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Head coach Natalie Nakase and the Golden State Valkyries are currently preparing for the upcoming WNBA expansion draft. Golden State wants to get their franchise started on a positive note, so having the best possible draft will certainly be important. However, how exactly does an expansion draft work?
The Valkyries are ready for their first WNBA season, as they are set to make their debut in 2025. First, though, they need to add players to the roster. That process will begin via the expansion draft.
Each team around the WNBA can select up to six players to protect. The protected players are ineligible to be drafted by the expansion team. The Valkyries will be able to select from the unprotected players in the draft. It should be noted that Golden State can only select one player from each team.
With 12 teams currently in the league, the Valkyries will finish the draft with 12 players on the roster. Drafting a star will be difficult, but perhaps they can select a player with a high ceiling. Of course, the Valkyries will also be able to participate in WNBA free agency once it begins, so the draft is not the only way they can add players. Free agency is set to begin in February.
The 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft is scheduled for December 6. It is scheduled for 6:30 PM EST and will be broadcast on ESPN. The WNBA Draft Lottery was also broadcast on ESPN.
With the draft being in December, Golden State should have plenty of time to analyze their roster and make changes if necessary. They will treat the remainder of the offseason like a normal offseason.
There will be obstacles along the way, as there is for any expansion franchise in any sport. Joining an already established league is never an easy task. Still, the Valkyries are hoping to make the transition without too much difficulty.
The Valkyries will be eligible to sign players in WNBA free agency. They could technically sign a star, but it will be difficult. Many of the best players may want to join contending teams. The Valkyries probably won’t contend in their first WNBA season.
Still, anything is possible. Perhaps the Valkyries can shock the WNBA world and add one of the better players in the league.
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