The Golden State Valkyries are set to join the WNBA in 2025, and they’ve just shared their first-ever roster from the expansion draft.
Expansion Draft Details:
In this draft, existing WNBA teams could protect six players each. However, they kept the protection lists secret, which is different from how other sports handle these drafts. The Valkyries picked one player from each team and chose a free agent who might become a “core player.”
Introducing your first-ever Golden State Valkyries. This is just the beginning of our journey.
Expansion Draft presented by @CarMax.
— Golden State Valkyries (@wnbagoldenstate)
Selected Players:
Here’s a list of players by position and their previous teams:
– Atlanta Dream: Iliana Rupert, Center
– Chicago Sky: Maria Conde, Forward
– Connecticut Sun: Veronica Burton, Guard
– Dallas Wings: Carla Leite, Point Guard
– Indiana Fever: Temi Fagbenle, Center
– Las Vegas Aces: Kate Martin, Guard
– Los Angeles Sparks: Stephanie Talbot, Forward
– Minnesota Lynx: Cecilia Zandalasini, Forward
– New York Liberty: Kayla Thornton, Forward
– Phoenix Mercury: Monique Billings, Forward
– Washington Mystics: Julie Vanloo, Guard
Fans can’t wait to see how these picks will shape up on the court!
Looking Ahead:
The Valkyries aren’t done yet; they’ll continue to strengthen their team through free agency. Their debut game is scheduled for May 16 against the Los Angeles Sparks.
