Golden State Valkyries Make Bold Moves in WNBA Expansion Draft
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries are officially on the map! In a historic moment for the WNBA, the league’s 13th franchise took its first major step toward building a competitive roster by selecting 11 players during Friday’s expansion draft. Among the picks were seven international players, signaling a global approach to the team’s strategy as they prepare to debut next summer.
The Valkyries are set to tip off their inaugural season on May 16, hosting the Los Angeles Sparks in what promises to be a thrilling opening day matchup. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s break down how this new team is shaping up and what it means for the league.
Who Did the Valkyries Select?
The draft picks were announced in three groups of four, listed alphabetically by the names of the teams from which the players were selected. Here’s a quick look at the Valkyries’ inaugural roster:
- Atlanta Dream: Iliana Rupert, C
- Chicago Sky: Maria Conde, F
- Connecticut Sun: Veronica Burton, G
- Dallas Wings: Carla Leite, PG
- Indiana Fever: Temi Fagbenle, C
- Las Vegas Aces: Kate Martin, G
- Los Angeles Sparks: Stephanie Talbot, F
- Minnesota Lynx: Cecilia Zandalasini, F
- New York Liberty: Kayla Thornton, F
- Phoenix Mercury: Monique Billings, F
- Washington Mystics: Julie Vanloo, G
Interestingly, no selection was made from the Seattle Storm.
Championship Pedigree
Four players on the Valkyries’ roster bring championship experience to the table. Temi Fagbenle and Cecilia Zandalasini were part of the Minnesota Lynx’s 2017 title-winning squad, Iliana Rupert won with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022, and Kayla Thornton recently celebrated a championship with the New York Liberty in 2024. This mix of seasoned winners and fresh talent could be the perfect recipe for success.
Building a Team with Purpose
General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin shared her vision for the team, saying, “Our goal was to construct a roster that embodies both versatility and depth, bringing in a strong mix of leadership, defense, and scoring ability. These players were carefully chosen not only for their skills on the court, but also for their ability to fit into the culture we’re working to build here at Golden State.”
It’s clear the Valkyries are aiming to create a team that’s not just competitive but also cohesive, with a strong emphasis on culture and chemistry.
What’s Next for the Valkyries?
The expansion draft is just the beginning. The Valkyries will continue to build their roster through free agency, which kicks off in January, and the WNBA draft on April 14. They hold the Nos. 5, 17, and 29 picks, giving them plenty of opportunities to add more talent to their squad.
Looking further ahead, the WNBA is set to expand even more. The league will hold additional expansion drafts for Portland and Toronto ahead of the 2026 season, with plans to grow to 16 teams by 2028. Cities like Cleveland, Philadelphia, Denver, and South Florida are also exploring bids, making this an exciting time for women’s basketball.
Final Thoughts
The Golden State Valkyries are off to a promising start, and their global approach to roster building could set them apart in the WNBA. With a mix of international talent, championship experience, and a clear vision from their front office, this team is one to watch. As the countdown to their debut continues, fans can’t wait to see how the Valkyries will make their mark on the league.
Originally Written by: Mechelle Voepel
