The Golden State Valkyries 2024 WNBA expansion draft tracker was featured on NBC Sports Bay Area
On Friday, the Golden State Valkyries completed their roster through an expansion draft.
The Valkyries selected one unprotected player from 11 of the 12 WNBA teams to form their inaugural roster, excluding the Seattle Storm.
New general manager Ohemaa Nyanin and head coach Natalie Nakase selected players that align with the team’s playing style for the 2025 season.
Aside from the expansion draft picks, the Valkyries also have the No. 5, No. 17, and No. 30 overall picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
The Valkyries, who recently revealed their jerseys, will kick off their first season against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16 at Chase Center.
Here are the Valkyries’ expansion draft selections:
1. Iliana Rupert — Center (picked from Atlanta Dream)
2. Maria Conde — Forward (picked from Chicago Sky)
3. Veronica Burton — Guard (picked from Connecticut Sun)
4. Carla Leite — Guard (picked from Dallas Wings)
5. Temi Fagbenle — Center (picked from Indiana Fever)
6. Kate Martin — Guard (picked from Las Vegas Aces)
7. Stephanie Talbot — Forward (picked from Los Angeles Sparks)
8. Cecilia Zandalasini — Forward (picked from Minnesota Lynx)
9. Kayla Thornton — Forward (picked from New York Liberty)
10. Monique Billings — Forward (picked from Phoenix Mercury)
11. No player selected from the Seattle Storm
12. Julie Vanloo — Guard (picked from Washington Mystics)
“We are excited to have officially started the journey of building the Golden State Valkyries 2025 team,” Nyanin stated. “Our goal was to construct a roster that embodies both versatility and depth, bringing in a strong mix of leadership, defense, and scoring ability. These players were carefully chosen not only for their skills on the court, but also for their ability to fit into the culture we’re working to build here at Golden State.”
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry sent a message to the Valkyries.
