plan to celebrate this partnership with an engaging game-day event. Fans attending will receive limited-edition T-shirts, and an exhilarating parachute drop will offer an interactive touchpoint for the spectators, ensuring they experience the vibrancy of this partnership first-hand.

A Season of Visibility and Community Engagement

As the collaboration unfolds throughout the 2026 season, Athleta will maintain high visibility through in-arena placements and activations at the Chase Center. This means fans will experience a deeper connection with both brands, as Athleta aims to empower local girls through tailored community programming centered around sports. These initiatives align perfectly with Athleta's mission to inspire confidence and community among women and girls, reinforcing bonds in their shared hometown.

Additionally, fans can look forward to exclusive co-branded merchandise come 2027, allowing them to support the Valkyries while enjoying the comfort and style that Athleta is known for. Merch will be available in the Valkyries team store, providing a tangible way for fans to express their dedication to women's sports.

A Defining Moment for Women's Sports

Maggie Gauger, CEO of Athleta, emphasizes the significance of this partnership, pointing out that women's sports are now redefining cultural norms and become essential threads within the fabric of community life. As Athleta steps into this new role, it symbolizes not just a business strategy but a heartfelt commitment to meet athletes where they thrive both inside and outside competitive arenas. Gauger believes this partnership offers fans unique ways to engage, connect, and draw inspiration from the athletes they support.

Katie Stockberger, Vice President of Partnerships for the Valkyries, echoes this sentiment, noting that the collaboration highlights what happens when shared values are actualized in innovative partnerships. The Valkyries are on a trajectory to push boundaries, nurturing a community that fosters women's sports' growth and celebration.

About Athleta and Golden State Valkyries

Athleta is more than just a brand; it strives to fuel women's empowerment through movement and fitness. As a certified B Corp, Athleta is dedicated to social and environmental accountability, creating a positive change in the world.

The Golden State Valkyries are a revolutionary presence in the WNBA, having made a notable impact during their inaugural season in 2025. With an impressive fan base that shattered attendance records, the Valkyries continue to build their legacy on the foundation of strength, resilience, and empowering narratives from women who dare to defy stereotypes.

This partnership between Athleta and the Golden State Valkyries stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, symbolizing a new chapter in women's sports that champions empowerment, nurtures community, and celebrates the unique journeys of female athletes everywhere.