Golden State Valkyries kick off inaugural roster building with 11 picks in 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft.

"We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the Golden State Valkyries 2025 team," expressed General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin. "Our primary objective was to assemble a roster that showcases versatility and depth, with a focus on strong leadership, defensive prowess, and scoring capabilities. Each player was handpicked not only for their basketball skills, but also for their alignment with the culture we aim to cultivate within the Golden State organization."

The list of players selected includes, Iliana Rupert (Atlanta Dream), Maria Conde (Chicago Sky), Veronica Burton (Connecticut Sun), Carla Leite (Dallas Wings), Temi Fagbenle (Indiana Fever), Kate Martin (Las Vegas Aces), Stephanie Talbot (Los Angeles Sparks), Cecilia Zandalasini (Minnesota Lynx), Kayla Thornton (New York Liberty), Monique Billings (Phoenix Mercury), and Julie Vanloo (Washington Mystics). The Valkyries did not select a player from the Seattle Storm.

Four players on the inaugural Golden State roster have won a WNBA championship during their career: Fagbenle and Zandalasini with Minnesota in 2017, Rupert with Las Vegas in 2022, and Thornton with New York in 2024. The team’s roster also boasts seven international players – Maria Conde (Spain), Temi Fagbenle (United Kingdom), Carla Leite (France), Iliana Rupert (France), Stephanie Talbot (Australia), Julie Vanloo (Belgium), and Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy).

Golden State selected from a pool of available players as determined by each of the other 12 WNBA franchises. Each team was required to submit a maximum of six players who were “protected” and therefore not eligible for selection in the 2024 Expansion Draft presented by State Farm. Golden State had the opportunity to acquire the player contract of, or the negotiating rights to, one available player from each of the current 12 teams. If a player not signed to a contract for the 2025 season was selected, Golden State shall receive whatever rights to such player that the existing team would have had if that player was not selected in the Expansion Draft.

The Valkyries had the option to select one player who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2024 season. Golden State now has the right to designate that unrestricted free agent, Billings, as a “Core” player, giving the team exclusive negotiating rights to her in exchange for an offer of a one-year, fully guaranteed contract at the maximum salary.

Looking ahead, all teams will enter into the WNBA’s free agency period, as defined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Qualifying offers and “Core” player designations can first be sent Jan. 11 and must be made by Jan. 20. Teams may begin negotiating with players can negotiate on Jan. 21, while contracts and offer sheets may be signed beginning on Feb. 1.

The Valkyries now hold the fifth, 17th and 30th overall selections in the 2025 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm. Golden State will open the regular season on Friday, May 16 when they host the Los Angeles Sparks, who were led last season by three-time WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby and 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team selection Rickea Jackson, and who own the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2025 (10:00 p.m. ET).

Selections from 2024 Expansion Draft presented by State Farm

PlayerFormer TeamPosHtYrsCollege/CountryIliana RupertAtlanta DreamC6-43FranceMaria CondeChicago SkyF6-10Florida State/SpainVeronica BurtonConnecticut SunG5-93NorthwesternCarla LeiteDallas WingsG5-90FranceTemi FagbenleIndiana FeverC6-44USC/United KingdomKate MartinLas Vegas AcesG6-01IowaStephanie TalbotLos Angeles SparksF6-26AustraliaCecilia ZandalasiniMinnesota LynxF6-23ItalyKayla ThorntonNew York LibertyF6-19Texas-El PasoMonique Billings*Phoenix MercuryF6-47UCLAJulie VanlooWashington MysticsG5-81Belgium

* Denotes an unrestricted free agent, meaning that Golden State may designate the player a “Core” player, giving the team exclusive negotiating rights to her in exchange for an offer of a one-year, fully guaranteed contract at the maximum salary.