The Golden State Valkyries are gearing up to select players for their roster as the WNBA prepares for its first expansion draft in 16 years, scheduled to take place on Friday.
This marks the league’s first such event since the Atlanta Dream joined in 2008. The Valkyries will have the opportunity to select an unprotected player from each of the other 12 teams, should they choose to do so.
Additionally, next year will see another expansion draft as new teams are introduced in Portland and Toronto, set to start playing in 2026.
Fans can watch the expansion draft live on ESPN with a 30-minute special beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday. Although players will not be present at the event, which is being held at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Valkyries will host a separate draft watch party. During the broadcast, viewers will learn about the outcomes of the draft and which players the Valkyries will be bringing into their fold.
The rules of this expansion draft allow each WNBA team to protect up to six of their players from being taken by Golden State. This protected group can include those who played for the team in the previous season as well as players whose rights are owned by the franchise. The deadline for teams to submit their protected lists was November 25, but these lists have remained confidential.
Golden State has the chance to secure the contracts or negotiating rights for one player from every other WNBA team. Additionally, they can select one player who is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.
It is important to note that the Valkyries are not required to select 12 players during the draft. They will also have the option to make trades with current teams prior to the draft, potentially allowing them to gain more assets in exchange for not selecting an unprotected player.
Identifying top available players can be challenging, as most teams will likely protect their star athletes. However, some players who could be up for grabs include Marine Johannes and Han Xu from New York, as well as Li Yueru from Los Angeles. All three are involved with their national teams and might not always be available during Olympic and World Cup years, but they have displayed the potential to make significant contributions in the WNBA.
The management picks for the Golden State Valkyries will be made by Ohemaa Nyanin, who serves as the general manager, and Natalie Nakase, the head coach. Together, they will shape the direction of the franchise during this vital selection process.
Alongside the expansion draft, the Valkyries are also anticipated to be active in the free agency market. Notable unrestricted free agents this year include Nneka Ogwumike, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Tina Charles, Natasha Howard, and Brionna Jones, all of whom could potentially bolster the team’s lineup.
As for the upcoming April WNBA draft, the Valkyries will hold the fifth overall pick. The Dallas Wings secured the top pick in the lottery and will select first, while Golden State will make its selections fifth in each of the three rounds.
Golden State’s inaugural game is set for May 16, where they will host the Los Angeles Sparks as part of the opening night for the 2025 WNBA season. The Valkyries have already garnered over 20,000 season ticket deposits and will play their home games at the Chase Center, which is also the venue for the Golden State Warriors.
