Golden State Valkyries players displayed shocked expressions during their postgame celebration at Chase Center on Saturday when WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the microphone to present the WNBA championship trophy. The crowd showered the commissioner with loud boos as she addressed the stadium.
Addressing the hostility from the crowd, Engelbert acknowledged the fans’ vocal reaction by referring to them as “Boohalla.” The comment was a direct play on the home arena’s popular nickname, “Ballhalla.”
The visible reactions from the Valkyries players while Engelbert held the microphone quickly went viral. WNBA fans flooded social media platform X to comment on the team’s surprised expressions and the loud arena environment, with users noting “they really don’t like her” and pointing out how intense the noise was inside the building. Angel Reese did that to you”, “Zero surprise” – WNBA Fans Explode As DeWanna Bonner Walks Out With Alyssa Thomas Instead of Joining Dream Locker Room. “ST*U”: Speedy Morman Destroys Fan Volunteering to Fix Angel Reese’s Jumper After WNBA Game 7 Heartbreak.
This public reception comes during Engelbert’s final stretch leading the league. The 2026 campaign marks her final year as WNBA commissioner following her announcement in September that she plans to retire, with her official last day set for Dec. 31, 2026.
The trophy presentation followed the Valkyries securing the title on their home court by defeating the Atlanta Dream. The victory sparked immediate high spirits across the roster and coaching staff, leading to emotional postgame moments during the on-court interviews.
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase was in full celebration mode following the final buzzer, delivering an emphatic message directly to the camera when asked about the team’s prospects of defending the title next season. The victory marked a historic milestone, as Nakase became the first Asian-American head coach in WNBA history and the first to lead a team to a championship. As the team prepared to celebrate, Nakase was interviewed, and she didn’t hold back.
