Zendaya Back in Bay Area, Flames Up for Valkyries Finals

Zendaya returned to her hometown of Oakland and brought her star power to the Chase Center for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and the Dream ^[1]. The A-list actress, an Oakland native, wore a Valkyries playoff t-shirt and joined fans at Ballhalla, the team’s home arena. Her presence marked a strong show of support for the Golden State franchise, now in its second season and already a cultural phenomenon in the Bay Area.

The Valkyries have sold out every regular-season home game for the past two years, drawing celebrities like George Lucas, Too $hort, Kehlani, Ludacris, and Kerry Washington to their games ^[1]. The team shares an arena with the Warriors, but 49ers star Deebo Samuel has stated that the atmosphere at a Valkyries playoff game is louder than that of an NBA matchup.

The franchise’s success isn’t just on the court—it’s rooted in community. The Valkyries have built a brand centered on local identity, connecting with Oakland’s culture and fans. Zendaya’s attendance underscores how deeply the team has embedded itself in Bay Area life.

With two wins needed to claim the WNBA championship, the Valkyries are now on the brink of history. Their blend of athletic excellence and cultural resonance has made them one of the most talked-about teams in women’s basketball.

Zendaya’s return to the Bay Area—after attending her nephew’s football game in Folsom over the weekend—shows her ongoing commitment to her roots. Her presence at the Finals is more than a celebrity cameo; it’s a statement of pride in her hometown and its rising sports identity ^[1]. The story was first reported by New York Post.