San Francisco – September 18, 2026 -- Athleta, the Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP) performance apparel brand, has signed a multiyear agreement to become the Official Off-Court Apparel Partner of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA franchise that sold out all 22 regular-season home games at Chase Center in its 2025 debut season.
Athleta launches limited Off-Court Edit collection modeled by Valkyries guard Veronica Burton
The retailer is releasing a curated performance-lifestyle apparel line on Athleta.com timed to the partnership launch, fronted by Valkyries guard Veronica Burton. The collection targets the crossover audience between athletic performance wear and everyday style consumption.
Chase Center activation on September 18 to distribute 350 limited-edition shirts
Athleta and the Valkyries will stage a game-day event at Chase Center on September 18, including a post-halftime giveaway of limited-edition T-shirts to 350 attendees and a parachute drop activation.
Co-branded merchandise sales begin in 2027 through Valkyries team store
Beyond the 2026 season, the deal extends to in-arena placements and season-long visibility at Chase Center, girls' sports community programming in the Bay Area, and exclusive co-branded merchandise slated to launch in the Valkyries team store in 2027.
Both Bay Area brands frame deal around women's sports commercial momentum
"Women's sports are no longer emerging; they're redefining culture," said Maggie Gauger, CEO of Athleta, noting the partnership lets the brand engage fans through athlete storytelling beyond competition. Katie Stockberger, Golden State Valkyries Vice President of Partnerships, said the alignment reflects shared brand values around women's wellness. The tie-up arrives as the Valkyries prepare for their 2026 playoff run and as Gap Inc. deepens its investment in its home market of San Francisco.