Where Bay Area sports teams stand heading into 2026

🏀 The Golden State Valkyries smashed a lot of firsts, bowing out with a 23-21 record after becoming the first WNBA expansion franchise to make the playoffs in an inaugural season.

• Star players like Kayla Thornton, Monique Billings and Veronica Burton played key roles in making it happen.
• What we're watching: The WNBA is expected to see an unprecedented number of free agents, which could threaten the Valkyries' roster — especially amid a new collective bargaining agreement that could result in increased pay elsewhere.

🏈 The San Francisco 49ers have struggled through the season with a rotating door of injuries, which has been demoralizing for fans. But a recent string of wins could position them for a playoff berth.

• The 49ers' 37-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday extended their winning streak to four games. They now stand 10-4.
• Caveat: Defense remains their biggest weakness. The 49ers rank 18th in NFL defense, allowing 333.6 total yards per game, per 49ers Webzone.
• What's next: The 49ers face off against the Indianapolis Colts at 5:15pm Monday at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium.

⚾️ The San Francisco Giants made big plays this year, trading Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, James Tibbs III and Jose Bello for Red Sox All-Star Rafael Devers.

• Yes, but: Injuries and inconsistent batting performances led the team to finish without a winning record for the fourth straight season.
• With fresh-faced Tony Vitello taking over Bob Melvin's role as manager, the Giants are making a calculated bet to see whether Vitello can bring his NCAA success to the MLB — especially if Devers and No. 1 prospect Bryce Eldridge can settle into their roles as power hitters.

🏀 The Golden State Warriors are seeing some cracks amid a middling 13-14 record as of Wednesday. Injuries to Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, the team's highest-scoring players, could threaten chances of bouncing back.

• Owner Joe Lacob's recent response to a fan's frustrated email appeared to comment on head coach Steve Kerr's choice to continue building an offensive system around veterans like Curry and Draymond Green, even when it doesn't play to the strengths of the team's younger players.
• The intrigue: Kerr, who has led the Warriors to four championships in 12 seasons, is in the final season of his contract and has said he plans to reassess at the end of the 2025-2026 campaign instead of seeking an extension.

⚽️ Bay FC's second season started out with promise but ended with a disappointing 14 losses and only four wins in National Women's Soccer League play.

• The latest: The club recently announced that Emma Coates, the former U23 English Football Association head coach, will lead the team for the 2026 season, replacing Albertin Montoya.
• Montoya departed after allegations of a toxic work environment led to an independent probe. The NWSL ultimately concluded that there were "shortcomings" in his communication style but no violation of workplace harassment policies.