San Francisco, CA – From defensive specialist to franchise cornerstone, Veronica Burton just completed one of the most remarkable leaps in recent WNBA memory. On Monday, the Golden State Valkyries’ floor general was officially crowned the 2025 WNBA Most Improved Player. This was a first in franchise history and a defining moment in the Bay’s inaugural season of women’s pro basketball.
Burton wasn’t just “better” — she was transformative. In her first year as a starter, the 25-year-old guard shattered her career averages. She posted 11.9 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, she orchestrated Golden State’s offense with poise and confidence. She earned 68 of 72 votes, leaving no doubt that the award belonged in violet and gold.
Her growth helped fuel the Valkyries’ storybook expansion run. The first-year franchise went 23-21 and became the first WNBA expansion team to ever make the playoffs in its debut season.
Burton’s season was filled with signature moments:
- 🔥 24 points & 14 assists with ZERO turnovers vs. Phoenix.
- 🎯 Multiple double-digit assist games where she controlled the tempo against elite defenses.
- đź’Ş Joining Kelsey Plum, Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and Skylar Diggins as one of just five players to average 10+ points, 5+ assists, and 1.5 made threes per game.
Burton entered the league known for her defensive grit with Dallas and Connecticut. In San Francisco, she became something more: the heartbeat of Ballhalla. She started all 44 games and proved she’s a franchise guard for the future.
The Bay believed. She delivered.
