Valkyries expansion draft: Kate Martin, Temi Fagbenle headline WNBA’s newest roster

Kate Martin is one of the standout players on the inaugural roster of the Golden State Valkyries.

She was selected in the 2025 WNBA expansion draft along with 10 other players who were not protected by their respective teams. The complete list of the Valkyries’ selections, as announced by Michelle Wie West, E-40, and Baron Davis, includes:

Iliana Rupert from the Atlanta Dream

María Conde from the Chicago Sky

Veronica Burton from the Connecticut Sun

Carla Leite from the Dallas Wings

Temi Fagbenle from the Indiana Fever

Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces

Stephanie Talbot from the Los Angeles Sparks

Cecilia Zandalasini from the Minnesota Lynx

Kayla Thornton from the New York Liberty

Monique Billings from the Phoenix Mercury

Julie Vanloo from the Washington Mystics

The Valkyries did not select a player from the Seattle Storm. They also have the fifth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft and sufficient cap space to sign free agents. Natalie Nakase has been named the team’s first head coach.

The WNBA expansion draft rules allowed each team to protect up to six players on their roster, excluding players with previous core player designations. The Valkyries could then choose one unprotected player from each team, in addition to one unrestricted free agent.

Here is more information on each of the selected players:

Kate Martin

Martin was selected by the Valkyries after the Aces chose not to protect her. She joins the team after showing promise early in the 2024 season but seeing limited playing time later on.

She expressed excitement for the new opportunity with the Valkyries and for building something special with the team.

Martin previously played under coach Nakase during her time with the Aces.

Iliana Rupert

Rupert, a French center, has experience in the WNBA and currently plays in the Turkish basketball league.

María Conde

Conde, a Spanish forward, has played professionally in Europe and has yet to debut in the WNBA.

Veronica Burton

Burton, a young guard, was a standout defensive player in college and has played in the WNBA for three seasons.

Carla Leite

The French guard has yet to play in the WNBA but was a high draft pick in 2024.

Temi Fagbenle

Fagbenle is a veteran player with international experience who joined the Fever last season.

Stephanie Talbot

The Australian forward looks to bounce back with the Valkyries after a challenging season with the Sparks.

Cecilia Zandalasini

The Italian forward returned to the Lynx last season after playing overseas.

Kayla Thornton

Thornton, a WNBA champion, brings experience and versatility to the Valkyries.

Monique Billings

Billings, who had a tumultuous season, joins the Valkyries as an unrestricted free agent.

Julie Vanloo

Vanloo, a seasoned international player, had a successful rookie season with the Mystics and is poised to lead the Valkyries at point guard.