The Golden State Valkyries Take Flight
Tonight marks a pivotal moment in WNBA history as the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s newest team, embark on their journey from a mere franchise concept to a fully-fledged team. This transformation begins with the highly anticipated WNBA expansion draft—a critical step in crafting the Valkyries’ inaugural roster and shaping their identity in the league.
How the Expansion Draft Works
The Valkyries gained their wings earlier this year, and tonight, they’ll begin selecting players to build their roster. But there’s a twist: While they can pick one player from each of the WNBA’s existing 12 teams, the pool of talent isn’t entirely open. Each team has protected six players, shielding their top athletes from being poached.
This system ensures a balance between strengthening new teams like the Valkyries while preserving the competitive integrity of the league’s existing franchises.
Building the Valkyries’ Future
Thursday’s unveiling of the Valkyries’ uniforms gave fans a glimpse of the team’s vibrant identity, but the real excitement begins with their draft picks. Each choice tonight will shape the team’s style, strategy, and future success on the court.
The Valkyries aren’t stopping here. The 2025 WNBA draft next April offers another opportunity to bolster their roster. Armed with the fifth overall pick in all three rounds, they’ll have the chance to secure fresh talent from a pool of top collegiate and international players.
A Look Ahead: WNBA Expansion Continues
Golden State’s debut is just the beginning of a larger wave of growth for the league. By the fall of 2026, two more cities—Toronto and Portland—will join the WNBA family. Like the Valkyries, they’ll participate in their own expansion draft, continuing to bring new energy and talent to women’s basketball.
Why This Matters
The Valkyries’ journey represents more than just the creation of a new team—it’s a symbol of the WNBA’s ongoing expansion and growing influence in professional sports. Fans in the Golden State region and beyond are eager to witness this historic moment, cheering as their team makes its first official moves toward greatness.
Conclusion
Tonight’s WNBA expansion draft isn’t just a pivotal moment for the Golden State Valkyries—it’s a celebration of the league’s progress and its bright future. With a mix of veteran players, draft picks, and a passionate fan base, the Valkyries are set to leave their mark on the WNBA for years to come.
