SAN FRANCISCO — In a significant step for the new Bay Area franchise, the Golden State Valkyries made their inaugural selections during the WNBA expansion draft on Friday. The team picked center Iliana Rupert from Atlanta, guard Veronica Burton from Connecticut, guard Carla Leite from Dallas, and forward Maria Conde from Chicago, marking the beginning of their roster-building for the upcoming season.
This expansion draft was particularly notable as it was the first of its kind in 16 years, following the addition of the Atlanta Dream in 2008. The Valkyries have the unique opportunity to select a player from each of the other 12 WNBA teams, thereby broadening their roster options. Additionally, they can choose one player from across the league who is eligible for unrestricted free agency.
The home games for the Valkyries will take place at Chase Center, a five-year-old venue that currently hosts the Golden State Warriors. For training purposes, the team will utilize the Warriors’ facility located in Oakland, enhancing their connection to the broader Warriors organization.
Notably, Warriors star Draymond Green showcased his support for the Valkyries by wearing a jersey emblazoned with the number 25, symbolizing the team’s inaugural season in 2025, while he was sidelined due to injury during Thursday’s victory against the Houston Rockets.
