The WNBA offseason has played out like an intense chess match, with rosters shifting, trades heating up, and free agents making bold moves. In a league where every decision can tip the scales, the 2024 Sixth Woman of the Year is making waves by leaving the powerhouse Las Vegas Aces for a new adventure. Now, the Golden State Valkyries—an expansion team still finding its footing—are emerging as the frontrunners to sign her. As the offseason chaos intensifies, this high-stakes game sees top players navigate a whirlwind of offers, with their next moves set to reshape the league.

As the Valkyries struggle to build a competitive roster, Hayes’ decision to leave the Aces speaks volumes about the current landscape. According to a post on X by Committee Sports Group, “BREAKING: Tiffany Hayes (UFA) is expected to sign with the Golden State Valkyries, sources tell The Committee Sports Group. Sources indicate that Hayes chose not to return to the Aces, where she was one of six players protected during the WNBA Expansion Draft.”

Hayes’ who had a stellar 2024 season was named the Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year (2024) for the first time, the 5’10 guard played a pivotal role in the Aces’ success, coming off the bench a career-high 28 times. She averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc and 50.0% from the field.

Hayes finished as the league’s top-scoring reserve with 313 points, and her clutch performances—like the season-high 21 points in a win over Seattle—proved she’s far more than just a reliable bench presence. Hayes now joins the growing ranks of former Aces to earn the Sixth Player of the Year title, following Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, and Alysha Clark.

However, while the Valkyries might be poised to land Hayes, their offseason has been far from smooth sailing. According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, “The Golden State Valkyries made an unsuccessful play at Kelsey Plum. She added the team is now in an ‘acceptance phase,’ having failed to attract any major free agents.” This unrelenting struggle to bring in top-tier talent has been a major storyline for the expansion team.

The Valkyries’ 2025 roster is now taking shape, albeit slowly. With the addition of Monique Billings from the Phoenix Mercury, and training camp signings such as Julie Vanloo and Veronica Burton, the team is working with a mix of seasoned professionals and newcomers. The Valkyries hope their new roster, bolstered by players such as Stephanie Talbot of the LA Sparx and Temi Fagbenle of the Indiana Fever, can truly compete; however, only time will tell.

With this, the Golden State Valkyries are facing their biggest test yet: can they build a winning team with limited big-name signings, or will they continue to fall short in this high-stakes game?

Golden State Valkyries face tough decisions in their quest to build a contender

The road ahead isn’t looking any easier for the expansion team, as the free-agent pool becomes smaller by the day. The Valkyries were reportedly interested in major stars like Kelsey Plum. But the Aces traded her to the Los Angeles Sparks. Similarly, Natasha Howard, Brittney Griner, and Brionna Jones are headed elsewhere, leaving the Valkyries scrambling for a backup plan.

Yet, there’s hope in the organization. General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin acknowledged the offseason challenges, stating the team’s vision is for long-term growth. “Our vision is not just for next season but for seasons to come,” Nyanin shared. The Valkyries are trying to build a sustainable future, but that future will require immediate success. As Nyanin said, “All swings are on the table,” but, so far, the team’s attempts have largely been “swings and misses.”

For the Valkyries, the cap space is there—$1,201,505 to be exact the most in the league. But the challenge remains: how to use it effectively when free agents are holding off for a more promising 2026 offseason, which promises to be a huge year for top-tier free agents. Meanwhile, the Valkyries are left to make tough decisions about who will be the cornerstone of their new franchise.

And so, the Valkyries have their work cut out for them. Tiffany Hayes could be the key to shifting their fortunes. But, they’ll need to get creative with their moves in the coming days. As they push toward building a competitive squad, every decision made this offseason could echo for years to come.