How the Golden State Valkyries Defied the Odds to Become a Contender (And the Most Profitable WNBA Team)

As a fledgling WNBA franchise, the league's first expansion team in 17 years, the Golden State Valkyries opened the 2025 season at 500/1 odds to win the WNBA title which implies just a 0.2% probability. Yet after the first six weeks of the season, they sit at 9-7, sixth in the overall standings and in position to make the postseason in their inaugural season.

Currently, they’re as short as +7500 (75/1) to win the title on multiple sportsbook apps (bet365 included where a $5 bet on the Valkyries unlocks a $150 bonus), a probability jump to 1.3%. Recently, the Dimers model projected them at their highest mark of the season with a 1.2% probability just before their three-point loss to the Liberty, and is now currently settled at 0.7%, essentially splitting the difference.

Their start, which has them above last year’s conference finalist Las Vegas Aces, puts Golden State at a 61.3% probability to make the playoffs, up from 11.8% preseason. An industry preseason win prediction of 15 looks to be notably short as well, as their line is now set at 20.5 and they’re on pace for 25 wins in their debut year. Consider that three teams made the playoffs at .500 or worse last season.

While their championship probability isn't shooting up the board, there has been immense value to be found on backing the Valkyries throughout the season - with the Dimers Pro WNBA model as a resource, the Valkyries have been the single most profitable team to bet on this WNBA season.

Underdogs? Think Again - Valkyries Lead the WNBA in Upsets

The Valkyries have the best record against the spread in the WNBA at 11-5. They’ve won seven games as underdogs, the most in the league. They were double-digit underdogs in four of those games that they won outright. That’s an incredible result considering they have nine total wins this season.

In almost every one of those games, including three of their biggest upsets - May 23 vs. Sparks, June 14 vs. Storm, and June 19 vs. Fever - the Dimers model identified a discrepancy on the sportsbooks

Their strength here lies in their defense, allowing just 77.2 points per game, the league’s second-best mark behind only the reigning champion Lynx.

That defense is powering them to be the most profitable team when betting on the under - they are the only team in the WNBA with 10 games going under the sportsbook line.

Behind these marks, the Valkyries are proving to be the most profitable bet in the WNBA - an individual who bet $10 on the Valkyries to win each game would be up over $200 in profit, heavily buoyed by the edges that Dimers Pro users found in their underdog Moneylines.

And if you were betting them to cover the spread along the way, you've added about another 4-5 units, depending on your stake.

One of DimersBOT's best picks on the Valkyries this season.

Who's Leading the Charge?

Comprised of expansion draft eligible players and some free agent pickups, the Valkyries are the most surprising team of the 2025 season.

They’re excelling with players who for the most part have been role players and second options at best, but they’re proving they’re more than capable of leading a postseason contender.

Kayla Thornton is averaging 15.0 points per game, up from 5.0 with the Liberty. When she played similar minutes with the Dallas wings, she averaged a little under 9 points and she’s hitting career-high rebound numbers at 6.9 per game.

Veronica Burton averaged just 3 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game through her first three seasons - she’s up to 10.5, 3.9 and 5.2 respectively in her first 16 games with Golden State. Tiffany Hayes, acquired in free agency, is having a resurgent year after career lows in a reserve role with Las Vegas last season.

They're doing this without the help of a talented rookie as well - none of their three 2025 WNBA Draft picks are on the active roster. That's saying a lot, considering there's some incredible rookie talent out there like Paige Buckers, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron.

Can the Valkyries Make History?

Of course, winning the WNBA Championship requires more than just game-to-game success - you've got to be able to beat the best. 

The Valkyries are 0-2 vs. the Liberty this season and 0-1 vs. the Lynx, last year's two finalists. They've managed to improve over those three games vs. New York, losing by fine and then just three in their most recent meeting after a 28-point drubbing in their initial game, and they'll face the Lynx in their first game action since pre-Commissioner's Cup Final.

Their value is currently gone, at least as far as getting a fair price, but game-by-game betting is how to bet on the Valkyries, guided by Dimers Pro for the best picks each and every game.

Just how high does this cash-out offer go?

Don't Miss A Single Bet this WNBA Season

As far as what else you can look forward to all WNBA season long on Dimers, we'll let our proven results do the talking.

Consistent, proven profit between game lines, player props and longshot first baskets - there's no better way to be betting on the WNBA than with Dimers Pro.

Joining Dimers Pro is a bet you can count on to deliver time and time again. Don't wait - join today and save 20% off your first month with promo code 20BASKETBALL.

Dimers' 2025 WNBA Betting Resources

• WNBA Predictions: Our data-backed previews for every game, every day
• WNBA Best Bets: Our Top Picks for every individual matchup
• Best WNBA Props: Player edges and projections from our predictive analytics model
• WNBA Futures Odds: Who will win the 2025 WNBA Finals?
• WNBA Betting News: The latest promos, storylines and more around the league

Responsible Gambling

Remember to please gamble responsibly. If you sense that you're taking your luck too far, know when to call it quits and don't be afraid to seek assistance. Keep in mind that gambling is all about having a fantastic experience! If you or someone you know is grappling with gambling issues, reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER for crisis counseling and support.