
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest expansion team, could make a major impact in their inaugural season. Set to debut in the Spring of 2025, the Valkyries were officially introduced in 2023 and will be the first expansion team to join the league since the Atlanta Dream in 2008. As they prepare to compete in their first season, the Valkyries are positioning themselves to make a significant splash in free agency, looking to sign a star player who can become the face of the franchise.
One name that has recently surfaced as a potential target for the Valkyries is Kelsey Plum, the dynamic All-Star guard from the Las Vegas Aces. At 30 years old, Plum is an unrestricted free agent, and it remains uncertain whether she will re-sign with the Aces for the 2025 season. The Valkyries, entering their first year in the league, are reportedly interested in securing Plum’s services as they work to build a competitive roster. This move would also reunite her with Natalie Nakase, a former assistant coach with the Aces who now leads the Golden State team.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton speculates that the Valkyries could be an attractive destination for Plum, as the team enters free agency with a substantial $1.2 million in salary cap space—more than any other team in the league. This gives Golden State the financial flexibility to pursue top-tier talent and potentially add multiple star players to their roster. Pelton also notes that the team’s aggressive approach to free agency could drive up salaries across the league, making the Valkyries a key player in shaping the market this offseason.
The Valkyries’ significant cap space could also make them a force to reckon with beyond just signing Plum. The team might look to acquire role players who can support their star signings, or they could potentially drive up the cost for other teams looking to fill gaps in their own lineups. Regardless of the moves the Valkyries make, the expansion of the WNBA brings good news for free agents, with more opportunities available for players seeking new teams and higher paychecks.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Valkyries’ actions in free agency will be closely watched. If they successfully land a player like Kelsey Plum, it would signal their intent to compete at the highest level right from the start. With the right pieces in place, the Golden State Valkyries could quickly establish themselves as a formidable force in the WNBA.