The Golden State Valkyries have announced their inaugural selections from the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft.
Who Did the Golden State Valkyries Pick in the Expansion Draft?
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA's newest expansion team, made their selections in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft to build their initial roster. These selections mark a significant step in establishing the team and bringing new talent to the Bay Area. The expansion draft allowed the Valkyries to acquire players from existing WNBA teams, laying the foundation for their future competitive aspirations.
Valkyries' Initial Roster Selections
The following players were announced as part of the Golden State Valkyries' initial roster through the expansion draft:
| Player Name | Former WNBA Team |
|---|---|
| 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 ... * |
Note: The complete former team name for Kayla Thornton was not fully provided in the available information, indicating it was cut off.
Understanding the Expansion Draft Process
An expansion draft is a critical event for new sports franchises, allowing them to select players from the existing pool of talent across the league. Each existing team typically protects a certain number of players, while the remaining unprotected players are eligible to be drafted by the new expansion team. This process ensures that the new team can quickly assemble a competitive roster, fostering excitement and parity within the league. For the Golden State Valkyries, these selections form the core of their team as they prepare for their inaugural season.
