United Becomes Official Airline Partner of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's Newest Expansion Team

Rhea-AI Summary

United Airlines (UAL) has announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement as the founding partner and official airline of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's first expansion team since 2008. The partnership includes digital signage at Chase Center, social content series, and community initiatives like 'Connecting Communities' and 'Soar with Her' mentorship programs.

The airline will offer MileagePlus members exclusive access to unique experiences, including United Club tickets, suite opportunities, and behind-the-scenes access for the team's inaugural game on May 16th. Notable players include Kate Martin, Kayla Thornton, and Tiffany Hayes.

As the world's largest airline and leading carrier at SFO, United plans to operate nearly 300 daily flights to 100 destinations this summer. The company hired 1,600 new team members in 2024 and expects to hire 1,200 more in 2025 to support growing operations at SFO.

Positive

• Expansion of market presence through strategic sports partnership in the Bay Area
• Growing operations at SFO with increased flight capacity
• Strong workforce growth with 1,600 new hires in 2024 and 1,200 planned for 2025
• Enhanced customer loyalty program offering through exclusive Valkyries experiences

Negative

• None.

Newest and first expansion franchise in the WNBA since 2008 brings women's professional basketball to the Bay Area for the first time

United provides skills development opportunities for young female athletes and supports local youth sports programs

SAN FRANCISCO, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines and the Golden State Valkyries today announced a multi-year sponsorship with United as founding partner and the organization's official airline ahead of the Valkyries' inaugural season at the Chase Center.

In addition to digital signage inside and outside of Chase Center, a social content series, and an in-market promotion, United will partner with the team on initiatives like "Connecting Communities," which will give local youth basketball teams the chance to attend a Valkyries game, participate in a player meet-and-greet, and attend a skills clinic. United and the Valkyries will also drive the season-long initiative "Soar with Her," a mentorship program that pairs young girls with players, coaches, and leaders from the Valkyries to foster personal growth, leadership skills, 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 United's Managing Director of Global Sponsorships Jennifer Entenman. "The Golden State Valkyries have demonstrated themselves to be committed to innovation and impact, and we're honored to become a founding partner of an organization that's generating so much excitement in the Bay Area."

MileagePlus Exclusives is offering MileagePlus® members exclusive access to unique experiences with the Golden State Valkyries, including tickets in the United Club, suite opportunities, behind-the-scenes access, and a "Valkyrie For a Day" experience. Members have the opportunity to obtain tickets to the Valkyries' first game on May 16th. For more detailed information about this event, click here .

"United Airlines is committed to showing up by our side as we build the Valkyries both on and off the court," said Golden State 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."

Some notable players on the Golden State Valkyries team include:

• Kate Martin, a former Las Vegas Aces player and former Iowa teammate of 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark
• Kayla Thornton, a 10-year veteran and recent title-winner with the New York Liberty
• Tiffany Hayes, a 12-year veteran and All-WNBA selection in 2018

This is United's third sponsorship in San Francisco with a major professional sports franchise. United has partnered with the Golden State Warriors since 2016, working together with the team through the Franchise Fund program to support local businesses. The company has also partnered with the San Francisco 49ers since 2014.

United is the world's largest airline¹ as well as the leading carrier out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a domestic and global gateway. This summer, United will offer nearly 300 flights per day to 100 different destinations - the most since 2019 and more than any other airline in the Bay Area. As one of the Bay Area's largest employers, United hired more than 1,600 new team members in 2024 alone, including flight attendants, pilots, customer service representatives, baggage handlers and maintenance technicians to support the airline's growing operations at SFO, and expects to hire 1,200 more in 2025.

¹ As measured by available seat miles and fleet

About the Golden State Valkyries 

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on October 5, 2023. Originating from 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. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries' assets, including team logos, CLICK HERE. For more information, please visit valkyries.com.

About United

At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".

 

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SOURCE United Airlines

FAQ

What are the key benefits of United Airlines' partnership with Golden State Valkyries?

The partnership includes digital signage at Chase Center, exclusive MileagePlus member experiences, community youth programs, and mentorship initiatives.

How many flights will United Airlines (UAL) operate from SFO in summer 2025?

United will operate nearly 300 daily flights to 100 different destinations from SFO, the most since 2019.

What are United Airlines' (UAL) hiring plans for SFO in 2025?

United plans to hire 1,200 new team members in 2025 to support growing operations at SFO.

When is the Golden State Valkyries' first game under the United Airlines partnership?

The inaugural game is scheduled for May 16th, 2025.