The Golden State Valkyries are bringing out another Bay Area music legend for their WNBA Finals run, with Oakland’s own En Vogue scheduled to perform at halftime of Game 5 on Monday, Oct. 26. This is huge, not just for the fans at Chase Center, but for a Valkyries team currently trailing the Atlanta Dream 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, with Game 4 set for Saturday in Atlanta. Talk about needing some good vibes when the stakes are sky-high. Dinah Jane of Fifth Harmony is also set to sing the national anthem before the pivotal Game 5.
Bay Area Legends Stepping Up for the Finals Stage
The Valkyries have clearly leaned into their local roots for this Finals appearance, and it’s been a non-stop party of Bay Area talent hitting the stage. For Game 1, Oakland singer Goapele delivered the national anthem, Berkeley resident Rita Moreno handled the pregame drum duties, and San Francisco rapper Larry June brought the halftime heat. Game 2 kept that energy rolling, featuring Alanis Morissette on the anthem, Oakland rap pioneer Too $hort on the drums, and Vallejo rapper LaRussell for halftime. It’s a smart move, tapping into that local pride, and now bringing in a group as iconic as En Vogue for Game 5 just elevates the whole experience.
En Vogue: More Than Just a Halftime Act
These aren’t just any performers. En Vogue, formed in Oakland way back in 1989, became one of the biggest R&B acts of the 1990s, selling over 20 million albums globally. We’re talking hits like “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” “Free Your Mind,” “Hold On,” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” and of course, “Whatta Man,” their legendary collaboration with Salt-N-Pepa. The current lineup features original members Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones, who just performed together at the Toyota Pavilion in Concord as part of the TLC and Salt-N-Pepa tour. They even played Chase Center before, as part of a Bay Area music tribute during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. So, they know the arena, they know the pressure, and they know how to put on a show. The Valkyries could use that kind of seasoned stage presence to light a fire under them for Game 5.
Game 4 is set for Saturday in Atlanta, and then it’s back to Chase Center for Game 5 on Monday, October 26. You can catch all the action on USA Network, Peacock, and CNBC. The Valkyries are down, but they’re bringing in the heavy hitters for the entertainment. Can they match that energy on the court and “hold on” in this series? We’re all watching to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply