WNBA expansion draft winners and losers: Caitlin Clark loses key target, Storm’s turbulent offseason continues

The Golden State Valkyries officially became a team on Friday night during their highly anticipated expansion draft. The WNBA’s newest franchise selected 11 players from various teams in the league to form their initial roster, including Kate Martin from the Las Vegas Aces and Temi Fagbenle from the Indiana Fever. 

Now equipped as a full-fledged team, the Valkyries can engage in typical offseason activities such as trades, free agent signings, and participation in the 2025 WNBA Draft, where they hold the No. 5 overall pick. In May, they will make their debut on opening night against the Los Angeles Sparks. 

Stay tuned for more updates from the Bay Area this winter. In the meantime, let’s analyze the winners and losers of the recent expansion draft. 

Winner: WNBA

Expansion had been a long-term goal for the WNBA and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The addition of a new franchise for the first time since 2008 was a significant milestone, with the expansion draft marking a tangible step forward. 

Since their unveiling in October 2023, the Valkyries had only existed as a concept. Friday night marked their official inception as a team. While the roster may see changes before opening night, most of these players are expected to be on the team. This lets us gain insight into the playing style and performance of the Valkyries in their debut season. 

In the broader context, this was a monumental night for the WNBA and the first move towards a new era for the league. With two more teams set to join the league in 2026 along with new television and collective bargaining agreements, the future looks promising. 

Loser: WNBA

However, in terms of the draft process and execution, the WNBA ended up on the losing side. The decision not to disclose the protected player lists prior to the draft diminished the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event. The lack of transparency hindered the drama and overall impact of the draft. 

One of the biggest surprises of the night was the inclusion of veteran center Temi Fagbenle in the available player pool after the Indiana Fever left her unprotected. Fagbenle’s performance last season made her a vital part of the Fever’s success, especially when paired with Caitlin Clark. 

It remains to be seen why the Fever chose to part ways with Fagbenle, a decision that could impact Clark’s second season. Overall, the Valkyries’ draft selections brought both excitement and questions for the upcoming season.