Golden State Valkyries announce Rakuten as founding partner, launch “Rakuten Arrivals” to celebrate players’ personal style
Rakuten is officially a founding partner of WNBA’s newest team. As the Golden State Valkyries prepare to tip off their first-ever WNBA season, the league’s 13th franchise is teaming up with Rakuten to celebrate players’ self-expression and delight fans.
A key element of the partnership is “Rakuten Arrivals,” a platform enabling players to express their individual sense of style and support brands they are passionate about. Rakuten will also offer exclusive merchandise and Cash Back opportunities throughout the season.
“Rakuten Arrivals embodies the values we share with the Valkyries — strength, boldness and a commitment to building a more inclusive future,” said Amit Patel, CEO of Rakuten International. “Fashion and self-expression are powerful ways for fans to connect with the players they admire. Through this partnership, we’re proud to elevate those moments while also offering fans a rewarding way to engage — with Cash Back when they shop the players’ looks.”
Cash Back and exclusive merchandise for fans
Rakuten, who is also the official shopping rewards partner of the Valkyries, will provide fans with exclusive merchandise opportunities and Cash Back offers throughout the season, empowering them to represent Golden State in their own distinctive way.
As the presenting sponsor of “Latest Looks,” Rakuten will provide fans with 10% Cash Back on the newest Valkyries gear purchased through Rakuten, both in-store and online, every game.
“Our fans, community and players bring style, dedication and personality to everything they do — and now Rakuten will help the Valkyries showcase and celebrate these moments,” said Golden State Valkyries President Jess Smith. “Through ‘Rakuten Arrivals,’ fans will gain unique opportunities to connect with players’ personal expressions through their game day fashion as they arrive at Chase Center. We’re thrilled to welcome Rakuten as a partner to the Valkyries, enhancing our community experiences during our inaugural season.”
Later in the season, Rakuten and the Valkyries will launch a gift-with-purchase program, offering fans the chance to receive exclusive Valkyries merchandise designed by The Wild Collective. These initiatives aim to provide fans with rewarding ways to engage with the team and represent Golden State in their own way.
“Ascending Stars” program to support women in the Bay Area
The new partnership extends beyond the arena with the “Ascending Stars” program, a community-based program uplifting early career women in the Bay Area through leadership development and career advancement resources, which will culminate in a career development summit at Chase Center. Each month, two program participants, or Ascending Stars, will be spotlighted on Valkyries social media channels.
Inspiring communities through sport
The Valkyries are Rakuten’s latest basketball partnership in the Bay Area, where the company’s Rakuten International headquarters are located. Rakuten have been the official partner and first-ever jersey-badge partner of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors since 2017. Rakuten is also a founding partner of Chase Center, a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue that is the home arena for the Valkyries and Warriors. For more on Rakuten’s global sports & entertainment partnerships, visit here.
Visit valkyries.com for more info on the team’s upcoming 2025 season.
