WNBA: Martin, Fagbenle headline Golden State expansion draft selections

The Golden State Valkyries conducted their expansion draft on Friday, Dec. 6, and did so with flair. Celebrities Michelle Wie West, E-40, and Baron Davis revealed the names of the players the expansion team acquired from other teams. Ultimately, they selected one player from each team, excluding the Seattle Storm.

The draft was a spectacle fit for TV, complete with surprises as some fan-favorite players now find themselves calling the Bay Area home. Here is a rundown of the eleven players chosen by the Valkyries from various WNBA teams and the strengths they bring to Golden State:

Iliana Rupert (Atlanta Dream)

Rupert holds career averages of 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds over her two WNBA seasons. The center has had stints with the Aces in 2022, the Dream in 2023, and after a break in 2024 for the Olympics with France, she will join the Valkyries in 2025.

Maria Conde (Chicago Sky)

Conde was drafted by the Sky in 2019 but has yet to play in a WNBA game. She has been thriving overseas playing for ZVVZ USK Praha, averaging 14.8 points per game in EuroLeague Women play and earning the MVP title for November.

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What’s next for Golden State?

With 11 players now on the roster, the Valkyries are beginning to shape their identity and identify their needs moving forward.

It’s worth noting that not all 11 players selected in the expansion draft will necessarily make the final roster for the 2025 season. The team has the option to waive any player chosen before the season starts without affecting the salary cap. Additionally, Golden State can have four players on their suspended list, meaning the lineup for their debut game against Los Angeles could see significant changes.

Looking ahead, the Valkyries will have the opportunity to attract free agents to the Bay Area in early February. Their financial flexibility, with ample cap space remaining, positions them well to sign players to lucrative contracts.

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