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SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area’s new WNBA team selected Iliana Rupert as its first player in the 2024 WNBA expansion draft on Friday afternoon.
The 6-foot-4 center from France began her career with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022, then played for Atlanta in 2023 before sitting out the 2024 season.
Rupert was the top choice of the 11 picks made by the Bay Area team during the draft broadcast on ESPN.
Following Rupert, the Valkyries also selected Maria Conde from Chicago, Veronica Burton from Connecticut, Carla Leite from Dallas, Temi Fagbenle from Indiana, and Kate Martin from Las Vegas.
In the first WNBA expansion draft since 2008, the Valkyries were able to choose one player from each of the other 12 teams, excluding those protected by each team.
The protected player list was finalized on November 26, but the names were not disclosed publicly by the league.
Out of the unprotected players, the Valkyries can only select one unrestricted free agent within their 12 picks.
Following the draft, the Valkyries will have the opportunity to make trades and sign free agents.
Originally Published: December 6, 2024 at 3:43 PM PST
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