The Golden State Valkyries did not set out to shape international heavy roster through Friday WNBA expansion draft as leagues 13th franchise continues to take place.
Moving into draft head Coach Natalie Nakase and general manager Ohemaa Nyanin told the nonnegotiable attributes they stressed were contest high character and never satisfied mindset.
Golden state also acquired players who have made their mark in WNBA including Kayla Thornton and Kate Martin.
The Valkyries will start play in WNBA next summer and host the Los Angeles Sparks on opening day on May 16.
Before 2026 season the WNBA will hold expansion drafts for Portland and Toronto the league 14th and 15th teams.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said she expect the league to grow to 16 teams by 2028.
End of the draft Nakase and Nyanin could not assist but be struck by their roster initial international presence.
Seven of 11 player the Valkyries selected Friday hail from outside the US.
Nakase said
“The international part that was not my mindset”
Nakase said he was excited by Fagbenle availability in draft. In 2024 the veteran Indiana Fever forward built and instant rapport with No 1 pick Caitlin Clark and broke into lineup just seven matches into season.
Fagbene defensive presence was major factor for Fever.
She played just 22 matches after suffering three injuries.
Thornton an eight year veteran assisted the New York Liberty secure their first WNBA title this past season.
She played in 11 playoff games and averaged 12,5 minutes per match the second most minutes among New York reserves.
She is one of four Valkyries draftees who won a WNBA Championship.
Nakase said
“Having championship experience is vital” you have been in those big moments you are in those big locker room meeting and those practices that go down to little details with playoffs”
Martin who was drafted by Las Vegas Aces in 2024 is being reunited with Nakase who served as an assisant coach on Becky Hammon staff.
Martin carved out a mega role as the Aces fight multiple injuries.
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She averaged 19.3 minutes over her firs 10 matches and shot 37% from 3 point range.
Rock Entertainment Group tied to NBA Cavaliers said it would bid to bring a WNBA expansion team to Cleveland.
South Florida, Denver and Philadelphia are other cities said to be exploring expansion bids.
The Valkyries could select only one player from each team and only one total unrestricted free agent who becomes eligible to designated a vital player by the Valkyries.
WNBA teams are allowed 12 players on roster and Valkyries will continue to build out personnel in free agency in WNBA draft on April 14 when Valkyries have No 5.17 and 29 picks,
Only three of the players Golden State selected are under contract for 2025 leaving Golden State $1.2 million in cap space the league second highest total after Connecticut sun.
The Valkyries could opt only one player from each team and only one unrestricted free agent who becomes eligible to be designated a key player by Valkyries.
WNBA teams are allowed 12 players on roster and Valkyries will continue to build out their personnel in free agency as well as in WNBA draft on April 14.
Friday marked the WNBA first expansion draft since the Dream joined the league in 2008. All 12 of WNBA teams were able to protect up to six players including those who finish season on roster and all others to whom team hold rights.
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The picks were revealed in three of four
- Atlanta Dream Ilian Ruper
- Chicago Sky Maria Conde
- Connecticut Sun Veronica Burton
- Dallas Wings Carla Leite
- Indiana Fever Temi Fagbenle
- Las Vegas Aces Kate Martin
- Stephane Talbot
- New York Liberty
- Minnesota Lynx