The Golden State Valkyries are set to make their WNBA debut in 2025 as the league’s first expansion team since the Atlanta Dream in 2008. With a brand-new roster, coaching staff, and front office, the Valkyries are looking to establish their identity and compete in a stacked Western Conference.
Key Additions
- Justė Jocytė (Draft Pick No. 5) – The Valkyries selected Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė with their first-ever draft pick. At 6-foot-2, Jocytė is a versatile player who can defend multiple positions and shoot from beyond the arc. She averaged 12.7 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game in France’s top league.
- Shyanne Sellers (Draft Pick No. 17) – A standout guard from Maryland, Sellers became the first player in program history to record 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. She brings versatility and defensive prowess to the Valkyries.
- Kaitlyn Chen (Draft Pick No. 30) – A national champion from UConn, Chen played a key role in her team’s title run. She is known for her speed, transition scoring, and defensive tenacity.
- Expansion Draft Selections – The Valkyries selected 11 players in the WNBA Expansion Draft, including Kate Martin (Las Vegas Aces) and Kayla Thornton (New York Liberty).
- Temi Fagbenle (Free Agency) – The Valkyries signed Temi Fagbenle, a former Indiana Fever forward, to add size and rebounding.
Projected Starting Lineup
- PG: Kaitlyn Chen – A quick, defensive-minded guard with strong playmaking ability.
- SG: Justė Jocytė – A versatile scorer with international experience.
- SF: Shyanne Sellers – A two-way player who can contribute on both ends.
- PF: Kayla Thornton – A veteran forward with defensive versatility.
- C: Temi Fagbenle – A strong rebounder and interior presence.
Season Outlook
The Valkyries will tip off their inaugural season on May 16 against the Los Angeles Sparks at Chase Center. With a record-high 44 games scheduled, Golden State will have plenty of opportunities to test their young core against established teams.
The biggest storyline will be how quickly the Valkyries can develop chemistry and compete in their first season. With Jocytė, Sellers, and Chen leading the charge, the team has promising young talent. However, expansion teams historically struggle in their first year, so patience will be key.
