The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest franchise, have already made their mark before a single regular-season tip-off. Late Friday, they completed the first expansion draft since 2008, plucking 11 players off established rosters. It’s a starting point that sets the stage for a free agency period that might rock the league’s landscape.
They’re not playing it safe, either. With more than $1.2 million in salary cap space, Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin seems ready to ink fresh deals, reshaping a team that currently has just three players under firm contracts. “We’re open for business,” Nyanin said, a line that sounded less like a cliché and more like an invitation for big names to sign on the dotted line.
An Expansion Draft That’s Only The Beginning
After months of whispered speculation, Friday’s expansion draft finally locked in a preliminary group of 11 players, including the tough-as-nails Kayla Thornton, sharpshooting Stephanie Talbot, and promising Kate Martin. While each has unique strengths, there’s no denying that more talent will be needed.
You don’t build a championship contender overnight.
Nyanin’s voice still carried a note of relief as she spoke with reporters. The hardest part of the draft, she said, was making a pick from the New York Liberty, a team she knew all too well. She picked Thornton anyway, calling her a “ball of energy” and envisioning her as a core piece who can jell well with future additions.
Cap Space And Coveted Free Agents On The Horizon
The Valkyries’ most powerful weapon right now is their fat checkbook.
More than $1.2 million in cap space is sitting there, waiting to be spent.
Some of the league’s biggest names are set to hit the free agent market on Jan. 21, from the versatile Nneka Ogwumike to the relentlessly driving Kelsey Plum and all-around star Alyssa Thomas. The Valkyries can pitch them on a new era in Golden State, a chance to be part of something fresh, different, maybe even surprising. The question: Will these superstars leave established contenders to join an expansion team still taking shape?
Nyanin didn’t name names, but the message was clear—no stone will be left unturned. The Valkyries plan to chat up anyone who might fit into their wide-open puzzle.
- One big reason: that rare financial flexibility gives them room to outbid competitors who’ve tied their hands with loaded rosters and long-term deals.
Balancing Youth, Veterans, And The No. 5 Draft Pick
Expansion teams often struggle to find the right formula of veterans and promising youngsters.
The Valkyries know it’s not just about free agency—they also have the No. 5 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Draft picks represent hope, unproven talent that could blossom over time. They’ll need to weigh whether to chase a star forward like Ogwumike who can anchor the locker room or roll the dice on developing a college standout who might pay dividends down the road. Roster planning isn’t easy, but Nyanin seems keen on keeping all options open.
Let’s visualize what they’re working with. The core of three contracted players is a blank canvas, and the front office has promised to paint it in bold colors.
Sometimes, big moves are about more than just big names; it’s also about roles, chemistry, and how each piece enhances the group.
| Player | Contract Status | Notable Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Kayla Thornton | Under contract (2025+) | Lockdown defender |
| Stephanie Talbot | Under contract (2025+) | Floor spacer |
| Kate Martin | Under contract (2025+) | Versatile wing |
| 8 Other Picks | Negotiations pending | Depth, TBD roles |
Flexibility, Ambition, And Shaping A New Identity
The Valkyries arrived late to the WNBA party, but they’re not sitting quietly in the corner. With expansion draft choices secured, they now look ahead to free agency, trades, and whatever else might fall into their lap.
Nyanin isn’t shy about stating her intentions: “We’re ready to talk to any and everybody.”
The idea is to form an identity that can attract top-tier players who want a fresh start. Maybe a star like Plum, who thrives under bright lights and fast offenses, could see this as a step into a new chapter. Or Ogwumike, who brings championship pedigree and veteran leadership, might relish the chance to shepherd a team from day one, molding a locker room atmosphere that fits her style.
The Valkyries’ approach sounds a bit like a card shark waiting for the right hand, refusing to show all their moves too soon. Nyanin wants flexibility, those wrinkles in the roster that let a coach try something different, surprise opponents, and rewrite the usual script.
This franchise may be a newcomer, but it’s not afraid to swing for the fences.
