Over a year ago, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that the WNBA would be expanding to 13 teams beginning 2025. It is the first expansion team since 2008 when the Atlanta Dream was introduced.
On May 14, the team name was revealed to be the Golden State Valkyries. Their home games will be played at Chase Center, same as the Golden State Warriors. On October 10, Natalie Nakase was named the first head coach of the team. She was previously an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces as well as the LA Clippers.
The team had a head coach, so the next step was getting some players. The 2024 WNBA Expansion draft was held on December 6, 2024. They would also have three picks in the 2025 WNBA draft: 5th, 17th, and 30th. And of course there is the free agency period, which will take place in late January.
Expansion Draft Rules
The current 12 teams can choose up to six players to protect from being selected in the expansion. The remaining players are eligible to be chosen. Even though 12 players will be selected, the Valkyries have the option of passing on a team. Unrestricted free agents are also eligible for the draft, but the team can only select one 2024 unrestricted agent.
The New-Look Valkyries
The Valkyries selected Iliana Rupert from the Atlanta Dream with their first pick. She was playing overseas during the 2024 season. She also played for the Aces in 2022, so she is familiar with Nakase.
The second player selected was Maria Conde from the Chicago Sky. She was drafted by the Sky in 2019, but never played for them.
The third player selected was Veronica Burton from the Connecticut Sun. She was a key contributor to the team’s success this past season. Burton adds shooting and hustle on the defensive end.
The fourth player selected was French guard Carla Leite from the Dallas Wings. She was taken as the 9th overall pick by the Wings this year, but chose to remain overseas.
The fifth player selected was Temi Fagbenle from the Indiana Fever. The pick came as a shock to many people as she was very productive for the Fever this past season, and many believed she would be protected.
The sixth player selected was Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces. She had a productive rookie season while Chelsea Gray was out, and will get the chance to become a cornerstone piece for the new franchise.
The seventh player selected was Australian forward Stephanie Talbot from the Los Angeles Sparks. Like Fagbenle, Talbot is an established veteran that brings hustle and productivity on both ends of the floor.
The eighth player selected was Cecilia Zandalasini from the Minnesota Lynx. She was a big part of the Lynx’s run to the WNBA finals this past season. Nakase mentioned that she wanted shooters, which is what Zandalasini brings.
The ninth player selected was Kayla Thornton from the New York Liberty. Known for being a contributor off the bench, Thornton will get the chance to be a starter as well as a cornerstone piece for the new franchise.
The tenth player selected was Monique Billings from the Phoenix Mercury. After playing on several short-term contracts this past season, she will get an opportunity to compete for a full-time roster spot.
The eleventh and final player selected was Julie Vanloo from the Washington Mystics. She is another player that can shoot from distance. She can also facilitate the floor and play at a fast pace.
Aftermath
The expansion draft gave off international vibes as seven out of 11 players selected are foreign-born. Another interesting thing to note is the Valkyries did not take anybody from the Seattle Storm.
The Valkyries will look to free agency and the upcoming to add more players to the roster. They will play their very first game on May 16, 2025. They will host the Los Angeles Sparks in the battle of the California teams.
This will not be the last time an expansion draft happens as two more cities have added a team. The next city is Toronto, who will debut as the Toronto Tempo in 2026.
The other city is Portland, who will also debut in 2026. They originally had a team called the Portland Fire that ran from 2000 to 2002 before dissolving. Only time will tell if they bring the name back, but it is good to see the WNBA back in Portland.
Photo Courtesy: @wnbagoldenstate/X