After 16 long years, the WNBA has finally expanded again, and the brand-new Golden State Valkyries have hit the ground running with their first-ever expansion draft picks. They snagged 11 players to kickstart their roster, and while it was supposed to be 12, they decided not to pick anyone from the Seattle Storm. Why? Well, word on the street is it’s due to the tension brewing in the Storm, and well, they had a practical reason, too. 

The Valkyries could pick players from existing teams. Each team could protect 6 key players, leaving only a limited pool to choose from. They also had to use one pick on an unrestricted free agent (UFA). For that, they went with Monique Billings from Phoenix. And with the Storm focusing on retaining free agents and likely protecting star prospects like Mackenzie Holmes, Golden State opted out of a Seattle pick altogether. 

Headlining the draft is Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces, who’s reuniting with her former coach Natalie Nakase. Joining her is the experienced Kayla Thornton from the New York Liberty- another familiar face for Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin. 

The rest of the roster includes

• Temi Fagbenle from Indiana Fever
• Iliana Rupert from Atlanta Dream
• Maria Conde from Chicago Sky
• Veronica Burton from Connecticut Sun
• Carla Leite from Dallas Wings
• Stephanie Talbot from Los Angeles Sparks
• Cecilia Zandalasini from Minnesota Lynx
• Julie Vanloo from Washington Mystics

Th roster has work cut out for itself. 7 of the Valkyries players are aged 27 or above. This could hinder their foundation-building plans with young talent. But they do have Kate Martin and No. 5 pick in the April’s WNBA draft, alongside choices in the second and third round. Valkyries might as well look to land some more big names in the free agency and consider some trades. But for now, here’s what a few from the current roster have to offer. 

Exciting potential in Golden State

Their star, Kate Martin, is bringing sharp shooting and court vision to Golden State. She has an amazing track record of reaching two NCAA title games alongside Clark and had a promising WNBA debut with the Aces. Moreover, she is optimistic as she says, “I’m excited for this new beginning and to build something from the ground up with the Valkyries.”

Then we have Kayla Thornton, who proved her value as a bench weapon during the Liberty’s title run, logging the second-most playoff minutes among reserves (12.5). And Temi Fagbenle has always been a versatile defender and rim-runner for Indiana, averaging 6.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and shooting 50.9% in 2024. Also, she’s exactly the kind of player Coach Nakase loves—unselfish and hard-working. Fever fans totally being disheartened with her leaving says it all.

Next up is Stephanie Talbot, the veteran leader Valkyries, as a new team, definitely needed. She excels in three positions, making her a key utility player. We eagerly anticipate the moment they’ll hit court and so does the entire ‘Bay.’ “Welcome to the Bay. Happy to have you,” Golden State Warriors icon, Stephen Curry chimed in to roll the red carpet for their neighbour. 

Sharing ownership with the Warriors, the Valkyries will also play at the Chase Center in San Francisco, putting them in one of the best arenas in the league. But the Warriors have set the bar high with their seven NBA championships and a legacy of greatness. Now it’s the Valkyries’ turn to write their own chapter. Can they rise to the challenge and find their footing? Only time will tell!