The Rise and Fall of Bay Area Dynasties

How the Valkyries built a commercial juggernaut

The Golden State Valkyries made the playoffs in their inaugural season, have sold out every home game they’ve ever played, and are the first women’s sports franchise valued at $1 billion. Who’s responsible for this immediate success? How did the Valkyries shoot past their competitors to become the WNBA’s most valuable team? On "Section 415," reporter Jane Kenny discusses the evolution of the franchise since owner Joe Lacob paid $50 million back in 2023 to establish it. 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Jane's profile of Valkyries President Jess Smith 08:39 Owner Joe Lacob & The Valks' Billion-Dollar Valuation 13:22 The Valkyries Team Culture 16:50 The Fit of Gabby Williams 19:47 Juste Jocyte and the Valkyries Draft Strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The most disappointing SF Giants season since ...?

The Giants are lost. Their highest-paid players aren't producing, they haven't cleared a path to playing time for prospects, and they've been flirting with last-place for weeks. What's next for Buster Posey as he evaluates a team that hasn't come close to meeting expectations? The Standard's John Shea joins "Section 415" to discuss changes the Giants can implement and where the 2026 club ranks among the worst Bay Area baseball teams he has covered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

S415 x Light Years: Analyzing the Warriors draft and offseason options

The “Light Years” [https://open.spotify.com/show/2W09htwHGxgJ7W47s6pUVv] podcast’s Sam Esfandiari joined guest host Danny Emerman on “Section 415” to discuss how the Warriors might approach the upcoming draft. Esfandiari also laid out what would constitute a successful offseason for Golden State and reflected on his decade of podcasting about the Warriors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

49ers breakdown: Minicamp, 2026 schedule, and OTAs

After 49ers rookies took the field in Santa Clara for the first time earlier this month, they’ll join veteran teammates at organized team activities (OTAs) next week. The practices lack the same level of intensity as training camp, but they provide an important learning opportunity for younger players and a chance for veterans to get acquainted with new coaches. The Standard’s David Lombardi joins “Section 415” to discuss which developments he’ll be tracking and how new coaches including defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will implement changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Why Steve Kerr really chose to return to the Warriors

Steve Kerr has signed a two-year deal to return to the Golden State Warriors, but the coach acknowledged that things are different at this stage of his tenure. There’s no championship or bust mentality. It’s not realistic to compete for a title every season. So if winning a fifth ring with Golden State isn’t the most likely outcome, why did Kerr return? Kerr spoke with The Standard’s Tim Kawakami, who joins "Section 415" to discuss Kerr’s comments about his future, and how the Warriors will approach a pivotal offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]