With 11 players and a coach announced, the WNBA’s newest franchise is taking shape well. Kate Martin, Kayla Thornton, and more names were swooped up by the franchise in the 2024 expansion draft last night. The one declaring the third and final set of players for the Golden State Valkyries was Warriors legend Baron Davis. He took to the stage to announce the names. While many might think that the selection of the announcer was quite odd or apt, considering his relationship with the Warriors, there’s a different reason. 

Sure, the retired NBA player’s synergy with the Warriors and the fanbase is remarkable. In a very short period of three years, he created a special connection with the fans. But that is not the only reason why he was up on stage declaring the names of the Valkyries. Golf star Michelle Wie West and rapper E-40 also announced some of these names. Davis has a connection with the WNBA as well—on the business side, of course.

Inspired by Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, Davis went into business right after he ended his stellar NBA career. Among several business endeavors, he has invested in the WNBA as well. Back in 2022, the pro league raised $75 million for its future development and growth. The roster of investors featured several WNBA and NBA owners and members. Davis was also one of the investors.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert shared, “We are incredibly fortunate to be able to capitalize on the current momentum around women’s sports and are grateful to the investors who have chosen to support the WNBA in an unprecedented way and to our team governors who continue to invest in the players and teams.”

This substantial amount benefited the league by enhancing marketing efforts, driving the globalization of the WNBA, fostering innovation and digital advancements, expanding consumer touchpoints, and optimizing human capital and operations—all as part of a broader strategy to tackle various challenges.

Micky and Nick Arison, Bill Cameron, Michael and Susan Dell, Karen Finerman, the Hilsabecks, Herb and Steve Simon, Swin Cash, Pau Gasol, Mark Walter, Ted Leonsis, and many more names were on the roster. Be it certain players or a collective masterful display, women’s basketball and the WNBA have garnered a lot of attention and promise to grow more. And it’s likely that the investors didn’t wish to lose out on that chance.

Engelbert further added, “Our strategy is to deploy this capital to continue to drive the league’s brand as a bold, progressive entertainment and media property that embodies diversity, promotes equity, advocates for social justice, and stands for the power of women. Having just completed our historic 25th season, with this access to additional capital, we are setting the WNBA up for a successful future and it represents a sign and signal of the future direction of women’s sports as a whole.” 

Now, it makes much more sense for the franchise to choose an NBA legend to declare the players’ names.

Baron Davis’ history with the Golden State Warriors

It is also symbolic for the Warriors legend to be part of it, as he played for the Warriors from 2005 to 2008. Before joining the team, he was the leading scorer for the Toronto Raptors. In 2005, the Raptors traded Davis to the Golden State Warriors. Despite facing multiple injuries, he led the Dubs to their first playoff appearance in over a decade in 2007. That year, he spearheaded the We Believe Warriors to a remarkable victory over Dirk Nowitzki and the 1st seed Dallas Mavericks in the first round.

After a 13-year career, the 6-foot-3 guard transitioned into the business world. A Los Angeles native, he often expresses gratitude to Lakers legend Magic Johnson for inspiring his entrepreneurial journey. Among the companies he founded are Business Inside the Game (B.I.G.), UWish, and More Than Us.

Additionally, he has invested in notable ventures such as Vitaminwater, UNest, Thrive, Tracklib, Complex, TaskHuman, Toucan, and Vidy. Beyond his business endeavors, Davis has significantly contributed to the women’s professional basketball league.