Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft: Full Roster List
And the names are in! The Valkyries had the opportunity to make twelve picks on Friday evening. However, the organization elected to select just eleven; forgoing choosing a player from the Seattle Storm. Nevertheless, some of the players that were taken in the Golden State Valkyries expansion draft included some fan favorites; the Las Vegas Aces’ Kate Martin and the Indiana Fever’s Temi Fagbenle.
Before we get to the full roster list, you may be wondering how each player was pulled from the various WNBA teams. Well, each team could designate up to six protected players on their roster, making them ineligible for selection by Golden State. Any player under a core designation — comparable to the NFL’s franchise tag — is also ineligible for selection.
But if you rather just get to the roster keep scrolling. Or if you would like to read a portion of an official statement release from the WNBA regarding the expansion draft in more depth, here it is:
“Teams submitted lists of every player the team has rights to, including active, suspended, draft/reserved, core and retired players. Teams were required to designate a maximum of six players who are “protected” and thus not available for the Valkyries to select. All other players on each team’s roster are available for the selection.
However, a set number of rules are in place for the Valkyries. They can only acquire the contract, or negotiating rights to, one player per team. They do not have to use all 12 of their selections. The Valkyries also hold the No. 5 pick in each round of the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Additionally, if a player is not signed to a contract for the 2025 season, Golden State will receive whatever rights to such player that the existing club would have had. For example, if the Valkyries take a player set to become a restricted free agent in 2025, they would obtain the right of first refusal that the original club would have held.
The Valkyries are only allowed to select one player in total who will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. They are allowed to select that player if they have not been cored for two or more seasons. Golden State can then designate the theoretical unrestricted free agent they take as their core player later in the offseason. All other unselected unrestricted and restricted free agents hit free agency like normal.”
Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft: Full Roster List
Alright, the moment we have all been waiting for. Golden State’s roster from the draft:
- Iliana Rupert, Atlanta Dream
- María Conde, Chicago Sky
- Veronica Burton, Connecticut Sun
- Carla Leite, Dallas Wings
- Temi Fagbenle, Indiana Fever
- Kate Martin, Las Vegas Aces
- Stephanie Talbot, Los Angeles Sparks
- Cecilia Zandalasini, Minnesota Lynx
- Kayla Thornton, New York Liberty
- Monique Billings, Phoenix Mercury
- Julie Vanloo, Washington Mystics
Some interesting things to note about these new Golden State players. Four of the Valkyries’ draftees have won a WNBA championship. Seven of the 11 players the Valkyries selected Friday hail from outside the United States. Instantly providing a global appeal to the new franchise.
Also, a quick fun fact. Selections were announced by golfer Michelle Wie West; rapper E-40 and former Golden State Warriors player Baron Davis. Adding some finesse to the proceedings.
Nevertheless, now that the draft has concluded, it can be business as normal. The Valkyries can now operate like any other team this offseason. Which would include making trades; signing free agents and participating in the 2025 WNBA Draft; where they’ll have the No. 5 overall pick. It is also important to note that none of the players the Valkyries selected are guaranteed to be on their opening night roster.
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