The Golden State Valkyries, the newest team in the WNBA, have officially completed their first-ever roster selections in the Expansion Draft. The team picked 11 players out of a possible 12, which included a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent. While no household-name stars were selected—due to teams being allowed to protect six players—there was a clear intention to build a competitive team for the future. This inaugural roster offers a variety of intriguing players who could help shape the franchise’s identity in the years to come.
Among the standout picks, Kate Martin and Temi Fagbenle quickly garnered attention. Both players have a connection to 2024 Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. Martin, who helped lead Iowa to back-to-back national championship appearances, was a key piece of a talented Hawkeyes squad. While she didn’t get much playing time with the Las Vegas Aces, she has the potential to become a leading figure for the Valkyries. On the other hand, Fagbenle made her return to the WNBA in 2024 after a four-year break and impressed with her defense and leadership. Her presence will be essential for guiding the Valkyries, much like she did with the Fever, where she helped the team evolve. The Valkyries also added Kayla Thornton, a recent New York Liberty champion, whose high energy and positive influence are sure to be assets in the Bay Area.
Fans and analysts alike have shared their reactions to the selections, and most seem cautiously optimistic. While expansion drafts often come with tempered expectations, the general consensus around Golden State’s picks has been favorable. Fans on social media have praised General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin for assembling a roster with excellent three-point shooters like Veronica Burton and Martin, as well as strong, athletic bigs such as Monique Billings and Iliana Rupert. The Valkyries’ mix of players, with an emphasis on defensive hustle and fast breaks, promises an exciting style of play. Team coach Natalie Nakase, who previously served as an assistant for the Las Vegas Aces, emphasized the importance of shooting and floor spacing, which could potentially accelerate the team’s competitive progress.
Not only have the Valkyries’ draft picks sparked conversation, but their strategy also received praise for its creativity. Some experts, including Alford Corriette from Her Hoop Stats, have lauded the team’s ability to blend different elements like size, toughness, and salary flexibility. This approach signals that the Valkyries are thinking outside the box and making moves with both the short and long-term future in mind. Others took a more lighthearted approach, pointing out that, given the nature of expansion drafts, fans should not expect to see star players from other teams suddenly become available. The selection of lesser-known talents is a natural part of building a competitive team from the ground up.
One of the more surprising elements of the draft was the Valkyries’ decision not to select anyone from the Seattle Storm, despite the team’s star player, Jewell Loyd, requesting a trade recently. This decision has led to speculation that the Valkyries may have concerns about the team’s locker room dynamics, though nothing concrete has been confirmed. Regardless of this, fans have continued to discuss the roster choices, eagerly anticipating how the franchise will shape its future in free agency and next year’s draft. The Valkyries’ debut season in the WNBA is set to be full of challenges and excitement as they embark on their journey in 2025.
As the Golden State Valkyries prepare for their first season, both the fans and the media will continue to analyze every move the franchise makes. With a team composed of fresh faces, energetic players, and a forward-thinking management team, the Valkyries are laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a successful run in the WNBA. The coming year promises plenty of thrilling developments as the team builds its identity and strives to make an impact in the league.
